Quality Accredited Boatyard Scheme
Quality Schemes for Hire and Passenger 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