I’ve come across a number of people recently who have been a little confused about the concept of boat licences in the UK, and who have found a good deal of contradictory information and advice online. So I thought it would be helpful today to clear up the confusion and explain what the rules and requirements are as far as boat licences in the UK are concerned.
First of all, yes, there is such as thing as a boat licence. In fact there are several different types of boat licence, including the International Boat Licence, National Rivers Authority Licence and a Waterways Licence. Whether you actually need a licence will depend on how old you are, and where you will be taking your boat.
If you intend on taking your boat abroad then it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible for an International Boat Licence. This is also referred to as the ICC, or International Certificate of Competence, and the idea is for you to be able to prove that you have undergone formalised training, and that your boating skills are up to the standard required for the type of boat you have.
Exactly which type of boating courses you will need to undergo will depend on the type of boat you’re looking to use, such as small sailing boats, dinghies, kayaks, speed boats or large yachts.
Ironically you will almost never be required to show this certificate in the UK, but if you are heading abroad then you will need to be able to show it. The ICC or International Boat Licence is accepted throughout Europe and throughout all member states of the United Nations. The only exception is Belgium.
Within the UK there are over 2,200 of miles of beautiful canals, and you may be looking to take your boat through them. In this case you will need to obtain a waterways Licence from British Waterways. This is a fairly easy process, although you will need to pay a charge. Exactly how much will depend upon the length of your canal boat. Once you have the licence you’ll receive a sticker which you have to put in the window of your boat, a little like displaying a tax disc in your car.
Because rivers are privately owned you will need to apply to the National Rivers Authority if you intend to take your boat out on these. This is simply a registration licence, which will need to be displayed in your boat at all times.
If you only intend to take your boat on one or two rivers, such as the non-tidal portions of the River Thames, or the River Stour, then you need only pay for a registration licence for this particular area. However, you can opt instead for a gold registration licence which will allow you to take your boat out on any of the rivers managed by the National Rivers Authority. You can get more information on this from their website here: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/129910.aspx.
There is however another side to this, and that includes insurance. Quite apart from the fact that you will want to insure your boat, wherever you wish to launch it you will need to make use of a slipway. This slipway will usually be privately owned, and whoever does own it will almost certainly require you to have some form of insurance. Getting that insurance will be a good deal cheaper if you have the appropriate licence or certification.
Finally, don’t forget about the licensing and insurance requirements for taking your boat on the road. Whilst there is no MOT or licence requirement for a boat trailer, it will need to be in a good roadworthy condition, and you will need to have the appropriate driving licence to tow a trailer of the length and weight you will need.
Comment by Norm on November 10, 2013 at 7:31 pm
I am about to buy a motor cruiser around 30 feet. This I expect to use around the south coast – Portsmouth etc. Can you just confirm then that i would need or at least should consider getting the International Boat license?
Thanks in advance
Comment by TBHeditor on November 12, 2013 at 11:01 am
Hi Norm, thanks for your comment. We’d recomend considering the ICC certificate if you require evidence of competence when visiting another European country, if you’re only boating in the UK then it’s not needed.
More info here; http://www.rya.org.uk/infoadvice/boatingabroad/icc/Pages/icc.aspx
Hope that’s helped, Lee.
Comment by martin on July 9, 2014 at 11:11 am
hi,just purchased a very small fiberglass boat/dingy,for trolling a local drain,i intend to fit a electric motor,the boat dimensions are;8ft long x 4ft wide,do i need a license?,many thanks
Comment by Lee on July 9, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Thanks for the comment Martin.. I guess it depends where you plan to go boating. To be sure I’d contact British Waterways to see if you require a waterways licence for that area.
Comment by martin on July 9, 2014 at 3:28 pm
hi lee,thanks for the reply,its not actually a river i intend to use but a drain,its called “counter drain”and is located in lincolnshire nr spalding,thanks for your reply,will contact the above for more info
Comment by Matthew on July 31, 2014 at 5:14 pm
Hi Lee what type of licence do you need if your going to drive a boat in the bristol channel.
Comment by Lee on August 1, 2014 at 10:47 am
Thanks for the comment Matthew. As far as I’m aware you will need a licence to be on Bristiol Harbour. There may be a short exemption period for boats passing through. I’d give them a call on 0117 903 1484 to make certain. Lee.
Comment by Mark Stevens on August 8, 2014 at 6:35 pm
Hi, I’m looking at buying a 23 ft powerboat/cruiser, I’m intending to use it at the likes of lake Windermere etc…. Would I be able to buy day license? I intend to insure the boat. This is my first boat any help or recommendations would be very helpful.
Cheers Mark.
Comment by Lee on August 13, 2014 at 3:29 pm
Hi Mark, I found the following statement on the official website;
“All powered boats on Windermere, whether in use, moored, for private use or business must have a current Windermere Registration. This includes any boat with an outboard or electric motor or any other mechanical means of propulsion.”
I’m not sure if day licenses are available however the cost of an annual license is nominal (£20 per year).
More info here; http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/placestogo/explorewindermere/thingstodowindermere/windermerereg
Hope that’s helped, Lee.
Comment by Kris on September 10, 2014 at 9:47 pm
Two questions! First, I heard that Belgium don’t bother asking for any certificate of competence, that when you apply for an ICC there, it just gets sent to you. Is there any truth in this as I cannot seem to find the info online, or if it is indeed possible to obtain ICC from Belgium?
Second question, do you know if Spain requires an ICC for use of a power boat under 10 meters?
Comment by Lee on September 11, 2014 at 11:11 am
Hi Kris, I’m not too sure on the Belgium laws sorry, so best to check with them directly. What I do know however is;
You should obtain an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) before you go to European Mainland. An ICC is required for the inland waterways of Europe and for inland and coastal waters of Mediterranean countries. You will not be allowed to operate your boat in other European countries without one.