Tips On Getting A Boating License

Once you have your own boat , you just need to take care of a few formalities before you're ready to go cruising. This first thing you need to get is a Licence (registration).This will allow you to cruise on inland waterways and keep your boat on the waterway.

Almost all of Britain's waterways are run by three main organisations, each of which issues its own licences and registrations

• British Waterways runs almost all the canals, and rivers such as the Severn, Trent and Yorkshire Ouse.
• The Environment Agency runs the River Thames, the River Medway, and the rivers of East Anglia.
• The Broads Authority runs the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads

Similar to motor cars you will have to show evidence that you boat meets all the required safety standards and is fit for the water. You will also need to show proof of third party insurance before you can put your boat into the water.

The next problem you will have is to find somewhere to moor your boat. here are hundreds of marinas and mooring sites across Britain. Finding a mooring should be done even before you purchase your boat because until you have arranged a mooring your boat will have to stay on dry land.

Both the British Waterways and the Environment Agency have a wide range of moorings available either near locks, canals or towpaths. Another option is to consider joining a boat club. This will give you the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other members but also enjoy the convivial company and social events that are the norm within boat clubs.

In some parts of the country moorings are both in heavy demand and expensive. This is particularly true of the Southern part of the country. Normally the fees are based on the length of your boat and you really should not buy a boat until you have arranged you mooring.

One thing to remember is that you will not usually be  issued with a licence unless you have a permanent mooring. However, if you have no ties (such as jobs or children at school), you can opt to cruise the canals non-stop, never staying at the same place for more than a fortnight. British Waterways has a special set of guidelines for such boaters.

Finally you will need to take out third party insurance for at least £1 million. This is to cover you against any claims made against you in respect of injury or damage from a third person.