The Canal & River Trust (CRT) established an independently led Commission to review the legal framework around boat licensing, to explore whether it is still appropriate in view of the changes in use of the waterway network over the last 30 years. The Commission started its review in January and is expected to run until September 2025. Its report will be submitted to the Board of Trustees, who will decide whether, and if so how, to take the recommendations forward.
The Commission ran a survey of boaters and other stakeholders in March and April, covering both the experiences that people have had and any changes they would like to see to the Trust’s approach to boat licensing. IWA submitted a response including the following key points:
- It would be preferable if the review covered licensing for all navigation authorities as a step towards a joint system.
- The licensing framework should be kept as simple as possible to encourage compliance.
- The system should encourage more cruising, particularly on lesser-used waterways.
- The term ‘continuous cruising’ is not felt to be understood or helpful and should be removed.
- More thought should be given to the wider issues of residential boating, possibly a specific licence with appropriate benefits.
Representatives of IWA’s Navigation Committee have been invited to a meeting with the Commission members to explore the IWA response in greater depth. Further reports will be provided as appropriate.
More details of the Commission and its work can be found at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/boating-news-and-views/boating-news/commission-to-review-future-framework-for-boat-licensing
