This is a very commonly asked question, but there is no simple answer.

There are various Codes of Practice, Safety standards and Statutory Instructions as well as industry recommendations all of which need to be taken into consideration. The Key to understanding, which applies, revolves around the use the vessel is put and where it is being used.

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The main rules for gas installations come from the Statutory Instruction No. 2451, Gas Safety (Installation and Use) regulations 1998 (GSIUR ). This applies to all gas installations and work carried out in relation to gas fittings. It requires that anyone who works with gas are properly trained & qualified and registered with the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI). However there is an exclusion that applies to

“a vessel not requiring a national or international load line certificate except when such vessel is –

• Hired out in the course of a business
• Made available to members of the public in the course of a business carried out from that vessel, or
• Used primarily for domestic or residential purposes".

GSIUR sect 2.5c.

In general the main Code of practice used is the British Standard 5482, Code of Practice for domestic Butane and Propane gas burning installations Part 3: Installations in Boats, Yachts and other vessels (BS5482:3). This standard was issued in May 1999 replacing the older 1978 standard and was promptly made obsolete by the International Standard EN ISO 10239, Small craft – Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems, in August 2000 (ISO 10239). However the British Standard Institute has kept BS5482:3 “current as a maintenance standard for craft originally constructed to BS5482:3 and for use in new builds where this is desired”. (ISO 10239 National Forward) .The BSI have also kept parts of BS5482:3 in the National Annex of ISO 10239. Both standards cover vessels of up to 24m in length using LPG stowed on board.

Boats that are kept on the British Waterways system need to have a valid Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate. This is gained following an inspection of the boat including the gas system. The requirements of the BSS for the gas system are in line with the British Standard BS5482:3.

Boats that are used for commercial purposes, including hire/charter, may also require Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) coding and will find that the gas installation is broadly in line with BS5483:3. The MCA Code is currently under review and will be base around the ISO 10239 framework.

So back to the question, which regulations apply?

It depends on the usage your boat is put to.

If your boat is used by you, for your own private and personal pleasure then your gas installation should be in line with BS5482:3 for vessels with older gas systems or ISO 10239 for new installations. There is no legal requirement for you to use a properly trained & qualified and CORGI person, however your gas installation it must done in accordance with these codes. A CORGI registered person should be used to gain a gas safety certificate to show your insurance company that your gas installation meets these requirements. As a note of interest, on your insurance proposal form you will be asked about your gas installation. If your installation does not meet these standards then at best sections of your policy may be suspended, at worst you will be uninsured.

If your boat is used for commercial purposes including hire/charter, in my interpretation , the gas installation should be in line with BS5482:3 for older installations and ISO10239 for new installations, in addition any work on the gas system MUST be carried out by a CORGI registered person on vessels not requiring a national or international load line certificate . The CORGI registered person will issue a gas safety certificate that can be used as part of an MCA coding certificate. The GSIUR also require an annual inspection and gas safety certificate to be issued.

If your boat is used for private and personal pleasure on the British Waterways system that your gas installation will need to pass the Biannual Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) inspection which is broadly in line with BS5482:3. If it is used for commercial purposes, including hire/charter, in my interpretation, then a CORGI registered person MUST also inspect your gas installation on an annual basis in addition to the BSS inspection.

If you live on your boat and it is used primarily for domestic or residential purposes then your gas installation should be in line with BS5482:3 for older installations and ISO10239 for new installations, as with other homes, you have an obligation under the GSIUR to use a CORGI registered person to carry out any gas fitting work. If you rent a house boat than your “land lord” MUST have the gas system inspected on a annual basis.

For information on the requirement of BS5482:3 ISO 10239 and the BSS please click here.

Summary table

Vessel usage	BS5482:3 For older installation	ISO10239 For newer installation	BSS	CORGI
Private use, not on water ways
Private use on water ways
Commercial use not on waterways
Commercial use on water ways
Hired/Charter out, not on water ways
Hired/Charter out, used on water ways
Live aboard, not on water ways
Live aboard, on water ways

LPG (Bottled Gas) for marine use 2003 – 2004. Calor Gas Ltd. http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/marine_gas/gas_advice_introduction.htm

 Technical Advice section.  http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/installation/marine_gas_installation.htm

 Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 - ISBN 0 11 079655 1

 Code of Practice for domestic butane and propane gas-burning installations - Part 3: Installations in boats, yachts and other vessels. BS 5482 –3 1999 – ISBN – 0-580-28297X

 International Standard – Small craft – LPG systems ISO 10239:2000

 Code of practice for the construction, machinery, equipment, stability, operation and examination of sailing vessel, of up to 24 metres load line length, in commercial use and which do not carry cargo or more than 12 passengers 1993 - ISBN 0 11 551184 9

 Boat Safety Scheme, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford, Herts, WD17 4QA.
Tel: 01923 201278 - Fax: 01923 201420 - www.boatsafetyscheme.com

The Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) , 1 Elmwood, Chineham Business
Park, Crockford Lane, BASINGSTOKE Hants, RG24 8WG
Tel: 01256 372200 Fax: 01256 708144 www.corgi-gas.com

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