The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
Find out everything you need to know as a new boater on our canals and rivers.
Getting your first boat is an exciting adventure, but there are a few things to consider.
Is your route clear or are we carrying out restoration work in your area? How can you conserve water in the summer and what should you do if your boat breaks down? We've shared our helpful boating information below.
From narrowboats to wide beams, our guide explains the different boat types so you can choose the right craft for you
From narrowboats to wide beams, our guide explains the different boat types so you can choose the right craft for you
If your boat is a permanent home then all that extra space comes in handy. But have you thought through all the pros and cons?
If your boat is a permanent home then all that extra space comes in handy. But have you thought through all the pros and cons?
From narrowboats to canoes, you need to license your boat if you want to keep and use it on our canals and rivers
From narrowboats to canoes, you need to license your boat if you want to keep and use it on our canals and rivers
Be prepared and work out how much your boat licence will cost
Be prepared and work out how much your boat licence will cost
From long-term to short-term and winter moorings, find out your options
From long-term to short-term and winter moorings, find out your options
Despite the hard work, continuous cruising can be an incredibly rewarding lifestyle. It's your responsibility to know the rules
Despite the hard work, continuous cruising can be an incredibly rewarding lifestyle. It's your responsibility to know the rules
From water points to dry docks, find out about the different services available for your boat and where to find them
From water points to dry docks, find out about the different services available for your boat and where to find them
Regular maintenance, carrying the right spares and knowing a few simple fixes will make boating more enjoyable
Regular maintenance, carrying the right spares and knowing a few simple fixes will make boating more enjoyable
Keeping our canals clean and pollution-free is important for everyone – from wildlife to fellow boaters
Keeping our canals clean and pollution-free is important for everyone – from wildlife to fellow boaters
How you can help prevent our waters from being polluted by oil, and know what to do if you see a fuel spill
How you can help prevent our waters from being polluted by oil, and know what to do if you see a fuel spill
Information on how to seek help, advice or support as a boater on our waterways
Information on how to seek help, advice or support as a boater on our waterways
Whether you're hiring or buying, our Boater's Handbook ensures a safe and enjoyable cruise on your local canal
Whether you're hiring or buying, our Boater's Handbook ensures a safe and enjoyable cruise on your local canal
Our canals and rivers are for everyone, so we encourage consideration and courteous behaviour
Our canals and rivers are for everyone, so we encourage consideration and courteous behaviour
Different seasons mean different challenges. Find out how to prepare for boating in summer, winter and spring
Different seasons mean different challenges. Find out how to prepare for boating in summer, winter and spring
A Smoke Control Area (SCA) is a legally defined area where you cannot emit a substantial amount of smoke from a chimney
A Smoke Control Area (SCA) is a legally defined area where you cannot emit a substantial amount of smoke from a chimney
Register to receive your Boaters' Update and stay up to date with all the latest boating news
Register to receive your Boaters' Update and stay up to date with all the latest boating news
It's a good idea to check if there are any closures or works affecting your route before setting off
It's a good idea to check if there are any closures or works affecting your route before setting off
In need of help? Find answers to everyday questions or contact our support team
In need of help? Find answers to everyday questions or contact our support team
Last Edited: 20 August 2026
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