Do you need a licence to drive a boat?

Driving your boat across the waves or cruising through the UK's canals is an incredibly rewarding experience and can provide endless hours of entertainment, exploration, and relaxation. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind before hitting the water in your boat.  

Among these considerations is understanding whether you need a licence to drive a boat. Here, we'll address this question, as well as some other common queries related to boat ownership, so that you can enjoy all the benefits of owning a boat without running into any issues along the way.

Do you need a boating licence to drive a boat in the UK?

No, you don't generally need a licence to be able to drive a boat in the UK. However, you may need to invest in a licence or certificate depending on where you plan to use your boat, what you plan on using it for, and its maximum speed.

International Certificate of Competence

If the maximum horsepower of your boat is above 10, you plan to skipper a chartered boat, or you’ll be sailing to another country, then you’ll need an International Certificate of Competence or a national boat licence issued by the UK government.

In the UK, the ICC is issued by the Royal Yachting Association and can be awarded if you hold a relevant RYA qualification (such as its Powerboat Level 2 course) or through a direct assessment.

Even if your boat runs below 10 horsepower, it can still be a good idea to take lessons to ensure that you’re confident when you’re out on the water. There are many classes you can take to help improve and enhance your skills, so be sure to talk to people within your boating community and research the best classes for you.

Boat Safety Certificate

Generally, a Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate is required when:

• you’re taking your boat onto inland waterways in the UK
• your boat has permanent accommodation
• your boat has electric, gas, fuel, or heating systems

You can find an authorised BSS examiner near you on the Boat Safety Scheme website. If you have a brand-new boat, a BSS certificate may not be necessary, and they are valid for 4 years once you’ve had one completed.

Registering with the UK Ship Register

If you plan to use your boat at sea, you’ll need to register it with the UK Ship Register. You can register your boat online through the UK government website, where you can also find a list of what you’ll need to have to hand before registering.

There is a cost for registering your boat (up to £196 for 5 years), although how much you’ll need to pay varies depending on the type of boat you have and what you’ll be using it for – e.g. leisure or business use.

Inland Waterways Licence

If you plan to use your boat on inland waterways, you’ll likely need to purchase an Inland Waterways Licence. Where you buy the licence from depends on which waterways you plan to use. You can find a list of official UK waterways and their relevant navigation authority on the Inland Waterways Association website.

You may also need to have a BSS certificate and boat insurance in place before you can buy a waterways licence from some authorities, so make sure you check this before purchasing your licence.

Short Range Certificate and Ship’s Radio Licence

Having VHF equipment on board your vessel is mandatory if your vessel is over 13.7m or for travel on some waterways, such as the River Trent and the Thames. To use the radio equipment, the user is required to have a Short Range Certificate, and the radio itself will require a Ship’s Radio Licence.

Boat licence FAQs

What is the biggest boat you can drive without a licence?

There is no maximum limit for the size of boat that you can drive without a licence. Instead, the limits for what you're able to drive focus on how and where you use the boat and its maximum speed. For example, if your boat has a horsepower higher than 10, you're planning to take it outside of UK waters, or you'll be using your boat on UK inland waterways, then you'll need some form of licence.

Can anyone take a boat out to the sea?

Technically, anyone can take a boat out to sea within UK waters without a licence or qualification. However, you are required to register your boat with the UK Ship Register. Even though it isn’t a legal requirement, it’s highly recommended that you take a boating course, especially as an inexperienced boater, to ensure you understand the rules of boating and stay safe on the water.

Specialist boat insurance through GJW Direct

Specialist boat insurance through GJW Direct can help provide financial protection should anything happen to you or your boat out on the water.

Get a quote today to see how much your cover could cost.