Pleasure Boat Licences

Pleasure boats and small vessels used for carrying passengers or hired for leisure need a licence to operate.

Who Should Apply

All operators of pleasure boats and vessels carrying 12 passengers and under, operating within a distance of 3 miles seaward and used for hiring need to be licensed. Operating outside this will require approval from the Department of Transport.

Apply Online

We work in partnership with Business Link to issue all of our licences online. You will be required to follow these steps:

Complete the Business Link questionnaire on 'Your Business'
Receive a checklist of all licences that apply to you
Apply for each licence from the Business Link results page.

By creating a Business Link account, your results will be stored in your profile. You may log-in and return to them in your own time. In addition to listing all the licences required, the questionnaire results will also detail the regulations your business should meet as well as provide further help and guidance.

Apply By Post

You can apply for a licence by downloading the document below and completing it on paper. Please return it to us by post or email.

Tel: 01273 484354
Email: licensing@lewes.gov.uk

Environmental Health
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road,Lewes
BN7 1AB

PDF
PDF Pleasure Boat Licence - Application Form (0.03mb)

Fees

No fee is required

Application Process

On receipt of a completed application form a check of the vessel may be undertaken prior to the licence being issued.

Further Information

Operating conditions:

Owners shall at all times comply with the Byelaws made by the Harbour Authority. Authorised officers may carry out inspection to ensure licence conditions are being met.

The hull should be sound, the vessel stable and its equipment complete and in good condition. Instructions to use radio equipment should be clearly exhibited and adjacent to the set.

A boatman or other licence holder should be in charge when carrying passengers and instruct them on the use of safety equipment. Life-belts and fire extinguishers should be stowed in-view and instructions regarding their use should be clearly displayed.

Insurance and indemnity:

The licensee shall insure against third-party risk and all liability to passengers. This should indemnify us against all claims that may arise.

The insurance shall be continued for the period that the licence is in force and the original policy and receipt for the current premium shall be produced by the licensee if and when demanded.

Register of Licences

We keep a public register of all licences issued and held within the Lewes district. Search online for details now.

Public Register Of Licences And Registrations >>

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