Boat Dwellers

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. 

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Types of licenses

Here are the three main types of licenses you can apply for:

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Private licence

• For personal use.

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Business licence

• For boats used as floating cafes.
• Shops.
• Rented homes.

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Gold licence

•  Allows use on:
  • Canal & River Trust network.
  • Environment Agency waterways.

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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:

The Broads Authority

• Norfolk and Suffolk broads.

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Canal and River Trust

• Waterways across England and Wales

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The Environment Agency (EA)

• River Thames and River Medway.

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Scottish Canals

• 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

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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/

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Kennet and Avon Canal Boaters Society

• Service: Offers advice to boaters on the Kennet and Avon
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/178384468913736/

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Liveaboard Boaters' Health and Wellbeing

• Service: Provides health and wellbeing advice
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Liveaboard-Boaters-Health-Wellbeing/100069227206405/

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London Boaters

• Service: Fights for the rights of London's boat dwellers
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LondonBoaters

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National Association of Boat Owners

• Service: Represents all private boat owners in the UK
• Website: https://nabo.org.uk/

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National Bargee Travellers Association

• Service: Represents itinerant boaters
• Website: https://www.bargee-traveller.org.uk/

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Residential Boat Owners' Association

• Service: Advice and information for residential boat owners
• Website: https://rboa.org.uk/

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Urban Moorings CIC

• Service: Helps create moorings and regenerate canalside in Wolverhampton
• Website: https://www.urbanmoorings.co.uk/