Pleasure boat, vessel and boatperson licensing policy

Introduction

1.1 Under section 94 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907 (The Act) local authorities may grant licences for pleasure boats and pleasure vessels for hire or to be used for carrying passengers for hire. Licences may also be granted to the Boatperson(s), in charge of or navigating the boats and vessels and may charge for each type of licence such annual fee as appropriate.

1.2 The principal purpose of Pleasure Boats or Vessels and Boatperson licensing is to protect the public and promote public safety. The Council will carry out its licensing function in that context and will expect to see licence holders and applicants continuously demonstrate that they meet or exceed the standards set by the Council.

1.3 All licence holders are expected to comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 in the operation of their business.

Scope of the policy

2.1 The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance to applicants on how the Council administers its licensing functions under the Act and how decision making will be approached. The Act also allows the local authority to set terms and conditions as appropriate.

2.2 This policy is intended to apply to pleasure boats or vessels operating with a boatperson and which is intended or adapted for the carriage of passengers. This policy is not intended to cover canoes, kayaks, white water rafts, bell boats, dragon boats or similar, as these vessels are covered by guidance issued by the National Sports governing bodies.

Pleasure boat or vessel application

3.1 Application Process

3.2 The applicant must complete the application form in full and return it to the licensing office with the relevant documentation from the list below:

• Full survey carried out by a suitable qualified marine surveyor confirming the boat/ vessels suitability for the intended purpose and that the boat or vessel meets the requirements of the Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code.
• Risk Assessment.
• A recreational craft directive (RCD) for brand new boats or a Boat Safety Scheme Certificate for other boats.
• Public Liability Insurance Certificate (£5 million minimum).
• Plan of the boat (with location of safety equipment and exit routes or access for disabled persons).
• Confirmation of training or experience level of Boatperson.
• Fee.

Boatperson application

(not required for cabin staff with no boatperson responsibility)

4.1 Guidance

4.2 An applicant must be:

• 18 years of age or over.
• Not suffer from any illness or disability which could affect his / her fitness to assist in the charge of the pleasure boat or vessel for hire.
• Hold a relevant qualification that confirms the individual’s levels of competency in operating a vehicle within the designated waters.

4.3 Application Process

4.4 The applicant must complete the application form in full and return it to the licensing office with the relevant documentation from the list below:

• Acceptable training certification.
• Basic Disclosure from the Disclosure Barring Service (within 1 month of issue).
• Group 2 Medical – signed by own GP.
• Signed declaration of compliance with ‘Sound Practice, Safe Waters Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code'
• Passport sized photograph.
• Fee.

4.5 Acceptable training certification:

• MCA Boatmaster’s Licence for a local passenger vessel (BML) grade 3 or 2 for the appropriate area.
• Canal and River Trust Boatmanship Licence (formerly British Waterways).
• National Community Boats Association Certificate in Community Boat Management.
• Waterman’s Licence issued by a competent authority for the appropriate area, where available.
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Powerboat (level 2) with 12 months relevant experience.
• RYA Inland Helmsman’s certificate with 12 months relevant experience.

Renewal process

5.1 Applicants will be sent a renewal reminder approximately three months before the licence expires. However, the responsibility for renewal remains with the licence holder and no further reminder will be sent.

5.2 Renewal applications can take up to 10 working days to be processed. It is the responsibility of the licence holder to apply in plenty of time to renew the licence.

5.3 If a licence lapses the holder cannot operate, navigate or use a vessel until the relevant licence has been issued.

Determination

6.1 Each application will be considered on its merit and may be referred to the Licensing Committee where necessary.

6.2 As part of the determination process, longevity and / or conditions will be specified and attached to a licence.

6.3 If approved, Pleasure Boat / Vessel licences will be granted for a period of 4 years.

6.4 If approved, Boatperson licences being granted for a period of 3 years subject to annual DBS and medical on the anniversary of grant.

6.5 If an application is refused, an appeal may be submitted to Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, 27 St Mary’s Gate, Derby, DE1 3JR  in accordance with Section 94(7) of the Act.

Compliance and enforcement

7.1 The Licensing Team will have primary responsibility for monitoring that operators and boatpersons comply with the terms and conditions of the relevant licences. Licence conditions for pleasure boats.

7.2 Any complaint lodged by members of the public, businesses, customers or other operators will be investigated by the Licensing Team. Where breaches may have the potential for causing serious harm, prosecution may be an option.

7.3 A licence may be suspended or revoked by the local authority in the interests of the public safety.

7.4 When considering whether a licence should be suspended or revoked, the delegated officer or sub committee will take into account:

• The 1907 Act.
• This policy and the Communities, Environment and Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy.
• The evidence available.
• The interests of the public, in particular any public safety issues.
• Representations and representations of operators and boatperson.
• Any relevant history.

7.5 The operator or boatperson will be provided with a written copy of the delegated officer or sub committee decision, facts and reasons together with the licence holders right of appeal contained in Section 94(7) of the Act.

Offences

8.1 Every person who acts in contravention of the provisions of Section 94 of the Act shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding level three on the standard scale £1000).

8.2 The licence holder shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of his failure to comply with such conditions in Section 94(3)(b) if it is shown that there is reasonable excuse for the failure.

Review of policy

9.1 This policy will be reviewed every three years or more frequently if appropriate.

Privacy notice 

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Please view Licensing Team Privacy Notices for further information. Printed copies are available on request.