Vote, register with a GP and access other services

First, check that you are eligible to vote. You then need to register a declaration of local connection, which, when approved, will be valid for 12 months. You can find your local electoral registration office via Google. You'll then need to contact them, explain your local connection and fill in a form. The local connection should be the place you spend the most time or where you have some link. For example, it could be where you were last permanently registered, or a boatyard or marina you regularly use for maintenance.

If you continuously cruise, you might find it easiest to apply to vote by post or by proxy.

The NHS website states that 'if you do not have a permanent address you can still register using a temporary address or the address of the GP surgery'. However, in practice, many surgeries only accept new patients who live within their geographical area. There is useful advice on the NHS website and the Friends, Families and Travellers website. Once registered, the NHS app can help you access services remotely.

Liveaboard boaters have the right to access dental care through the NHS. There are shortages of NHS dentists in many parts of the country that affect people living on boats and on land alike. The NHS recommends calling 111 for urgent dental treatment.

Many boaters without a home mooring report being turned away by banks and other financial institutions because they don’t have a fixed address. We can provide confirmation that you have a boat licence without a home mooring. Some boaters use PO Box addresses and mail forwarding services. However, banks are under no obligation to accept these as an alternative to proof of address. Some banks offer accounts to homeless people, but it is through partners such as Shelter, so they are not currently suitable for most liveaboard boaters.

Living aboard as a family can be a challenge, especially if the boat doesn’t have a permanent place to moor. Make sure you understand the continuous cruising rules. If you need to regularly stay in one place, or a limited area, then you will need a home mooring. You may need to use your local authority’s traveller liaison officer to secure your child’s place at school.