If you want to operate a pleasure boat or pleasure vessel carrying passengers for hire, you must obtain a pleasure boat licence. 

Apply for a pleasure boat licence

If you want to be in charge of or navigate a pleasure boat, you must obtain a pleasure boatman licence.

Apply for a pleasure boatman licence (pdf 33kb) 

For either of these licences, you will also need to:

• meet the points highlighted in our guidance notes on pleasure boat and boatman licences (pdf 189KB)
• pay the appropriate application fee 
   

Conditions

There are conditions linked to both these licences. These highlight a number of standard conditions such as where operation is permitted, during which hours and the number of passengers to be carried. However, other conditions may be placed on your licence depending on the type of vessel you have.

• Pleasure boat licence conditions (pdf 41KB)
• Pleasure boatman licence conditions (pdf 26KB)

Further information

• Notify us of a change of circumstances
• Information on the competency assessment for boatmen (pdf 21KB)
• Certificate of seaworthiness (pdf 30KB)
• MCA Seafarer Medical Report Form and Certificate (pdf 687KB)
• Pleasure boat and pleasure vessel equipment standards (pdf 22KB)