useful downloads
Find the essential information you need before you go boating.
The information sheets and application forms below are ready for you to download to your hard disk and print. They are stored as PDF files, so you'll need a program such as Adobe Reader (Windows) or Apple Preview (Mac) to open them.
boat licensing information
Boat licence information and downloads are now available on the boating licensing page.
british waterways licence information
All boat owners are required to have a licence (or registration). This allows you to cruise around and to keep your boat on the waterways. There are several different types of licences available, as explained below. Find out more about boat licences and moorings
moorings information
You can find moorings under 'Boating/Marinas + Moorings' for a specific waterway. You can also contact the navigation authority direct, listed under 'Contact Info'.
Moorings are essential for boat owners as you are legally required to have a permanent place to keep your boat when you are not on the move - whether it's a fully serviced marina or simply a spot on the towpath.
However, if you have no ties (such as jobs or children at school), you can opt to cruise the canals non-stop, never staying at the same place for more than a fortnight. British Waterways has a special set of guidelines for these 'continuous cruisers'.
BW long-term mooring conditions
BW mooring price list 2008 - 2009
British Waterways' offline and online mooring policy
British Waterways' Legal department information on offside moorings
other useful information
Buying a Boat - how to get started
Electricity mooring pillar instructions
Handcuff keys - where they're used and how to get them
List of boat insurance and financing companies
Craft dimension data for BW waterways
Information about the NABO waterway reports boards
Days out - a guide to London and the surrounding area
contact us
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