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Quality Accredited Boatyard Scheme

Quality Schemes for hire boat operators

British Marine has teamed up with Visit England to deliver a range of quality accreditation schemes that set standards defining good practice for those in the tourism business.

Each scheme (Quality Accredited Boatyard Scheme and the Boat Grading Scheme) acts as a business development tool, by providing clear objectives required in operating quality hire boat operations and the promotional benefits of an official quality logo.

British Marine operate the schemes under licence from VisitEngland.

A team of industry assessors recruited by British Marine and trained by VisitEngland and British Marine undertake the QAB and Boat Grading assessments.


The Quality Accredited Boatyard Scheme (QAB)

Gaining accreditation through the QAB Scheme indicates that hire boat operators are committed to quality, providing recognition for their hire boat operations, and giving potential customers a label they can trust.  The schemes provide clear expectations to customers when they are booking their hire boat experience. The clear criteria operators are assessed against provides a method of benchmarking, and can assist operators develop their businesses.

The Quality Accredited Boatyard Scheme is not a star rating scheme, but is an accreditation.  

The QAB assessments are carried out every three years with random inspection during the 3 year cycle. 

QAB assessment criteria includes:

  • Health and safety.
  • Legal requirements.
  • The Hire Boat Handover scheme.
  • Assessment of an operator's website and brochure.
  • Arrival and departure procedures.
  • Customer service procedures – onshore and when customers are away from the boatyard.
  • Boatyard facilities; car parking, reception, toilets, etc.

The scheme overview can be downloaded here

All British Marine members offering hire boats are required to be accredited under the QAB scheme


Boat Grading/star rating

The Boat Grading Scheme, is optional, and involves assessment of individual boats against defined criteria with star ratings of one to five.  A boatyard/operator will only be able to have boats star rated if a valid QAB rating is held.  However, a boatyard/operator with a QAB rating may choose not to have boats star rated, or just some of the fleet. Boats will need to be graded annually to remain within the scheme.

The star rating for boats have minimal criteria requirements and are based largely on the quality and condition of the individual boat and also the comfort and ease of use for the maximum number of occupants.

QAB - How to get involved

Download the booking formterms of business and Boatyard QAB Self Analysis and Assessor Report Form

Complete and return the booking form and Boatyard QAB Self Analysis and Assessor Report Form and submit to [email protected] along with the relevant supporting documentation.

We only accept digital documentation and so certain marketing may have to be scanned for submission. 

The information that is returned to British Marine is reviewed and once payment is received either through BACS or CC, the paperwork is forwarded to an external assessor who will arrange to conduct an audit on a mutually convenient date, this part of the process may take a few weeks as we arrange a number of examinations in the same geographical area. 

Once the examination has taken place, the assessment will be returned to British Marine where the review will take place. 

If you have passed the assessment you will receive your Certificate, Logo's and a copy of the report form by email. 

If you have not passed the assessment you will receive a list of the items that need review or change and a brief call to discuss the next stage of  the process. 

For any questions please contact [email protected]