To operate a boat or vessel for passenger hire (including letting it out for rental), the person in charge or navigator needs two licences from Trafford Council: a Pleasure Boat Licence and a Boatman Licence.
The requirement to hold licences does not apply to boats or vessels licensed under Board of Trade Regulations, or to those on a canal owned or managed by the British Waterways Board.
Relevant legislation for this licence is the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907.
Eligibility
To apply for these licenses, you must:
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have full knowledge of all statutory rules, regulations and byelaws relevant to navigating on the water or waters for which the licence is required
- Not suffer from any disease or physical disability which could affect your fitness to operate pleasure boats, vessels, or craft let for hire
- Hold a valid insurance certificate that provides third-party liability coverage for the boats or vessels you operate.
How to apply
Contact the licensing team to request an application form by emailing licensing@trafford.gov.uk or calling 0161 912 4242.
The application does not need to be advertised.
Application fee
You must pay an application fee to apply. For more information, contact the licensing team.
Accompanying documents
Applications must be sent to Trafford Council for premises situated in the Trafford area.
Applications must be on the relevant form and accompanied by:
- The fee
- Relevant qualifications certificate
- Recent medical form completed by your own doctor
- Valid insurance certificate
- Other information we may require to determine if you and the boat or vessel meet the eligibility criteria
What happens next
On receipt of an application, we will arrange an inspection of the boat or vessel.
If you have not heard from us at the end of 28 days, you can act as though your application is granted. This is called tactic consent.
Objections
If we receive objections to the application, we must decide on it within 56 days.
As soon as you have been notified about our objections, contact the licensing team by emailing licensing@trafford.gov.uk or calling 0161 912 4242.
Refused applications
If we refuse your application, please contact the licensing team immediately.
If we withhold, suspend or revoke a licence, you can appeal to Trafford Magistrate's Court after two days of receiving our decision.
The address of Trafford Magistrates is:
Trafford Magistrates Court
PO Box 13
Ashton Lane
Sale
Cheshire
M33 7NR