We all know the rules as continuous cruisers. Move every 14 days, ideally into the next Parish and don’t shuttle backwards and forwards from point A to B. You must be geniunely navigating the waterway.

Actually it’s a little more complicated than that. But what happens if you’re physically unable to do this? Vunerable boaters or those with physical or mental health difficulties may find it difficult to follow the rules. This could be due to health issues or it could be due to logistical issues caused by health, such as having access to healthcare or shops.

The Welfare Department

The Canal and River Trust have a Welfare Department which can help organise an equality adjustment. This could be in the form of an authorised overstay, or longer stay times, such as three weeks instead of two, making sure everyone can access and enjoy the waterways.

The Trust has an equality policy that, under the Equality Act 2010, sets out
their approach to making sure everyone can access and use our waterways. They’ve got a specific process for making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to your
normal cruising regulations for disabled boaters and people with protected
characteristics.

These include, but are not limited to:

• How they deliver their services.
• What physical adjustments they may make to their facilities.
• How they may make reasonable adjustments for disabled boaters without a home mooring.
• Other provisions they may make for boaters without home moorings.
  How they will review and monitor cases.

You can find out more about the Canal and River Trust’s Policy by clicking here. To apply for an equality adjustment or get more info you should email the Canal and River Trust at: Adjustments@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Wide beam boat surcharge

If you require a wide beam boat because of a disability, then you may be
exempt from the wide beam licence surcharge. When you purchase or renew your licence you can select the exemption option. Detail of why a wide beam boat is needed should be provided and you need to upload documentation in support of your request for the surcharge to be waived, into your customer account. This could be details of your diagnosis, medical reports etc. Please note that sick notes, prescriptions, or GP appointments are not sufficient.

Authorising an Overstay

If you need to stay moored in one place longer than the permitted two weeks you need to apply for an overstay. Approved overstay requests can be made via your online customer account on the Canal and River Trust’s Website.

If you need to stay longer because your boat’s broken down, you’ve had an
incident or accident or become ill, please log into your boat licensing
account to request an extended stay.

If additional time is needed due to illness, they will ask for medical verification for longer than 6 weeks.

Contacting Welfare

You can contact the Canal & River Trust’s Welfare Department by calling 0303 040 4040. Alternatively you can contact them by email: welfare.mailbox@canalrivertrust.org.uk