Safety Boat Licence

These licences are exclusively for boats owned and operated by the statutory Emergency Services or voluntary organisations nominated by them to carry out emergency rescue procedures.

Safety Boats associated with waterway maintenance or construction works should apply for a Discounted Workboat Licence.

Safety Boats used to supervise or monitor club activities should be licensed as club boats.

Safety Boats used to supervise fleets of day hire boats should be licensed as Regulated Traders.

Key considerations

The boat will need to be removed from the waterway when not in use or have a permanent mooring where it can be kept. We offer no concessions on mooring fees. 

You must ensure that everyone using your Safety Boat is appropriately trained and qualified

Please provide us with a detailed written proposal of what you intend to do so that we can assess your proposals. We may ask you to restrict training at above the local speed limit to certain areas or times of the year to prevent damage to nesting birds, waders and feeding grounds.

Regulations

Insurance

You will need a commercial insurance policy that provides cover to a value of £2m for damage or injury caused by you, your boats or your staff.

Boat Safety Scheme Certificate

You will need a Boat Safety Scheme certificate. If your boat has only an outboard motor, please provide a Boat Safety Scheme Exemption Declaration instead.

Boatmaster’s Licence

All skippers on the licensed craft must hold a valid Boatmaster’s Licence. Further details are available from the MCA. If the vessel is less than 24 metres in length and only ever used in Category A waters, the following alternatives are acceptable:

• RYA Inland Helmsman’s Certificate (with 12 months experience)
• RYA Power Boat Level II Certificate (with 12 months experience)
• National Community Boat Association certificate of Boat Management

Boat Licence

We will give you a free Regulated Trader licence.

Other regulations

Other regulations may apply to your business. Please read our General Guidance section and make your own independent enquiries to ensure that you understand and comply with all the regulations relevant to your proposed operation.