Starting or expanding a boating business

Areas to consider for anyone operating a boating business or wanting to set one up

How to apply to set up a new boating business or expand an existing business on our waterways, and business licence fees

Here we will announce invitations to tender for sites that we have available to lease on our land, or waterspace for Business Boating Proposals

These are boats that are let out on hire to members of the public without a skipper or crew

Roving traders sell goods or services from their boat at various locations around the canal network

Statically moored boat selling goods or services. Examples include cafe, restaurant, office, hairdressers, gallery or shop

These are boats let out for short or long stays

Find out more about setting up new marinas and moorings

Boats offering scheduled trips, private charters, water taxi or water bus services

Boats used as hotels with a qualified skipper and crew on board

These are provided to bona fide boat builders, brokers, engineers and mechanics to enable them to keep and move boats temporarily in their care on the waterway

These are boats that are used primarily for community or educational use

Boatyards provide services to boaters that include boat building, repairs and servicing, brokerage, fuel sales, sewage and refuse disposal, chandlery, dry dock hire etc

Our canals were originally built to transport goods around the country and in some places our waterways are still being used for this purpose

Information for clubs, associations, schools, colleges and others using the waterways for regular, supervised activities

Exhibit boats are boats that are owned by or formally on loan to a recognised canal museum, society or visitor attraction

These are for workboats that are used exclusively for qualifying waterway maintenance work

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