FAQs

Availability of moorings?

http://www.waterwaynetwork.com/site/SearchforMoorings_2766.asp

allows you to search for details of marinas and moorings on individual waterways. Alternatively, try contacting the relevant navigation authority.

Boat handling courses?

The Royal Yachting Association runs an Inland Waters Helmsman's Course. See www.rya.org.uk/training/courses.asp for details.

Boating?

Basic information on navigation is available on IWA's website click here...
The Inland Waterways Manual is an excellent guidance and is available from
www.iwashop.com  Click here

Boat Safety Scheme?

The scheme was established in 1997 by the Environment Agency and British Waterways to promote safety on the inland waterways in respect of boats, their installations and components. They remain the main sponsors but all members of the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities have since adopted the scheme. The certificate could be compared to a MoT but is valid for four years. Further information is available from www.boatsafetyscheme.com.

Buying a boat?

Basic information on buying a boat is available on IWA's website here  A free booklet entitled 'How to buy a boat for canal or river' is available on request from IWA Head Office. The 'Waterways World Annual' comprehensively covers buying a boat. Available for £4.95 from www.iwashop.com or free when you join IWA.

Can I send used postage stamps to IWA for fundraising?

Used postage stamps, aluminium products, old coins, and banknotes, used telephone cards, trading stamps and coupons can all be turned into cash to help waterways restoration!!

Stamps etc should sent to

IWA/WRG Stamp Bank, 33 Hambleton Grove, Emerson Valley, Milton Keynes, MK4 2JS.

For further information also check out the WRG website

www.wrg.org.uk/postage_stamps.htm

Can I spread ashes of the dead in rivers and streams?

The Environment Agency advises that there is no evidence to suggest that the disposal of human ashes in rivers and streams has a negative impact on the environment.  However, other aspects of these practices, such as casting tributes and other objects into the water could harm the environment or upset other river users.  Individual ceremonies are unlikely to pollute the water but you should comply with Environment Agency guidelines.  A free Environment Agency leaflet offers guidance on completing the practice without causing harm.  The leaflet is available from here  or by telephoning the Agency's customer contact centre on 08708 506506.

Canoeing or using other man-powered craft?

Membership of the British Canoe Union allows you to use the Thames and most of British Waterways network. Permission to use other waterways is at the discretion of the owners and will be known by local canoe clubs. Further information can be found at the British Canoe Union's website - www.bcu.org.uk

Cycling alongside waterways?

Hundreds of miles of waterside paths are available for cycling but a few are not, due to width, surface or because cycle users would be a danger to others. See

www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/cycling/permit

for information about where you can cycle and whether you need a cycle permit.

Family History Relating to the waterways

The London Canal Museum has put together an excellent Family History Checklist to help with researching family history linked with the waterways:
http://www.canalmuseum.org.uk/collection/family-history.htm
For further information on family history, industrial heritage and the evolution of the canal system search VIRTUAL WATERWAYS. This is a new on-line database of 60,000 waterways records from the 17th century to the near present day.

Finding a speaker to talk to my local group?

A list of IWA volunteers willing to give talks about the waterways or on related topics is available on request from IWA Head Office.

Going on a Hotel Boat?

Hotel boats provide a way for people who are unable to cruise themselves to get afloat. Hotel boat customers cover a great range of people including IWA members, first timers on the canal, people unable to get afloat any longer without help, and people who wish to try out canals but are unsure of their own abilities. For more information click here...

Hiring a boat?

Details of boat hire companies based on individual waterways are available on the Waterways Information pages of IWA's website here and from www.waterscape.com. A full list of hire companies and a map showing their position on the waterways is included in the 'Waterways World Annual'. Available for £4.95 from www.iwashop.com or free when you join IWA. In addition, IWA's guidance on planning a hire boat trip is available here.

Hiring out my boat or setting up another waterway business?

Contact British Waterways - enquiries.hq@britishwaterways.co.uk or The Association of Pleasure Craft Operators - apco@britishmarine.co.uk British Marine Federation - www.britishmarine.co.uk

How can we calculate the monetary value of voluntary work on the waterways?

The Heritage Lottery Fund sets rates that may be used to calculate the monetary value of volunteer work when calculating match funding for its grants. Up to date rates should be available from the Fund's offices - tel: 0845 2750000.

How do I report a fault on the waterways?

Most canals are maintained by British Waterways who also maintain some river navigations. You can contact them either via their central customer services department ; or via  the regional office responsible for the maintenance of the particular stretch of waterway.

River navigations are in the main the responsibility of the Environment Agency .

Alternatively , you can use IWA's simple to use Lengthsman forms to report;

Abandoned trolleys in watercourses,

Faulty locks,

Other maintenance issues.affecting the safety or enjoyment of the waterways network.

We'll electronically forward the report on your behalf.

How to operate locks?

Basic information on operating locks is available on IWA's website click here.... The IWA Manual 'Canal and River Cruising' also provides excellent guidance and is available from www.iwashop.com for £7.95.

Insurance policies for IWA's corporate members?

An overview and contact details on how to gain further information about IWA's insurance policies can be found on IWA's website - click here ...

Joining The Inland Waterways Association

Details of individual and corporate membership can be found on the membership pages of IWA's website - click here

Licence requirements?

Contact the relevant navigation authority listed below or given for individual waterways on the Waterways Information pages of IWA's website click here...

Living afloat?

Basic information on living afloat is available on IWA's website at click here.... There is an excellent guide 'Living Afloat' written by the Residential Boat Owners Association, which costs £7.50. It is available from www.iwashop.com.

Looking after my boat?

Basic information on looking after a boat is available on IWA's website here. In addition, books on boat maintenance are available at www.iwashop.com

Safety and emergencies?

Basic information on safety and emergencies is available on IWA's website. Click here

TV licences in boats

The rules governing TV licenses can be accessed at http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/secondhome.jsp#link1

If you live on the boat as your main residence  you will need a licence , if you use the boat as a second home you are covered by your existing TV licence for your main residence .

Using VHF radio?

Information on the use of VHF radio is available on IWA's website click here...

Waterway crafts and courses?

A number of waterway museums run courses throughout the year. Links to their websites can be found here...  A good selection of books is also available from www.iwashop.com.

Waterways festivals and rallies?

Details of all festivals and rallies that have been brought to IWA's attention are available on IWA's website click here... and details of local events are available on the relevant branch or region page - click here... Join as an IWA member and you will receive information about lectures, events and social get-togethers throughout the country.

Where can I find information on boats that are accessible to wheelchair users?

If you or some of your party have specific requirements, such as needing a boat with wheelchair access, the National Community Boat Association has a listing of members which can be searched by area: www.national-cba.co.uk/

Also there is further information on the RYA site www.sailability.co.uk

On 2nd June 2006, a new initiative, called Canalways, to improve access to the inland waterways for the disabled, was launched. The initiative has been created by disabled people to ensure their collective voice is heard in relation to improving waterways to enable their ease of use. The initiative has a new web site at www.canalways.org.uk.

Which navigation authority is responsible for the waterway I am interested in?

The main navigation authorities are:

British Waterways - www.britishwaterways.co.uk, enquiries.hq@britishwaterways.co.uk
The Environment Agency - www.environment-agency.gov.uk/navigation
The Broads Authority -www.broads-authority.gov.uk
The Port of London Authority -www.portoflondon.co.uk
Manchester Ship Canal and Bridgewater Canal -www.shipcanal.co.uk
The Basingstoke Canal Authority -www.basingstoke-canal.co.uk
The National Trust (River Wey) -www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Details of the navigation authority are given for each of the individual Waterways Information pages on IWA's website - click here...

Which waterway is suitable for a visit?

An overview of the different features offered by some of the waterways can be found on IWA's website click here... There is also a description of each of the waterways in the Waterways World Annual. Available for £4.95 from www.iwashop.com or free when you join the IWA. The 'Lockmaster map of the Principal Inland Navigations - Holiday Planner of England & Wales' is also given free to new members.

Width and length restrictions on inland waterways?

Waterway dimensions of many waterways are available on the Waterways Information pages of IWA's website - click here from the waterways guides on www.waterscape.com by enquiry to the appropriate navigation authority or from publications available from www.iwashop.com.