There are some legal requirements for those who provide certain adventure activities. By law, they must have their safety management systems inspected. Some have to be licensed. This is part of the Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995.
This licensing scheme only applies to those who offer activities to young people under the age of 18 years. It applies when the activities are provided in a commercial manner.
You need a licence for activities carried out in remote places. For example, climbing on natural terrain requires a licence, climbing on a purpose built climbing wall does not.
The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) inspects activity providers and centres. It does this on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).
The AALA will issue a licence when it is satisfied that the provider complies with national standards of good practice.
Adventure activities include:
- Climbing
- Water sports
- Trekking
- Caving.
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