Do You Need a Licence for an Inflatable Boat in the UK? Here's What You Need to Know

Inflatable boats are an affordable and accessible way to get out on the water. Still, before you launch, it’s essential to understand what licence or permission you may need, especially if you're planning to use your inflatable boat with an outboard at sea, on a loch, river, or canal.

 

Please read our guide, which provides insight, including who to contact for permits and licensing. But always check with your local authority in the region you live in or plan to explore, as specific rules and other regulations may apply or have changed since this guide was written.

 

Using an Inflatable Boat at Sea (Coastal Waters)

 

Good news: you don’t need a licence to operate a small inflatable boat at sea in the UK, as long as it’s for recreational use. However, while most of the coast is accessible, you must check for permit requirements around the Wales and Wirral areas.

 

While there’s no formal requirement, it’s strongly recommended that you:

- Wear a life jacket at all times.

- Carry basic safety gear (such as a VHF radio and flares).

-  Know how to read tide tables and weather conditions.

- Avoid venturing too far offshore without proper experience or equipment.

 

In short, double-check before you launch, stay safe and follow the Maritime and Coastguard Agency guidance. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency

 

Using an Inflatable Boat with an Outboard on Scottish Lochs

 

Most lochs are open to the public, but some, for example Loch Lomond, are regulated.

You must register your vessel and follow the speed and access rules set by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority.

If you are in this area, you will need to contact:

Website: www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

Phone: 01389 722600

Email: info@lochlomond-trossachs.org

 

Using an Inflatable Boat with an Outboard on Rivers Owned by the Canal River Trust

 

Check to see if the river or canal is owned by the Canal River Trust here - https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers.

If so, you’ll usually need a licence or registration to use your boat. You may also need a Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate and insurance if the boat is motorised, and in most cases, this is required before you can register or buy a licence for inland waterways. Information about this can be found on their website.

 

Thereafter, there are three options;

 

Long-term licences

You can buy your long-term licence at any time of the year. They start on the first day of the month and last for either three months, six months or 12 months. You can only buy a three-month licence if you have a home mooring.

 

Short-term visitor licences

You can buy a short-term licence at any point in the year. They're valid for one week or one month. The 30-day 'Explorers' visitor licence gives you up to 30 days' use, which you can use anytime within 12 months of issue. The days do not need to be consecutive.

 

Gold licences

If you regularly use the waterways and those owned by the Environment Agency (EA), you can save money on your boat licence by having a combined gold licence. All gold licences run from 1 January and expire on 31 December. You may be eligible for a part-year licence if you have not previously held a gold licence.

 

Licenses can be bought via the website with further information https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers

Other Canals and Rivers Not Managed by the Canal and River Trust - Check With These Main Authorities:

 

England

Environment Agency – Manages rivers like the Thames, Medway, and parts of the East Anglia waterways.

Website: www.gov.uk/ea-boat-registration

Phone: 03708 506 506

 

Wales

Natural Resources Wales

Website: naturalresources.wales

Phone: 0300 065 3000

 

Scotland

Scottish Canals – Covers the Caledonian, Forth & Clyde, Union, Crinan, and Monkland Canals

Website: www.scottishcanals.co.uk

Phone: 0141 332 6936

 

Quick Summary

 

Using an Inflatable Boat on Lakes

 

Some Lakes Allow Free Access

Many smaller or remote lakes, especially in Scotland, are open-access and do not require a licence or permit, particularly if:

 

- You’re not using a motor.

- The landowner hasn't restricted boating.

- Parking, launching, and access points may be privately owned, so always check for signage.

 

Some Lakes Require a Permit or Licence

Larger or more popular lakes, especially those with managed facilities, often require:

 

- A day permit or seasonal launch licence.

- Registration is required for motorised boats or boats of a specific size.

- Adherence to local bylaws (like speed restrictions or access hours).

 

Here are some examples:

 

Lake District (England)

Managed by the Lake District National Park Authority, with different rules for each lake.

 

Windermere (most regulated):

- Requires registration for powered boats and a strict 10 mph speed limit.

- Non-powered inflatables are allowed, but launching may be limited to certain slipways.

 

Derwent Water, Coniston Water, Ullswater:

- Generally allow inflatable boats, but launching is restricted to specific areas.

- Some charge a launch fee or a parking fee.

 

Lake District National Park Authority

Website: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

Phone: 01539 724555

 

Rutland Water (England)

 

- Managed by Anglian Water.

- Boating is permitted only with pre-booked permits.

- Certain areas may restrict inflatables altogether.

Anglian Water Parks

Website: www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk

Phone: 01780 686800

 

 

Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid – Wales)

 

- Managed by Snowdonia National Park.

- You must have a day or annual permit, available online or from local outlets.

- Life jackets are mandatory.

Snowdonia National Park Authority

Website: www.eryri.llyw.cymru

Phone: 01766 770274

 

Summary

 

Lake or Area	Inflatable Allowed?	Licence/Permit?	Contact Authority
Windermere	Yes	Often Yes	Lake District National Park
Ullswater / Coniston	Yes	Sometimes	Lake District National Park
Rutland Water	Sometimes	Yes	Anglian Water Parks
Lake Bala (Wales)	Yes	Yes	Snowdonia National Park Authority
Smaller Lakes	Varies	Often No	Check local signage or the council website

Final Tips and Licence Overview:

 

Before heading out, always check the managing authority's website or visitor centre for up-to-date rules on launching, permits, and safety requirements.

Check local bylaws before launching, especially in national parks or protected areas.

The requirements are stricter if an inflatable boat with an outboard is used.

Consider public liability insurance for peace of mind, even if it is not mandatory.

 

Licences & Permits

 

Here are the key authorities to check before launching. Some lakes and rivers may require a launch permit or charge a fee for using their facilities, especially if you are using a public or private slipway.

 

Environment Agency:

For rivers and lakes in England & Wales: gov.uk/boat-registration

 

Canal & River Trust:

For canals, navigable rivers, and reservoirs: canalrivertrust.org.uk

 

Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park:

For Scottish inland waters: lochlomond-trossachs.org