Our team
Boat Safety Scheme Limited, or BSS, is a public safety initiative run as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. Our role in supporting navigation and harbour authorities, is to help reduce the risk of boat fires, explosions, carbon monoxide or pollution from boats harming visitors to the inland waterways, the waterways' workforce, other waterways users and property on or alongside the waterways.
This has to be achieved in a way that balances the responsibilities of the navigation authorities and the responsibilities of individual boat owners.
The BSS comprises a team of 10 operating across the UK supporting 16 navigation & harbour authorities. BSS colleagues are Canal & River Trust employees permanently seconded full time to BSS Limited.
At the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS), our work is guided by one clear purpose: protecting people, property, and the environment. Through trusted checks, clear guidance and shared responsibility, we help create safer boating communities across inland waterways.
If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference and contributing to safer experiences on or by the waterways, the BSS could be the perfect place for you.
Why work with us?
Our core values shape everything we do:
- Trust & Transparency: Committed to maintaining the trust of navigation and harbour authorities, boaters, and stakeholders through integrity and open communication
- Excellence in Safety: Continuously improving to enhance safety on the water
- Innovation: Proactively identifying emerging safety risks, apply lessons from past incidents, and adapt to new challenges
- Collaboration & Engagement: Including stakeholders in cohesive discussions when proposing changes and making key decisions
- Efficiency & Value: Ensuring we are cost-effective while prioritising safety and service improvements
- Accessibility & Inclusion: Striving to make the BSS accessible to all navigation and harbour authorities, supporting a unified approach to boat safety.
If you’re looking for a role where your work truly matters, where you help protect people and the environment while contributing to a supportive, dedicated team, the Boat Safety Scheme is a place where you can thrive.
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