Do you need a licence to drive a canal barge?

Do you need a licence to drive a canal barge?

No. Anyone over 21 can hire a canal boat with no licence or training whatsoever. Most people pick up steering and controlling the boat fairly quickly, canal hire firms will give basic training if you have no one experienced on board before letting you loose, and it is possible to take some lessons in advance.

What license do I need for narrowboat?

Pleasure licences are a requirement which cover the majority of narrowboat users on the inland waterways.

Do you need a license to own a canal boat?

You usually need a boat licence. This costs around £500 to £1,000 per year and gives you permission to use the waterways. You must display the licence on both sides of your boat. You also need to pay a mooring fee if you rent a mooring.

Do you need a licence to canoe on Basingstoke Canal?

All Craft wishing to use the Canal Navigation requires a licence which is issued by the Basingstoke Canal Authority. Please note members of British Canoeing are covered to use the Basingstoke Canal but you must be able to present your membership card if asked.

Are canal boats easy to drive?

The idea of being in control of a canal boat can feel a bit scary, but in reality it’s much simpler than driving a car and you don’t need a licence.

Do you drive a canal boat?

Drive on the right – the opposite direction to British roads, all waterways require you to drive your canal boat on the right-hand side. It’s important to note that some canals are narrower than others, meaning you may well be in the centre of the channel at times.

Do you need a boat license UK?

Do I need a boating licence in the UK? You do need a licence before you’re allowed to boat on any inland waterways in the UK, such as the Thames or the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. To get a boat licence, all you need is boat insurance and a boat safety scheme certificate (BSSC).

How do I get a skipper’s license UK?

Pre-requisites: Theory to Yachtmaster level, First Aid and VHF/SRC licence. 30 days seatime, 2 days as skipper, 800 miles, 12 night hours. Reduced to 20 days, 2 as skipper, 400 miles, 12 night hours if you have the Coastal Skipper course completion certificate.

Can I paddle board on Basingstoke Canal?

Licences can be bought online, over the phone or in person at the Canal Centre. Members of British Canoeing are covered to use canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on the Basingstoke Canal. Please carry your membership card with you.

Do you need a licence to kayak on the canal?

If you want to kayak, canoe or paddleboard on London’s canal system you should have a Canal & Rivers Trust permit or British Canoeing membership – see our page on Access and Licences.

Can one person drive a narrowboat?

Boating single-handed might not be everyone’s idea of fun – although there are many who do enjoy it. But occasionally it might be a necessity, for example through injury or illness of a crew member, so it’s useful to have some idea of how to work a narrowboat on your own, just in case.