Support and advice for boating communities.
If you live on a boat and have a continuous cruising licence, you need to follow these two rules:
- Navigation requirement: You must be on a continuous journey around the network. Short trips in the same area do not count.
- 14-day rule: You cannot stay in the same place for more than 14 days. A "place" means a neighbourhood. In rural areas, this could be a village or hamlet. In urban areas, this could be a suburb or district.
- For legal advice, contact the Kennet and Avon Boating Community. They can help you understand your rights, including how to defend yourself in court if your boat is removed.
- As stated by the Canal River Trust, all boats need a licence to use canals and rivers. Decide if you need a private or business licence:
- Private licence: For personal use.
- Business licence: For boats used as floating cafes, shops, or rented homes.
- Gold licence: Allows use on both the Canal & River Trust network and Environment Agency waterways.
Different waterways have different licensing authorities:
- The Broads Authority: Norfolk and Suffolk broads.
- Canal and River Trust: Waterways across England and Wales
- The Environment Agency (EA): River Thames and River Medway.
- Scottish Canals: Waterways in Scotland.
Canal Ministries
- Service: Christian evangelists living on waterways across the UK
- Website: https://www.canalministries.org.uk/
Canal River Trust
- Service: Looking after over 2000 miles of canals across England and Wales, with information and advice on their website.
- Website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/
Kennet and Avon Canal Boaters Society
- Service: Offers advice to boaters on the Kennet and Avon
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/178384468913736/
Liveaboard Boaters' Health and Wellbeing
- Service: Provides health and wellbeing advice
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Liveaboard-Boaters-Health-Wellbeing/100069227206405/
London Boaters
- Service: Fights for the rights of London's boat dwellers
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LondonBoaters
National Association of Boat Owners
- Service: Represents all private boat owners in the UK
- Website: https://nabo.org.uk/
National Bargee Travellers Association
- Service: Represents itinerant boaters
- Website: https://www.bargee-traveller.org.uk/
Residential Boat Owners' Association
- Service: Advice and information for residential boat owners
- Website: https://rboa.org.uk/
Urban Moorings CIC
- Service: Helps create moorings and regenerate canalside in Wolverhampton
- Website: https://www.urbanmoorings.co.uk/
If you are having difficulties, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open:
- Monday to Friday
- From 10.00am to 4.30pm
- Closed on Bank Holidays