An experienced Gas Safe Operative required to undertake a GAS AUDIT project on hire / charter boats in the South of France
” Opportunity for Gas Safe Operative “
Initially undertaking a hire fleet Gas Audit at some five locations in the South of France, then inspecting further hire fleets on a location by location basis throughout France.
Pre-requisite to have experience of hire fleet LPG systems and installations
This is a short term project expected to take up to 1 – 2 months, but not necessarily on a continuous basis
Please send by email details of qualifications & experience to:
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections
www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: (44) 01603 327 123
As meteorologists warn an ‘El Nino’ event is likely to cause widespread snow events and ice storms from early December onwards, European Marine Services is calling for boat owners to prepare for winter weather.
‘El Nino’ occurs when the sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean is warmer than average, prompting floods in tropical areas and colder winters in the UK.
Heavy rain, flooding, winds, ice and snow can all cause problems for vessels: they could be swept away, blown off course, take on water, sink or suffer a hull breach. And with nearly one in three of call-outs is due to a lack of general maintenance, we fear ‘neglected’ boats will be put at risk.
Some simple precautions, however, can reduce the likelihood of winter damage. When a weather event does strike, it’s time to get into a routine of visiting the boat regularly and undertake the following;
“If your vessel’s caught in a situation, don’t attempt to recover it without assistance. Severe weather conditions increase the risk to boat owners and simple tasks can easily result in accidents and injury.”
Acknowledgement to Marine Industry News – [email protected].
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections
Tel: 01603 327 123
www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Sabre 27 yacht sitting on twin bilge keels ready for inspection, we had to navigate around the tidal pools of water
EMS undertake Insurance and Pre Purchase Surveys Any Where at Any Time and as per our motto we have recently undertaken a Survey for Insurance Purposes on a small sloop rigged yacht in Wells Harbour, North Norfolk
Very pleasant view of Wells harbour and the 1904 granary
However, to reach the yacht which was beached on a sand bar across from the harbour wall, entailed wading across the river – fortunately on a bright and warm Autumn day and at low tide, and walking across sand / dunes to reach the vessel – being berthed on its own twin bilge keels at low tide.
On this Sabre 27 Sloop Rigged Yacht the following items required attention:
As surveyors (not sail-makers or riggers) we are unable to provide a written report or qualified opinion of standing / running rigging, sails, mast and spars, associated equipment, winches and fittings etc. We do however provide an opinion of all rigging / equipment seen at deck level
The gas installation was found to not conform to current regulations, consequently such as the stove recommended removal the unit being considered unsafe
A catalytic heater was fitted and these heaters are also not recommended
Wells Harbour – History
There has been a port at Wells for over 600 years. The harbour is protected by salt marshes behind a sand bar. Because it is a natural safe haven from the unpredictable North Sea weather the Port of Wells was one of England’s major harbours in Tudor times and a thriving, centre for shipping and maritime industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its greatest period of prosperity was probably from 1830 to 1860. The stone quay side was constructed in 1845 following an Act of Parliament the previous year. The coming of the railway in 1857 marked the beginning of decline though there was a resurgence from 1960 to 1989 when coasters bringing fertilizer and animal feed came in some numbers. The Granary with its distinctive gantry was built around 1904;[3] it has now been turned into apartments. The gantry allowed grain to be transferred between the building and ships without disrupting road traffic. The railway closed in 1964 and in 1976, the Wells Harbour Railway was constructed to link the town with the beach
Wells salt marshes
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections & Engine Inspections
www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Tel: 01603 327 123
Over that past few years the Boat Safety Scheme Office in conjunction with the Hire Trade, BSS Examiners, Navigation Authorities and Hirer Representatives have been reviewing the existing Examination Checking Procedures (ECP’s) relating to UK Hire Boats. This year saw the implementation of the New 2017 (ECP’s) which took effect on the 1st April.
A revised set of requirements and modernised checking procedures are now applied to hire craft. Hire craft in this case are any powered boats such as weekly and day hire vessels:
The term ‘hire boat’ does not include:
From 1 April 2017:
1A) The BSS Examination Checking Procedures for Privately Owned and Managed Vessels will apply to all hire boats.
All relevant private boat BSS checks are mandatory compliance for hire boats, whereas for privately-owned and managed boats the set of checks is a mix of requirements and advice checks.
For the avoidance of doubt, these are the checks for Hire Boats that are required compliance and that also appear in the private boat examination procedures as advice checks.
Check Item Reference | Check Question |
X3.7.1R | Is the electrical system insulated from the hull? |
X3.8.1R | Are all A.C. shore-power and battery charging lead inlet connections of the correct type in good condition, and suitably protected from the weather? |
X3.8.2R | Are all shore-power, battery charging, and other A.C. power source lead connections of a suitable type? |
X3.8.3R | Are all shore-power, battery charging, and other A.C. power source leads and connectors in good condition? |
X3.9.1R | Is it impossible to connect simultaneously more than one power source to the alternating current distribution system? |
X3.9.2R | Do all A.C. electrical circuits pass through a consumer unit? |
X6.3.1R | Is the vessel provided with adequate means of escape? |
X8.10.1R | Are all appliances requiring a flue, or exhaust fitted with one? |
X8.10.1R | Are all appliances requiring a flue, or exhaust fitted with one? |
X8.10.2R | Are all appliance flues and exhausts complete and in good condition? |
X8.10.3R | Do all appliance flues and exhausts terminate directly to outside air? |
X8.10.4R | Are all open flues to LPG appliances operating effectively? |
X8.10.5R | Are all solid fuel appliances free of unintended gaps? |
X8.9.1R | Is the vessel provided with adequate fixed ventilation? |
X8.9.2R | Are warning notices displayed on sea-going boats with closable ventilators? |
To view and download the public edition the BSS Examination Checking Procedures for Privately Owned and Managed Vessels BSS (version 3.0 April 2015) click here.
1 B) New and revised BSS checks also apply to hire boats in addition to the private boat ones mentioned above. These additional BSS Requirements for hire boats are made up of seven new checks and nine original requirements from Part 10 of the 2002 BSS Standards.
To view and download the list of additional BSS Requirements for hire boats click here.
Technical support for any hire boat operator seeking information to help move their fleet to full compliance is available by using the ‘contact-us‘ page on this site where questions, photos, diagrams and supporting documents can be uploaded to the BSS website or call 0333 202 1000.
The original September 2015 consultation paper (now closed) and details of the revisions – click here
A short summary of the changes proposed arising out of the consultation (Sept 2015) can be read here. (Feb 2016)
A summary of the impact for hire operators as a result of the adoption of the private boat checks for hire boats, click here as published for the 2015 consultation
A hard copy of the 2015 consultation document is available upon request.
All comments and the BSS responses in detail can be viewed here (Feb 2016).
The news release (Feb 16) announcing decision to implement the revised BSS hire boat requirements from April 2017 can be viewed here
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake BSS Inspections & Engine Oil Analysis Reports
Tel: 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
European Marine Services Ltd inc. European Marine Surveys carry out insurance Damage Assessments and Loss Adjusting etc for most of the major Marine Insurance Companies – plus Marine Surveys for Insurance Purposes
Norman 18 – Accidental Sinking
REMEMBER to check and service those fittings below the floors which are not obvious being ………….
‘Out of Sight – Out of Mind’
This was a very unfortunate accident and was consequent of a ‘loose’ skin fitting’ in the bottom of the boat – feeding cooling water to the engine
In summary the raw water seacock involved fed the engine cooling and was therefore subject to some vibration. It would appear that over time the vibration resulted in the securing nuts etc working loose thus allowing limited ingress of water
Regretfully there was no 12v Auto bilge pump – Which is an Insurance Requirement
The Norman 18 was left overnight moored in some reeds due to engine failure and upon the return of the owner the next day he found the above – see photo
This boat was the owner’s treasured possession and though the vessel was old, the owner nevertheless got a lot of pleasure just river cruising and watching the world pass by………..
History – Norman Cruisers of Shaw, Lancashire were a prolific designer of inland cruisers, building a total of 7000 craft. The company founded in the late 1950s went into GRP production in the mid 1960s, starting with the Norman 17.
The business ceased trading in December 1979 (The Winter of Discontent) and started again in 1980. New models were introduced 24, 27 and 22 wide beam but the moulding shop was destroyed in a fire in 1982. This destroyed most of the moulds and the business never recovered. Some moulds were re-built and when the business finally ceased, these were sold and marketed under other names. Also some designs were copied and made into hybrids.
In the 1970s around 65% of boats were exported. Principle markets (in order of Volume) were Holland, Germany, Norway, France, Sweden. Boats in Holland were imported by Internaut of Rotterdam and were sold under the name of “Inter”. Hence the 20 was the Inter620.
Norman Cruisers were in the top 3 largest pleasureboat builders in the UK. Westerley Yachts being the biggest.
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake BSS Inspections & Engine Oil Analysis Reports
Tel: 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
We at European Marine Services are constantly promoting & recommending in our Pre Purchase Surveys the installation / fitting of Carbon Monoxide Detectors on all boats with internal propulsion engines
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Breathing it in can make you unwell, and it can kill if you’re exposed to high levels.
Every year in the UK, more than 200 people go to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, which leads to around 50 deaths.
After carbon monoxide is breathed in, it enters your bloodstream and mixes with haemoglobin (the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen around your body), to form carboxyhaemoglobin.
When this happens, the blood is no longer able to carry oxygen, and this lack of oxygen causes the body’s cells and tissue to fail and die.
The longer you inhale the gas, the worse your symptoms will be. You may lose balance, vision and memory and, eventually, you may lose consciousness. This can happen within two hours if there’s a lot of carbon monoxide in the air.
2016 has been a bad year for CO accidents with the two deaths on Wroxham Broad earlier in the summer. Which if a carbon monoxide detector had been installed – this fatal accident may well have been prevented.
NB: This accident was NOT the result of an installed LPG system, but consequent of engine exhaust fumes
Only this month we had another example of exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) being released by the engine / exhaust hose installation within the living / accommodation space, which release was detected thankfully by a newly installed detector – Nobody was harmed
It is important to note that CO detectors are NOT currently part of the Boat Safety Scheme – Install CO alarm certified to BS EN 50291-2
CO build-up in the cabin can occur with one or a mix of these factors:
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
EMS also undertake Boat Safety Inspections
Tel : 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
EUROPEAN MARINE SERVICES Ltd Big Welcome to William Kirby
European Marine Services Ltd / European Marine Surveys – Are delighted to welcome William Kirby as a new Marine Surveying Associate.
William will be undertaking Pre Purchase Surveys on vessels of less than 50’ and focusing principally on GRP.
Moving from Bedfordshire at the age of 16, William followed his passion for boats & joined his parents in their new family venture of Freshwater Cruisers based in Brundall. Norfolk
Broadening his horizons, in 1999, William trained at Berkshire College to become a Boat Safety Scheme Examiner. He is also qualified as a Gas Safe Engineer carrying out LPG soundness testing, servicing & installations.
The small hire fleet soon developed into a larger scale business incorporating Marine Engineering, Boat Maintenance & General Repairs. This built up a good customer base & reputation for quality workmanship across the Norfolk Broads.
In 2014, some 21 years later it was time for his parents to retire, thus launching the beginning of William setting up on his own as Freshwater Marine focusing on Boat Safety Scheme Inspections & utilising his long established name within the Marine Industry to go forward.
In his spare time he volunteers with The Raptor Trust, rescuing & rehabilitating wild injured birds of prey as well as having his own Hawks which he flies during the winter months. He also enjoys attending motorsport events throughout the summer.
Qualifications:
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd. Marine Surveyors & Consultants
Tel : 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
Delta RIB 5.5m
Acting as Marine Insurance Loss Adjusters, European Marine Services was recently instructed to inspect and report as follows:
The accident happened at speed and resulted in extensive damage to the GRP hull plus rupturing the inflatable tube (sponson) with the RIB being close to sinking. Fortunately no one was hurt
View of extensive damage to GRP hull
What is important is not the results of our investigation / inspection or how the accident happened which remains confidential, but that the insurance company required the following documentation as part of its claim consideration from the insured parties
The above clauses (extracts) being part of the Insured Marine Policy Terms & Conditions ie. the small print
This being important to boat owners whom have the misfortunate to make a claim in the event of an accident
Therefore make sure that as an owner / operator / user of small high speed craft that you are fully aware of the Insurance T&Cs,
If not you may possibly find that you have no cover
Acting in the capacity of an Expert Witness (CPR 35 compliant) we recently inspected a Sealine S38 for inherent structural hull defects
The background to this being as follows:
Sealine’s are generally considered to be lightly built and several models suffer from stress cracking / flexing of the hull.
The Sealine S38 suffered from an exceptionally weak hull GRP layup making it prone to vertical and longitudinal stress cracking – this being due to a miscalculation of the original layup specification by their design department *
The principal area of fault lying between the bow thruster tube and the forward engine bulkhead
Back in 2005 / 2006 Sealine agreed that additional strengthening work was required on the hull of the Sealine S38. This however was carried out on a boat-by-boat basis, and as we understand it no general recall notice was issued and Sealine only took action when customers complained.
Consequently there are many Sealine S38’s still in the market place which have not been strengthened
As Sealine are no longer in business in their original form – warranty / claims are no longer valid.
An estimate as to the cost of rectification can be anything between £15,000 – £25,000 depending upon who carries out the work
* Acknowledgement: Paul Homer, Homer Marine Ltd
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel : 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com
European Marine Services recently carried out a pre purchase survey of a very nice and well maintained Aquafibre 28
The significant difference about this boat is that despite being some 25+ years old and permanently moored on inland waterways there was no evidence of any hull deterioration or osmosis.
The lack of osmosis being primarily due to the early application of a professionally applied copper coating – no antifouling applied over.
View of Aquafibre 28 Copper coating
Most of the well known range of Aquafibre GRP hull & superstructure mouldings (25′ – 55′) were built / fitted out by other boatyards around the UK, as Aquafibre were primarily a GRP boat moulding company based at Rackheath nr Norwich Norfolk and not boatbuilders. Broom Boats being a major builder of boats moulded by Aquafibre. Aquafibre ceased manufacturing in 2009
Back to this Aquafibre 28 …..
This design has the individual twin sliding large sunroofs over the forward driving position and saloon, making for a very nice relaxation area for socialising and watching the world pass by.
Decent sliding sunroof Corroded extended skeg assembly / rudder
The significant problem was that there was no access in this particular boat to the bilge spaces and hull sides for internal examination, being due to screwed floors, furniture / panelling / soft side linings etc and the distinct absence (again) of access hatches and removable panels.
Relatively minor problems included the non operation of the auto bilge pump float switch and a corroded mild steel extended skeg assembly and rudder blade – no zinc anodes being fitted
For more information contact European Marine Services Ltd – Marine Surveyors & Consultants Tel : 01603 327 123 www.europeanmarinesurveys.com