Registering and using boats or pleasure craft
If you own a boat or pleasure craft, you don't necessarily need to register or get a licence if you want to keep or use it on inland waterways. For some facilities, however, you will need to register before you can use them.
Register for use on inland waterways
As a boat or pleasure craft owner, if you want to use navigable waterways maintained by Waterways Ireland you will need to register with them.
For all other navigable waterways, you should check the signs at all facilities for information about who owns it. You may need to register with the facility you want to use.
For some facilities, such as those belonging to riverside hotels, registration may not be necessary – you may be able to pay on the day for the facilities you wish to use.
You may need to get a Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate before you can register or buy a licence to use inland waterways.
You can also register your boat’s details with the UK coastguard.
You can find further information, including about insurance, at this link:
Register for use at sea
For use at sea, you can register your boat or pleasure craft on the UK Ship Register.
Regulations
You can find information about pleasure craft regulations at this link:
- Regulations for pleasure craft
- Sailing a pleasure craft that is departing from the UK
- Sailing a pleasure craft that is arriving in the UK
Ship Radio Licence
As an owner of a pleasure craft you will need a Ship Radio Licence. Registration is online at Ofcom.
You can find out more at these links:
- Ships' radio and ship portable radio
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- GMDSS: benefits of digital selective calling
- Register 406 MHz beacons
Safety
There is basic boat-handling and safety advice on the boater's handbook.
You must follow international safety regulations if you’re using a boat at sea, including what safety equipment you must have.
You'll also need to know about fire safety, how to prevent a collision, what to do if you get into difficulty, and life-saving signals.
You can find out more on these pages:
- Seasonal safety - boat safety section
- Safety at sea
- Maritime safety
- Maritime safety: weather and navigation
- Navigation safety for UK seafarers
- Carriage and use of radar reflectors on small vessels
- Maritime and shipping
- Ship equipment
There is also information on the safety on inland waterways page.
Out-of-date or damaged flares
You need to check flares regularly to make sure they're in good condition and dispose of unwanted distress flares safely.
If you have an accident
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) investigates all accidents on all UK boats and all accidents in any UK waters, including inland waterways.
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board carries out investigations into marine casualties in Irish waters or involving Irish vessels.
Calling for help
If you get into difficulty at sea, contact the coastguard.
If you're in life-threatening distress, make a Mayday call on your VHF radio.
Changing boat name or port
You can find information about changing the name of your boat at this page:
Making a complaint
If you have experienced an issue on a waterway or with a service, find information on who to complain to at this link: