New advisory note for boat owners
22nd Apr 2008
In response to an increase in enquiries from private boat owners interested in offering their craft for hire, British Waterways has published an advisory note to licence holders covering considerations such as safety and public liability, as well as setting out additional regulations that hire boat operators are required to comply with.
The advisory note can be found on waterscape’s boat licensing page.
Sally Ash, British Waterways’ head of boating development says: “Perhaps fuelled by the economic climate and the rising costs of boating, it might appear tempting to earn a little money on the side from your boat by hiring it out. After all this is common practice amongst second home owners, and although we encourage commercial enterprise on our waterways, there are many reasons why you should think very carefully before doing this. The safety and public liability issues are complicated, and you could find yourself answering to a coroner if the worst happened.”
A Leisure Business Licence is required for the letting of a boat for hire. The terms of this licence are weightier than those of a private boat, reflecting the greater public safety risks associated with hiring boats to inexperienced crews. Boaters thinking of hiring out their craft will need to comply with more stringent Boat Safety Scheme certification, as well as provide adequate servicing, public liability insurance and boat handovers.
In addition, the Marine Coastguard Agency is expected to publish a new ‘Hire Boat Code’ in early summer 2008. This will include further requirements, including testing boat stability.
See the waterscape boat licensing page.
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