Pleasure boats licence

You need a licence to hire out pleasure boats for personal use or carrying passengers. These include sailboards, rowing boats, canoes, motorboats and pedalos. 

You must also have the appropriate pilot’s qualification and certificate if you plan on transporting passengers.

Pleasure boats licence information 

How to apply

The easiest way to apply is online.  

Apply for a new pleasure boat licence

Be in charge of or navigate a pleasure boat

You may be subject to a licensing fee. 

Regulation summary   

Read a summary of the regulation relating to this licence 

What happens next

Tacit consent 

Tacit consent does not apply. It is in the public interest that we process your application before it can be granted.  

If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please email the Licensing team: [email protected] 

Tacit consent means that you'll be able to act as though your application is granted if you've not heard from us by the end of the 28-day target period. Tacit consent will only apply once a full application has been submitted and you've received an acknowledgment. 

Making an appeal

If you are unhappy with the outcome of your application, you have the right to appeal the decision. 

View information on appeals and complaints 

Further information

Trade Associations 

• Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) 

View the public register 

View the public register online 

You can also view a copy of the register at the council's offices during normal office hours. 

Please contact the Licensing Team to make an appointment: [email protected]