British Marine operates the Schemes under license from VisitEngland.
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.
Download the QAB Scheme Standard
All British Marine members offering hire boats are required to be accredited under the QAB scheme.
QAB - How to get involved
Download the Booking form, Terms 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 QAB@britishmarine.co.uk 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 QAB@britishmarine.co.uk
Boat Grading/Star Rating
The Boat Grading Scheme, is Annual and 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.
The initial inspection is carried out alongside the QAB inspection.
Download the Scheme Standard
Assessors
A team of industry assessors recruited and trained by British Marine undertake the QAB and Boat Grading assessments.
Costs
Quality Accredited Boatyard & Boat Grading Scheme: Fees 2022
|
|
Member |
Non-Member |
|
Initial QAB |
£320 + VAT |
£410 + VAT |
|
Subsequent QAB |
£210 + VAT |
£270 + VAT |
|
Initial QAB + Grading <10 boats >10 boats >50 boats |
£420 + VAT £520 + VAT By arrangement |
£495 + VAT £620 + VAT
|
|
Subsequent QAB + Grading <10 boats >10 boats >50 boats |
£310 + VAT £375 + VAT By arrangement |
£395 + VAT £520 + VAT
|
|
Annual Grading <10 boats >10 boats >50 boats |
£210 + VAT £260 + VAT By arrangement |
£270 + VAT £345 + VAT |