Equality adjustments

We have a process for making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to our normal cruising regulations for disabled boaters and people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

A blue narrowboat crosses a small aqueduct, with the boaters looking out at the views.

These adjustments can include reducing the required cruising range and/or increasing mooring times.

If you find yourself struggling with accessibility and cruising on our waterways, you can email [email protected] or call 0303 040 4040.

Accessible Waterways Association
The AWA is led and run by people with lived experience who are passionate about making inland waterways accessible to all
Accessible Waterways Association
The AWA is led and run by people with lived experience who are passionate about making inland waterways accessible to all

How to request reasonable adjustments to your licence

You will need to complete an equality adjustment questionnaire to tell us about your disability and how we can support you with cruising adjustments.

It may seem like there are a lot of questions on these forms, but it is important to tell us about your health and how this affects your ability to use your boat.

If you are not able to complete the questionnaire using the PDF version, please contact us to request an electronic Word format document or a printed copy to your listed postal address.

Equality adjustment questionnaire

This questionnaire is for boaters who have a disability/long-term medical condition and require reasonable adjustments for their cruising.

Please complete the equality questionnaire.

Carer’s equality adjustment

This questionnaire is for boaters who may be caring for someone with a disability or long-term health needs (this may include another boater or someone living on land).

Please complete the carer’s questionnaire.

Pregnancy equality adjustment

For expectant parents, we provide an adjustment to help access pre-natal and post-natal care. We can offer four weeks before the birth and four weeks after the birth at a stationary location.

To request this, you will need to email [email protected] and provide a copy of the MATb1 form alongside the location where you require the extended stay. After this period, our team will make contact with you to discuss next steps.

We also allow up to 26 weeks after the birth at a limited cruising range, meaning that you would be able to return to neighbourhoods to make post-natal appointments.

Please see our 'find the right help' page for more information and support around pregnancy.

Cancer equality adjustment

Cancer affects about one in every two people, which is why support and early help matter so much.

Our welfare team want to ensure that boaters facing cancer are able to access treatment and support.

We can support with equality adjustments or long-term extended stays for those requiring treatment, hospital or family support due to cancer. Please see our EA treatment plan request letter and email [email protected] with supporting medical documentation alongside the adjustment you are requesting.

Long-term extended stays

Extended stays can be requested using the online web licencing portal sign in, however we understand that sometimes longer than two weeks may be required.

For long-term extended stays due to medical reasons (i.e. operations, health investigations, ongoing treatments), please email [email protected] or [email protected] with supporting medical documentation and the length of time required.

Widebeam discount

If you require a widebeam boat because of a disability then you may be exempt from the widebeam surcharge. This applies where the widebeam is required for aiding the disability i.e. for storage of medical equipment, mobility purposes, agoraphobia (to name a few examples).

When you purchase or renew your licence, you can select the ‘disabled boater’ option on your web licencing account. You will be required to upload supporting medical documentation that shows the diagnosis of the condition to qualify for the discount.

Please note that sick notes, prescriptions, appointment letters and blue badges are not sufficient as they do not show the diagnosis of the condition.

Equality questionnaire FAQs

What do you mean by disability?
“Disability” is defined in the Equality Act 2010 (“the Act”) as a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day to day activities.
An impairment is “long-term” if it is lasted for at least 12 months, it's likely to last for at least 12 months, or it is likely to last for the rest of a person’s life.
Why do I have to fill out a questionnaire?
It's vital you tell us as much information as possible to help us to give you the right adjustments. We can only support you if we know what's causing you difficulties. Your information may also highlight where you need extra support and/or benefits. Sometimes, we can put you in touch with other agencies who can help too.
Do I need to fill it all in?
Please fill in as much of the form as you can. The more information you provide, the more we’re able to make the best adjustment for your circumstances. If a section of the form isn't relevant to you, just mark it as ‘not applicable’ or ‘n/a’.
Is it going to cost me money to send in, and is my information secure?
A prepaid envelope can be provided if requested.
Questionnaires are returned to a central office, so our team can deal with them confidentially. Once we receive them, your documents are scanned to a secure location with restricted access, and the documents are shredded so do not send originals. We review the personal data we hold on a regular basis. If we conclude that certain personal data is no longer needed, that personal data will be destroyed.
You can read more about this in our privacy policy.
Who's reviewing our information?
All information is reviewed internally and in strictest confidence by an independent internal group, which may include welfare, boating, and legal colleagues.
It's important to give you the right support for your situation. To do that, we need to know how affects you so we, sometimes with independent experts advice, can make appropriate adjustments. We do not question your diagnosis, but we need to know how it affects your ability to cruise.
You list a lot of medical documents, do I have to send them all in?
No, we've included a list to help you identify the types of documents that help us, but we realise you may not have all of them, and it's up to you which ones you share with us. However, we need enough information to confirm the disability you have and any details about how this affects you.
Will you pay my cost to get the medical evidence?
No, we're only asking you to fill out the questionnaire and supply copies of information you already have. If we do go on to ask for more specific information, we will request this via the GP/Medical Professional and pay a reasonable fee.
Why are you asking me about things not related to my use of the waterways?
We're trying to get a full picture of your general routine and what adjustments could help you to remain cruising on our waterways.
Why do you ask about benefits?
There may also be benefits you are entitled to that you might not be getting yet (such as housing benefit for your licence) and the questionnaire can flag these up.
I have a blue badge which confirms I have a disability, why do I still need to fill in the questionnaire?
The blue badge doesn't necessarily demonstrate that you will have difficulties with meeting the continuous cruising requirements.
Will I have to fill this in every year?
No. If you are not meeting your cruising requirements of your adjustment, we will send a simplified review questionnaire.
How do I access my NHS app?
You can find the link to access your NHS app here Log in - NHS App Online or download from the app store on your smartphone.