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Pleasure boat licensing

Do I need a licence?

If you wish to be in charge of or navigate a pleasure boat or vessel for the purpose of carrying passengers for hire, you must obtain the appropriate licences from either the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) or in some cases the Council.

The Council’s Licensing Team issues pleasure boat licences for vessels carrying no more than 12 passengers on voyages that are at no time outside categorised waters (i.e. waters not regarded as 'sea').

The three relevant categories of waters are as follows:

  • Category A: Narrow rivers and canals where the depth of water is generally less than 1.5 metres.

  • Category B: Wider rivers and canals where the depth of water is generally 1.5 metres or more and where the significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 0.6 metres at any time.

  • Category C: Tidal rivers and estuaries and large, deep lakes and lochs where the significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 1.2 metres at any time.

Please note: pleasure boat operators who wish to go outside categorised waters or carry more than 12 passengers should contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (new window) for advice.

Licences will not be issued to persons under 18 years of age.

How do I apply for a licence from the Council?

You will need to submit a completed application form to the Licensing Team. The application form and the conditions of licence can be downloaded or printed off by following the links below:

In addition, the completed application form must be accompanied by:

  • A full hull survey carried out by a surveyor who holds appropriate specific professional indemnity insurance who is either:

    • a member of the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association;

    • a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects at not less than Associate level;

    • a member of the Institute of Marine Engineers at not less than Associate level.

  • Proof of valid insurance.

  • An annual general survey conducted by an authorised agent of the local authority (see list below).

  • Payment of £74.50 for a motorised vessel and £30.75 for a rowing boat.

Authorised agents

AND Marine Ltd,
60 Westmorland Road,
Felixstowe,
Suffolk IP11 9TW.

T Davey Surveys Ltd,
Journeys End,
Marsh Lane,
Felixstowe,
Suffolk IP11 9RR.
Telephone: 01394 282033.

Marine Surveys (East & South Ltd),
14 Waveney Road,
Felixstowe,
Suffolk IP11 2NT.
Telephone: 01394 212512.

Hugh Lamb,
Stourside,
Rose Farm Lane,
Shotley
Suffolk IP9 1PH.
Telephone: 01473 787346

W A MacGregor, 
Mallard House,
Oysterbed Road,
Felixstowe,
Suffolk IP11 4SH.
Telephone: 01394 676034

Contact details

For more information and advice please contact:

Licensing Team,
Suffolk Coastal District Council,
Melton Hill,
Woodbridge,
Suffolk IP12 1AU.

Telephone: 01394 444802.
Fax: 01394 444510.
Email: licensing@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.

Back to Other licences, registrations and permits

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