Smoke Alarm Consultation - BS SSF

The Boat Safety Standards Setting Forum (BS SSF) has asked the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) to host a consultation to on proposals to introduce new safety standards for mandatory smoke alarms on boats with accommodation space(s).

The inland waterways Boat Safety Standards Setting Forum comprises of three navigation authorities – the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, the Broads Authority and Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA) representative member. The Forum is the route to how the Authorities discharge their statutory boat safety functions through the Boat Safety Scheme Limited (BSS) as set out in the navigation authorities' joint Memorandum of Understanding.

The Forum’s role is to review and agree, amend or decline recommendations from the BSS related to the Boat Safety Standards which then in turn link to how the BSS Requirements, Checks, Examinations and policies are applied to boats on your waterways.

The consultation closes at 1700 on Thursday 26 March 2026

BSS Smoke Alarm Advice

Choosing, fitting & using

Introducing the proposals

Having considered evidence and recommendations from the BSS, the navigation authorities’ Standards Setting Forum is proposing a public consultation to introduce a new mandatory Boat Safety Standard with related BSS Requirements for suitable smoke alarms in good condition and in suitable locations on all classes of boat with accommodation spaces.

The proposals

Consultation Document – Proposed introduction of a new Boat Safety Standard (and supporting Boat Safety Scheme Checks) for smoke alarms on boats. December 2025

Questions & Response Form

Complete our online form to submit your views on the proposed changes.

The Boat Safety Standards

The navigation authorities' Boat Safety Standards (minimum reasonable safety standards) are represented by the BSS Safety Standards are there to help support the navigation or harbour authorities’ duties of care associated with specific hazards that can be exported beyond the confines of a boat to affect other people or property nearby that boat.