Name
Pleasure boat operator licence
Summary

To hire out water-bound non-powered pleasure crafts (including sailboards, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, motor boats, pedalos and larger boats) that are for personal use or carry passengers, you need a licence.

You must not carry more passengers than you are licensed to carry.

Legislation

Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907

Fees
Licence Fee 2024/25
Grant or renewal with Paddle UK delivery partnership scheme £148
Grant or renewal without Paddle UK delivery partnership scheme (plus boat inspection fee) £429
Change of business name £21
Transfer £54
Variation £253 plus £236 if committee hearing required
Copy of licence £21
Application and guidance notes

You will need to complete one of the following application forms and return it with the application fee and listed supporting information to Herefordshire Council, Licensing Team, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE or email licensing@herefordshire.gov.uk

For businesses working towards, or who have, the Paddle UK delivery partnership scheme, the pleasure boat operator application with Paddle UK delivery partnership form must be completed and submitted together with:

  • A copy of the valid Public Liability Insurance Certificate (with minimum cover of £1,000,000)
  • Evidence of either working towards or having obtained the Paddle UK Delivery Partnership Scheme Certificate
  • The relevant fee

For businesses who do not wish to follow the Paddle UK route of the delivery partnership scheme, the pleasure boat operator application without Paddle UK delivery partnership form must be completed and submitted together with:

  • A copy of your valid Public Liability Insurance Certificate (with minimum cover of £5,000,000)
  • The inspection report from a suitably qualified inspector
  • The relevant fee

These businesses are responsible for finding a suitably qualified inspector and the full payment of the pleasure craft inspection fee. For any queries regarding the delivery partnership scheme, please contact British Canoeing directly.

Register
Contact us to view the public register.
Complaints
Contact us in the first instance.
Contact details

Please contact us by email or telephone. All calls are dealt with by our contact centre staff and are allocated to an officer who will take action on the service request within one to ten working days.

Our telephone operating hours are 9am - 4.15pm.