Self drive boats
If you want to use a boat or other craft on the UK’s rivers and canals, you must register, buy a licence or pay a toll to the appropriate navigation authority for that waterway. Hire boats are licensed by the hire company, but you may want to use the boat on a waterway that it is not licensed for. If this is your plan you should consult the company first.
If you already know you need to pay for a British Waterways licence or an Environmental Agency registration, you can now do this online on the waterscape website.
You must be licensed as a boatman to hire out craft. This is in the form of a Restricted or Full Boatman's Licence.
Restricted Boatman's Licence
A restricted boatman’s licence applies to people/operators on the shore or pier only. This licence does not cover people navigating pleasure craft that are hired to carry passengers. To qualify for a restricted boatman’s licence an applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a full knowledge of all statutory rules, regulations and bylaws that apply to navigation on the water(s)that the licence is for.
- Not suffer from any disease or physical disability that could affect his or her fitness to help run pleasure boats, vessels or craft for hire.
Contact the Licensing Division for an application form and further information on 01724 297591.
Full Boatman's Licence
A full boatman’s licence applies to people/operators who help run and navigate pleasure boats, craft or vessels for hire. This includes carrying passengers for hire. To qualify for a full boatman’s licence an applicant must:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Have a full knowledge of all statutory rules, regulations and bylaws that apply to navigation on the water(s)that the licence is for.
- Not suffer from any disease or physical disability that could affect his or her fitness to help run pleasure boats, vessels or craft for hire.
- Complete a declaration of their fitness. This will highlight matters such as any limb defect that restricts mobility or movement, epilepsy, fainting, cardio vascular problems or mental illness.
Licences are issued yearly. They are not transferable and cannot be backdated. The council may suspend or revoke a licence at any time if it feels that this is necessary in the interests of the public. Contact the Licensing Division for an application form and further information on 01724 297591.
Pleasure Boats
Anyone who wishes to take charge of or navigate a pleasure boat/vessel for hire out to members of the public must get licences from the council. This includes carrying passengers for hire. The council will not issue licences to anyone under 18 years old.
The application must be accompanied by a certificate of compliance with the British Waterways Standards (issued by an approved Marine Surveyor). The pleasure boat must comply with any council or statutory conditions.
Application forms are available from the Licensing Division on 01724 297591.