Changes to registration for Medway boaters
3 February 2011
The law governing boat registration and related conditions for our waterways has changed. Please read this information carefully. It tells you about the main changes in boat registration requirements for the Medway Navigation between Tonbridge and Allington.
Changes from 1st April 2011
Third party insurance now required for powered boats. You will now need to show you have third party insurance for a powered boat. This insurance will need to be for at least one million pounds. When you apply to register for 2011, we will be asking you to provide us with the name of your insurer, your policy number and expiry date. This also applies to visiting boats, if powered boats do not have the necessary insurance then they will not be allowed to access the navigation, if boats are found on the river without insurance they’ll be required to remove their boat from the waterway.
Changes from 1st April 2012
Boat Safety Scheme. After consultation with our customers we have decided to delay the introduction of this requirement on the Medway Navigation until 2012. From 1st April 2012 You must make sure your powered boat complies with our construction and equipment standards at all times - not just when it is used (or let for hire) on the Medway Navigation, but also when it is kept afloat. Unless you have a private, open outboard-powered boat, you must have either a valid Boat Safety Scheme Certificate (BSSC) or, for boats up to 4 years old, a valid Declaration of Conformity under the Recreational Craft Directive when you apply to register for 2012. To find out more about the Boat Safety Scheme visit their website at www.boatsafetyscheme.com
If you would like further advice on how to register your boat, please contact our Medway Licensing Officer at michelle.waterman@environment-agency.gov.uk or 01732 223222.