Boat & Skipper licences

Overview 

The Torridge Estuary is defined as waters within a line bearing 200 degrees from the lighthouse at Crow Point to the shore at Skern Point.  Vessels are licensed  in accordance with the MCA Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code and the 'Recommendations and Regulations Affecting the Licensing and Operation of Small Craft' issued by the South West Regional Standing Committee on Safety of Small Craft.

The Council can license vessels which carry up to 12 passengers.  If your vessel has capacity for more than 12 passengers, you will need to apply to the Maritime and Coastguard agency for a licence.

The Council will attach conditions to Licences.

Apply for a boat licence

If you wish to apply for a Pleasure Boat Licence, your vessel will require inspection by a qualified marine surveyor or other person authorised by the Council to ensure it is seaworthy. The surveyor/authorised person will make a charge for this.  You will also need to have minimum Public Liability insurance cover of £3,000,000.

To apply you will need to:

• read the information for applicants (PDF, 252 KB) and  our licensing policy for small commercial vessels (PDF, 327 KB)
• ensure you meet the requirements
• complete the application form
• provide supporting documents
• pay the appropriate application fee

Apply now
on the GOV.UK website

You can also renew an existing boat licence.

If you don't want to apply online, you can download an application form (PDF, 132 KB) to complete, and send it back to us.

Apply for a Skipper's licence

If you wish to skipper a vessel licensed by the Council, you will need to submit a separate application for a Skipper's Licence.  You will be required to undergo a test of your competence and have a medical examination with your GP.  Your GP will make a charge for this.

To apply, you will need to:

• read the information for applicants (PDF, 252 KB) and  our licensing Policy for Small Commercial Vessels (PDF, 327 KB)
• ensure you meet the requirements
• download and complete the application form (PDF, 123 KB)
• send it back to us, along with copies of supporting documents

Apply for an operator licence

Operator licences cover a particular category of vessel and will apply to those offering a variety of marine pursuits and will cover self-drive hire businesses as well as the hire of canoes, pedaloes, jet skis, sailboards etc. 

To apply, you will need to:

• read the information for applicants (PDF, 252 KB) and  our licensing Policy for Small Commercial Vessels (PDF, 327 KB)
• ensure you meet the requirements
• download and complete the application form (PDF, 123 KB)
• send it back to us, along with copies of supporting documents

Contact us

If you have any queries, or require help with your application, please contact the Licensing Team.

• email: licensing@torridge.gov.uk
• phone: 01237 428700
• post: Licensing Team, Torridge District Council, Riverbank House, Bideford EX39 2QG