Navigating the waterways

The information on these pages aims to help both newcomers to boating and experienced navigators.

There are many other sources of help on the internet, and we don’t pretend to have all the answers here. You will however find the official position on relevant rules, advice and services offered by the Trust.

Some of the information on these pages is taken from The Boater’s Handbook, a helpful 40 page booklet compiled by the Canal & River Trust (formerly British Waterways) and the Environment Agency with a great deal of help from the boating industry and user groups. If you’re hiring a boat, you should find a copy in the boat’s manual, and the hire operator may send you a copy in advance. 

All boat licence holders are entitled to a free copy and if you lose it, we’ll send you a replacement. 

If you're a new licence holder, remember to order a facilities key if you didn't inherit one with your boat.

For information on slipways and where to launch portable boats take a look at http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/