EA registration/BSS

[prof pat pending]

Has anyone else received their renewal claiming their boat has no valid BSS?

I received mine last night, it stated the BSS ran out in July, which it did, but a new one was submitted to the system the same week.

 

[boatone]

Although the EA can access the BSS records database I don't think they are "joined up".
You will need to notify the new BSS reference to the EA so they can verify it and add it to their records.

 

[Chris_d]

It must be slow or as B1 says not joined up, I had the same just crossed out the old BSS cert number and date and wrote the new one in on the renewal form.

 

[prof pat pending]

Ah OK, I assumed (obviously wrongly) that they would have been notified as they are part owners of BSS

 

[Chris_d]

I assume once you supply the new certificate reference they then look it up and verify it.

 

[AuntyRinum]

I recently paid for an inspection and a new certificate. The inspector enters the details online and told me that the EA automatically has them and, to renew the licence, you only need to phone them and give them credit card details.

 

[Actionmat]

This is the first time I can remember them asking me for my insurance details

 

[rosssavage]

Insurance details have been required for the last two years I think.

Had my BSS done earlier this year - didn't get a certificate as they don't issue them anymore! All electronic apparently, which concerns me a bit as the examiner didn't give me anything as proof, only an assertion that's he's updated the database...

 

[Momac]

Same thing happened to me , but with the C&RT river license.

Fortunately I had the paperwork to hand. An email to the BSS surveyor had it sorted out promptly.

It is all computerised but electronics and the waterways don't mix well.

Since it is now all electronic I am thinking it would be wise to obtain a receipt from the BSS examiner sufficient to prove the test date and confirming a pass result.

 

[Dave_Seager]

My BSS examiner emailed me a copy of the report. It is no longer a formal certificate with holograms on it but it does contain the official number.

 

[boatone]

Chapter and verse:
http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/boat-examination/arranging-the-examination/new-style-certificate/

 

[BSSOffice]

It should be noted that I haven't been to this forum for a few days and Tony from the TMBA called me to draw attention to these questions - big thanks, B1, appreciated your call.

Had my BSS done earlier this year - didn't get a certificate as they don't issue them anymore! All electronic apparently, which concerns me a bit as the examiner didn't give me anything as proof, only an assertion that's he's updated the database...

Let's knock this one on the head to start with.... Boat owners must be given either an electronic copy of the BSS certification report, a paper copy or both if the boat owner so desires. If anyone is having a BSS examination done, please keep this point in mind and perhaps make your choice clear at the time of arranging the examination. If you are refused to be given a copy, please get in touch with me and the situation will be sorted out.

On the other issues, I'd like to explain the picture.

While CRT has a direct electronic feed from the BSS database, other navigation authorities do not - but the offer is there for them. However the CRT online direct system is in beta testing at the moment. (NB I also understand that Toll payers on the Broads can log into the BA website and see all their boat's details including the BSS certification info - so if it is wrong it can be raised)

Currently as far as I know, all the navigation authorities are using 'eyes and hands' to transfer information from the BSS database to their own registration systems.

All bar two tiny navigation authorities have direct access to the BSS database, key members of staff can login and search for the relevant data.

I have produce routine reports for most of the larger navigation authorities i.e. the sort that will in one click produce a spread sheet for export or screen presentation of the last XX days/weeks of certifications/examinations related to their particular authority.

CRT and the Broads Authority were early adopters of this proactive approach, the EA took a while to start using it.

This means that some EA based certifications, particularly those from April 13 to around mid-2014 were only updated when prompted either by the owner sending in new information, or the EA requesting it for registration.

But now I believe the team of boat registration specialist are updating pro-actively.

However, what these reports mentioned above will not capture for those local registration staff, is where a boat that is examined on one waterway then moves to another. Typical examples may be boats moving to the Thames from CRT, the Wey or Basingstoke navigations - or from boat yards or the tideway.

Again it will be either boat reg staff looking up individual boats or owners sending in information.

All the boat reg team at Rotherham have, so far as I know, access to the BSS database on their screens, about a dozen people. However they work in a group of around 80 call handlers who have a generalist role - so when boat owners call, they may not speak to specialist boat reg member.

I believe a direct real-time link up between the BSS and EA systems will happen, but that project will be taking its place in the list of priorities for the Agency's relevant teams.

Meanwhile I can vouch for the friendliness and helpfulness of all the Boat Reg team at Rotherham, so if there is an issue with your BSS certificate record, given that it may take a 'manual check' of the BSS data, it is likely to be sorted out very quickly.

Where there is an issue with a boat name or number not tying correctly, they soon get hold of me or our administrator to iron out any issue.

I hope this helps fill in the picture

Rob

 

[prof pat pending]

I'm afraid it sounds like you have a glitch in the system. I have no paper or electronic copy of my BSS either I'm afraid