Local Authority Licences for Boats and Boatmen

In certain circumstances there is an alternative to the MCA Codes of Practice. Under Section 94 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907, local authorities may issue a licence to vessels to be let for hire or to be used for carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire and that do not go beyond MCA Category D waters.

In days gone by, this legislation was fairly basic and simple to apply for. However, in recent years the MCA have brought pressure to bear on the local authorities, who have in general fallen in line with full Code of Practice requirements, negating any advantages that a local licence may have had over full compliance with the Codes.

For further details of Local Authority Licensing you should contact your relevant local authority licensing department.

Licensing Act 2003

The changes in licensing requirements bought in with the 2003 Licensing Act had significant implications for charter yachts operating in the UK. The new law required any vessel selling or supplying alcohol to customers whilst on board the vessel to be licensed to do so.

The PCA tried to put the case for exemption for Small Commercial Vessels, both directly to the Department for Culture Media & Sport and through the YBDSA, but were unsuccessful in doing so.

The process of obtaining a Premises Licence for your vessel and Personal Licence for the owner or skipper is relatively straightforward, although a little long-winded. You can get all the information you need from your local authority licensing department.

The Professional Charters Association
The Professional Charters Association