A guide to boating

These pages contain important information for anyone planning to go boating on our canals and rivers.

Man and woman stand on the back of a narrowboat, driving out of a lock

If you're planning on taking a boat trip there are quite 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? Find everything you need to know below.

For information on slipways and where to launch portable boats take a look at http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/

Boater's Handbook

Whether you're hiring or buying, our Boater's Handbook has everything you need to know to safely and enjoyably cruise your local canal

The Boater's Handbook is a helpful 40 page document that we put together along with the Environment Agency and several boating industry and user groups. If you're hiring a boat, you should find a copy in the boat's manual, and the hire operator may send you a copy in advance. All boat licence holders are entitled to a free copy and if you lose it, we'll send you a replacement.

Waterway code for boaters

Our canals and rivers are a treasured resource for everyone to enjoy and share. This guidance promotes considerate and courteous behaviour for us all

Useful boating information

Narrowboat moored in the sun at Milton Keynes on the Grand Union Canal

All craft great and small

From miniscule to massive you’ll be surprised at the size of boat you can use on our canals and rivers

A lady carrying out maintenance on a boat engine

Boat maintenance

Hints and tips for maintaining your boat to make your life better by water when you are cruising the waterways

Boater Naomi Brook at the side hatch of her narrowboat

Buying a second hand boat

As well as saving money, you can get afloat within days, without waiting for your ideal boat to be built

Different types of locks

Familiarise yourself with the various locks you may encounter along our waterways

Goose swims in the canal, which is littered with plastic and litter

Fly tipping and waste removal

As a boater, there are only two things you can put into the canal

Fuel spillages and oil pollution

Find out how you can help prevent our waterways from being polluted by oil, and know what to do if you see a fuel spill

Getting a boat for the first time

Our waterways are home to a huge variety of boats, which type will you go for?

Keep your dog safe whilst boating

Some practical hints and tips for boating safely with your dog

Boat crossing aqueduct on Stratford Canal

Living on a boat

Living on a boat can be wonderful. You can tailor the experience to precisely fit your needs

Traditional working boats moored together and decorated with bunting at sunset

Prepare your boat for summer

Make sure your summer of boating starts smoothly with our top tips for bringing your boat out of hibernation

Prepare your boat for winter

We’ve put together some tips to help you prepare your boat for the colder months of the year

Boat left stranded on land after a flood

Preparing for a flood

Advice on how to safeguard boats and minimise the impact and subsequent damage caused by a deluge

Saving water when boating

There are some simple steps that you can take to use our precious water more efficiently

Speed limits and etiquette

Boating is one of the fastest ways to slow down, relax and unwind - avoid causing problems for other boaters and wildlife by speeding

A boat moored in the snow on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Ten tips for boating in colder weather

Ice on the canal, freezing pipes and slippery surfaces - boating in winter is a whole new ball game

Boats line a tree-covered canal with smoke coming out of the chimneys.

Smoke Control Areas

A Smoke Control Area (SCA) is a legally defined area where you cannot emit a substantial amount of smoke from a chimney

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Last Edited: 22 October 2024