Rules of narrowboating

The rules, responsibilities and realities of life on the cut

Living aboard a narrowboat comes with its own set of rules and responsibilities, especially when navigating the UK’s extensive canal network.

Before setting sail, ensure your narrowboat complies with the following:

Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Certificate: A mandatory safety inspection every four years, covering aspects like gas systems, electrics, and fire and safety.
Canal & River Trust Licence: All boats on CRT waterways must have a valid licence, the cost of which depends on the boat’s size and whether you have a home mooring.
Insurance: It’s a mandatory requirement before you can license your boat on CRT-managed waterway to have third party liability insurance with a minimum coverage of £2 million.

If you don’t have a home mooring, you must adhere to continuous cruising guidelines:

You must move your boat to a new location every 14 days. The CRT expects boaters to make a genuine journey, covering a reasonable range over time.
Simply shuffling between two nearby spots (known as “bridge hopping”) doesn’t meet the requirements. The CRT monitors boat movements and may refuse licence renewals for non-compliance.

When mooring:

Duration – Unless signed otherwise, you can moor for up to 14 days.
Avoid mooring near locks, bridges, water points, or in turning areas (winding holes).

Living on the water requires eco- consciousness:

Waste disposal – Use designated facilities for disposing of rubbish and sewage. Never discharge waste into the waterways.
Fuel and maintenance – Regularly check for leaks and use environmentally friendly products when possible.
Washing – Use eco friendly washing products, especially if they are being allowed to run off into the waterways.
Wildlife – Respect local flora and Avoid disturbing nesting areas and feeding wildlife.

Continuous cruisers can still vote. Register using a Declaration of Local Connection form.

Pass moored boats at tickover (slowest speed).
Help others at locks – it’s a social waterway!
If there is room for more than one boat in a lock and another boater is close by, wait for them before closing the lock.
Always close gates behind you unless signed otherwise.
Don’t moor at lock landings, turning points, or water points.
Refrain from running engines or generators between 8 PM and 8 AM. Be mindful of smoke from stoves and exhaust fumes, especially in built-up areas.
Max speed on the waterways is 4mph.
Move to the right hand side of the waterway if another boat is coming towards you.
Move off the service point when you’ve finished using it (e.g. fuel or water point).
Don’t clutter the towpath with your paraphernalia.
Don’t play loud music near other boaters.