Momac

I imagine you also think servo assisted brakes , ABS, power steering, and automatic transmission on cars are also toys for beginners. Or maybe you think cars are toys for beginners and everyone should travel on foot or horseback. While I do agree it is wise to learn how to handle a boat without a bow thruster I think they are a useful aid . .

I have been able to make a quick visit to the boat to switch off the fridge . I have the battery charger on. We have everything spring cleaned and ready to go on our first trip of the year which should have been this weekend.?

You may be better off having a starter type battery for a bow thruster. The bigger the CCA rating the better. Is the battery near the thruster ?

That may be so. May I ask what the terms of a rod license say about obeying national and local rules? .

I missed that - responded to your first post without reading on as it was only hours old. Does that mean the problem is solved ? Remember you and thousands of others are in the same position , including me .

That's a change from your first post . People are still working - travelling legally if the work cannot be done from home.

You could pay a professional like a surveyor or a marine engineer to go and check the boat for you..... if your marina will let them in . Like I said ... you are not alone.

Its a bit early days yet to be worried about lack of maintenance. Its not like you are alone in this.

Highly relevant . Found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2030010/gas-engineer-who-poisoned-his-girlfriend-and-her-daughter-10-to-death-after-botched-job-is-back-working/ .

Is that wise ? Might the marker ink harm the hose? A label on a piece of string might be better . I note you have correctly identified the date on the hose does not reflect the number of years it has been in service.

It was in the day . The owner , who fitted and ran the generator was gas safe registered. That's what I thought . A recommendation and not a requirement of the BSS . Why not ?

Is that a requirement ?

There are large and very clear signs at the entrance to our marina that say 'No Fishing' but people do fish there right next to the sign . Lock approaches that are well signed are also popular fishing spots . Why do people think they are exempt from rules and regulations ?

It seems there is no closed season on most canals https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/fishing/angling-strategies/fishing-faqs In any case you can't fish in any canal or river for free - need permits and rod license . edit beaten to it

Is that so on the canals?

I thought fishists and boaters were incompatible.

I don't think the BSS should be abolished but it should be simplified as it seems far too open to interpretation and misunderstanding. Regarding the bubble tester - some examiners do require this as they don't have the equipment to test for leaks. This is something to check when booking the examiner. Inspection and testing of the gas system is, for me, the one benefit of the test . Your example demonstrates it might best be done by a qualified gas fitter rather than a surveyor. I don't suppose anyone makes a living from doing BSS examinations. More thing to do to supplement income. Isn't the date on the orange hose the date of manufacture? Another point for debate as I understand its the condition of the hose that is important , not the date on it ?