Hire Boat Handover Programme
The Hire Boat Handover Audit Programme is available to Hire Boat
and Day Boat operators to help promote safe enjoyment of the inland
waterways. The scheme provides a model for conducting handovers to
customers and draws together practical experience from BMF members
in the UK.
The scheme gives the opportunity for companies to be audited on
their boat handover, confirming that the systems are run in
accordance with the National Guidelines. The audit can be used to
provide evidence of meeting the British Waterways licensing
conditions for Handover of Boats operated for self drive use, as
well as providing useful tips and suggestions on improvements in
line with best practice.
Companies who are successfully audited against the guide will
receive a certificate of conformity and a stock of stickers bearing
the Hire boat Handover logo (above) that can be displayed on all of
your boats. The programme is promoted to consumers through the
navigation authorities and other avenues.
An effective boat handover procedure, properly managed and
implemented, can:
- help to raise customers satisfaction
- keep the boat and passengers safe
- reduce the number and cost of call outs during
cruising.
It can also provide much needed evidence of handover should
things go wrong. Some insurance companies will also offer
discounts to companies who have been successfully
audited.
How to get involved
Copies of the National Guide to Hire Boat Handover and the Audit
Pack are available to
download free of charge.
For Day Boat Operators, download the
Guide to Day Boat Handover and Audit Pack.
Companies are asked to complete a self-assessment against the
guide prior to an audit taking place. This is reviewed by BMF
and an audit arranged at a mutually convenient date. Audits
are required every 3 years and cost £125.00 + VAT for
Members; £195.00 + VAT for Non Members.
Fees for Combined Hireboat and Day Boat Audits, if done on the
same day, are £175.00 + VAT for Members; £325.00 + VAT for
Non-Members.
"Since completing the audit, we have used the symbol as
a marketing tool in our brochure and on our website. We feel
that it has eliminated any concerns the hirers might have had
before booking, and therefore has assisted us in attaining
bookings."
Colin Hill, Maestermyn
Marine
"Like many other companies we kept putting off the
Hire Boat Handover Audit. When we signed up and
couldn't believe how quick and simple it was. All we had to do was
demonstrate how we met the audit criteria -what we have already
been doing for years! It was so easy we can't believe we
didn't do it sooner."
Paul Clark, Kris
Cruisers