CRT Licence Guide for Narrowboat Owners

If you keep or cruise a narrowboat on Canal & River Trust waterways, you will usually need a valid CRT boat licence. It is one of the essential bits of admin that comes with boat ownership, alongside insurance, Boat Safety Scheme certification and, if relevant, mooring arrangements.

This CRT licence guide explains what a CRT licence is, who needs one, what documents you need, how renewals work and what to watch out for if you cruise continuously. It is written as a practical guide for private narrowboat owners, especially those new to the inland waterways.

What is a CRT licence?

A CRT licence is permission from the Canal & River Trust to keep and use a boat on waterways it manages. These include many canals and river navigations across England and Wales, although not every inland waterway is managed by CRT.

The licence does not give you ownership of a mooring, a right to stay anywhere indefinitely, or permission to trade from your boat. It simply allows your boat to be on CRT waters, provided you meet the licence conditions.

If you move between different navigation authorities, you may need more than one licence or registration. For example, some rivers, broads, harbours and private canals are run by other organisations. Always check who manages the waterway before you travel.

Who needs a CRT licence?

In general, any boat kept, used or moored on CRT waters needs the correct licence or registration. This applies whether the boat is used for holidays, leisure cruising, living aboard, or simply being kept afloat.

A typical privately owned narrowboat on CRT canals will need a private boat licence. If the boat is used for business, such as skippered trips, hire, trading, floating accommodation or commercial services, a business licence is usually required instead.

You should not assume that a licence is optional because the boat is not moving. If it is on CRT water, even tied up at a mooring, it usually still needs to be licensed.

Main types of CRT licences

The right licence depends on how you use the boat, how long you need it for and where you plan to cruise. The most common options are below.

Private boat licence

This is the standard licence for privately owned leisure or residential boats that are not being used for business. It is the licence most narrowboat owners will need.

The price is based on factors such as boat length, licence duration and boat category. CRT may also apply different pricing rules depending on the boat type or use, so it is always best to check the current fee table directly with CRT before budgeting.

Short-term licence

Short-term licences are useful if you only need access to CRT waters for a limited period. For example, you may be moving a boat through CRT waters, visiting for a short cruise, or bringing a boat from another navigation authority.

These licences can be convenient, but they are not a replacement for a full licence if your boat is regularly kept on CRT waters.

Gold Licence

A Gold Licence can be useful for boaters who want to cruise both CRT waterways and certain Environment Agency waterways under one licence. It is often considered by boaters planning wider cruising routes that include rivers such as the Thames.

The Gold Licence has its own rules, dates and pricing, so check whether it suits your cruising plans before buying. It may not be the best value if you only use CRT canals.

Business licence

If your boat is used to earn money, even occasionally, you may need a business licence. This can include activities such as selling goods, running workshops, offering accommodation, operating as a hire boat, or carrying passengers.

Business licensing has extra requirements, which may include different insurance, risk assessments, trading permissions and local authority considerations. Speak to CRT before starting any commercial activity from a boat.

What you need before applying

Before applying for a CRT licence, it helps to gather everything in advance. Missing documents can delay your application or renewal.

You will usually need:

• Boat details: including the boat name, index number if it already has one, length, beam and type.
• Proof of insurance: CRT requires suitable third-party insurance. Private boats generally need at least £2 million third-party cover.
• Boat Safety Scheme certificate: most boats need a valid BSS certificate, unless they fall within a recognised exemption.
• Mooring status: either details of a home mooring or a declaration that you will continuously cruise.
• Payment details: for the licence fee or any payment plan CRT offers.

If you have just bought a boat, check whether the existing licence can be transferred or whether you need to apply for a new one. Do not rely only on what the seller says. Confirm the position with CRT and make sure the boat details match.

Boat Safety Scheme and insurance

The Boat Safety Scheme, often called the BSS, is similar in spirit to an MOT for inland boats, although it is not the same thing. It checks key safety points relating to fuel, gas, electrics, ventilation and fire safety.

A valid BSS certificate is normally required before CRT will issue or renew a licence. If your certificate is close to expiring, arrange an examination early. BSS examiners can be busy, especially before popular cruising periods.

Insurance is also essential. CRT requires third-party cover because your boat could cause damage to other boats, structures, property or people. Comprehensive insurance is optional from CRT’s point of view, but many owners choose it for wider protection.

Practical tip: keep digital copies of your BSS certificate and insurance schedule in an easy-to-find folder. When renewal time comes around, you will not be hunting through old emails.

Home mooring or continuous cruising?

When licensing a private boat, you normally need either a home mooring or you must continuously cruise. This is one of the most important parts of the CRT licensing system.

If you have a home mooring

A home mooring is a place where your boat can lawfully be kept when you are not cruising. It might be in a marina, at an online towpath mooring, on private land with permission, or at another recognised mooring site.

The mooring must be suitable and available for your boat. CRT may ask for details, especially if there is any doubt about whether the mooring is valid.

Having a home mooring does not mean you can ignore visitor mooring limits while cruising. Once away from your mooring, you still need to follow local signs and general mooring rules.

If you continuously cruise

If you do not have a home mooring, you must use the boat for genuine navigation throughout the licence period. This is often called continuous cruising.

In simple terms, you should make a progressive journey around the network rather than staying in one small area. The general rule is that you should not remain in one place for more than 14 days unless there is a good reason, such as illness, mechanical breakdown, unsafe conditions or another reasonable circumstance. Some visitor moorings have shorter limits, and those signs take priority.

Continuous cruising needs planning. It is not enough to move a short distance back and forth between the same few places. CRT looks at your overall movement pattern, not just whether the boat has moved at all.

Helpful habits include:

• Keeping a simple cruising log with dates and locations.
• Taking photos of mooring spots if you need a record.
• Checking stoppage notices before choosing a route.
• Moving before your time limit expires, unless there is a genuine reason you cannot.
• Contacting CRT if illness, breakdown or emergency prevents movement.

How much does a CRT licence cost?

CRT licence fees vary, so it is best to use the latest information from Canal & River Trust rather than relying on old figures. The main factors that can affect the price include:

• The length of your boat.
• The type of licence you need.
• The duration of the licence.
• Whether the boat is private or commercial.
• Any relevant surcharges or pricing categories.
• How and when you pay.

Measure your boat accurately before applying. Licence fees are usually linked to length bands, and incorrect measurements can cause problems later. Include the full length CRT asks for, not just an approximate cabin length.

If you are buying a narrowboat, include the licence in your annual budget alongside mooring fees, insurance, BSS costs, servicing, fuel, blacking and repairs. The licence is only one part of the true cost of boat ownership.

How to apply for a CRT licence

Most private boaters apply or renew through the Canal & River Trust online licensing system. The process is usually straightforward if your documents are ready.

A typical application involves:

• Creating or logging into your CRT account.
• Entering or checking your boat details.
• Providing insurance information.
• Confirming your BSS certificate or exemption.
• Declaring your mooring status.
• Choosing the licence duration.
• Paying the fee or setting up an approved payment method.

After licensing, keep confirmation of your licence and make sure your boat index number is clearly visible. CRT monitoring is linked to your boat details, so accurate information matters.

Renewing your CRT licence

Do not leave renewal until the last minute. If your insurance or BSS certificate is about to expire, sort those first. CRT will not normally renew a licence if the required safety or insurance information is missing.

Set reminders at least a month before your licence expires. It is also worth setting separate reminders for your BSS certificate and insurance renewal, as these dates may not match your licence date.

Before renewing, check:

• Your boat length and details are correct.
• Your insurance is valid for the full required period.
• Your BSS certificate is current.
• Your mooring details are still accurate.
• Your cruising declaration still reflects how you use the boat.

If your circumstances have changed, update CRT. For example, if you have moved from a marina to continuous cruising, or started using the boat for business, your licence requirements may change.

Common CRT licence mistakes to avoid

Licensing problems are often caused by small oversights. Avoiding these can save stress later.

• Letting insurance lapse: even a short gap can affect your licence position.
• Forgetting the BSS expiry date: book your examination early, particularly if remedial work might be needed.
• Assuming a seller’s licence covers you: always confirm what happens when ownership changes.
• Misunderstanding continuous cruising: moving occasionally within a tiny area may not meet CRT requirements.
• Ignoring local mooring signs: some locations have shorter stay times than the general 14-day rule.
• Using a private licence for business: trading or hiring requires the correct permission.
• Giving inaccurate boat dimensions: measure carefully and keep records.

If you are unsure, ask CRT before acting. It is usually easier to clarify a licensing issue early than to fix a problem after it has escalated.

What happens if you do not have a valid licence?

Keeping a boat on CRT waters without a valid licence can lead to enforcement action. CRT may contact you, restrict future licensing, require you to remove the boat, or take further steps under its legal powers.

It is not worth taking the risk. If you are struggling to renew because of a document delay, breakdown, illness or a dispute, contact CRT and explain the situation. Keep written records of any communication.

For boat buyers, this is another reason to do careful checks before handing over money. A cheap boat with licensing problems, no BSS certificate or unclear ownership can quickly become expensive.

Practical checklist for new narrowboat owners

If you are new to boat ownership, use this simple checklist before putting your boat on CRT waters:

• Confirm the waterway is managed by Canal & River Trust.
• Check whether the boat already has a CRT index number.
• Confirm the boat’s length and beam.
• Arrange suitable third-party insurance.
• Check the Boat Safety Scheme certificate expiry date.
• Decide whether you have a home mooring or will continuously cruise.
• Read the current CRT licence terms and conditions.
• Apply for the correct licence before cruising or mooring on CRT waters.
• Keep copies of all documents.
• Set reminders for licence, insurance and BSS renewal dates.

This simple preparation helps you start boat ownership on the right footing and reduces the chance of administrative surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CRT licence if my narrowboat is in a marina?

Usually, yes, if the marina is connected to CRT waters and the boat is kept afloat there. Some arrangements can vary, so check with the marina and CRT. Do not assume a marina mooring fee includes your boat licence unless it is clearly stated.

Can I live aboard with a standard private CRT licence?

A private CRT licence can cover a boat used as a home, but it does not automatically give you residential mooring rights. If you want to live permanently at a specific mooring, you need the correct mooring permission as well as the boat licence.

How far do I need to move as a continuous cruiser?

CRT does not define continuous cruising by one simple distance. The key point is that you must make a genuine progressive journey and not remain in one neighbourhood. You should normally move on within 14 days, unless a shorter signed limit applies or there is a reasonable reason to stay.

Can I get a CRT licence without a Boat Safety Scheme certificate?

Most powered boats need a valid BSS certificate before CRT will issue or renew a licence. Some simple boats may qualify for an exemption, but you must check the rules and make the correct declaration. If in doubt, ask CRT or a BSS examiner.

Does a CRT licence let me cruise every UK canal and river?

No. A CRT licence only applies to waterways managed by Canal & River Trust. Other navigation authorities have their own licences, registrations and rules. If your route includes non-CRT waters, check requirements before you travel.

Staying organised with your CRT licence

A CRT licence is not difficult to manage once you understand the basics. The key is to keep your documents current, choose the right licence, follow mooring rules and be honest about how you use your boat.

For most narrowboat owners, the best approach is simple: read the current CRT guidance, keep renewal dates in your calendar, maintain your boat safely and plan your cruising pattern sensibly. That way, your licence becomes just another part of smooth, enjoyable life on the waterways.