Support and advice for boating communities.
What you need to do if you live on a boat and have a continuous cruising licence
You will 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.
As stated by the Canal River Trust:
- All boats need a licence to use canals and rivers.Â
Types of licenses
Here are the three main types of licenses you can apply for:
Private licence
- For personal use.
Business licence
- For boats used as floating cafes.
- Shops.
- Rented homes.
Gold licence
- Â Allows use on:
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.
Different waterways have different licensing authorities
Here are the different authorities you can apply for a license with:
- Norfolk and Suffolk broads.
- Waterways across England and Wales
- River Thames and River Medway.
- Waterways in Scotland.
Organisations and Facebook groups to get advice and support from other boaters:
Canal Ministries
- Service: Christian evangelists living on waterways across the 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
