I did not know this.

[bill bligh]

I did not know this. Mrs B was telling me this morning that. Paddle Borders, Canoes, Kite Surfers, Kayaks in fact any water craft being used on any inland water way including the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. The person operating or driving the craft has to have a licence to do so. She had been reading something about people wanting to restrict Paddle Borders to certain areas for safety.
This got me thinking about rules of the road when we are out on in our boats power or sail be it on the sea or inland waters. Its with regards to Paddle Borders, Canoes, Kite Surfers, Kayaks in fact any water craft. I know that weather you are the stand on vessel or not it is still your responsibility to avoid contact with any other water craft. I posted here as my question covers a multitude of sins.

 

[Refueler]

My personal attitude to such - is to avoid wherever possible close encounters with them. I will steer away from them if I have enough water .... having had incidents with Jet skis and other idiots - I don't trust them to show any intelligence.

Like driving a car .. regard other drivers etc as idiots and liable to do unexpected ....

 

[vyv_cox]

I suspect this does not mean a competency licence, it means that users need to pay to use the waterways.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I suspect this does not mean a competency licence, it means that users need to pay to use the waterways.

Yes, that's correct. From : Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to use my canoe, kayak or paddleboard in the Broads?​

Yes, you will require either an annual toll or a short visit toll depending on how often you plan to use your craft in the water.

If you plan to use or keep your vessel for more than 28 days between 1st April and 31 March you need to register your craft and pay for an annual toll.

For those who plan to use their vessel for 28 days a year or less you can purchase a short visit toll.

If you are a member of British Canoeing you are licensed to canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard on any of the Broads Authority waterways including the main rivers and associated broads and dykes without requiring a toll on your craft.

 

[B27]

I suspect this does not mean a competency licence, it means that users need to pay to use the waterways.

I believe so.
AIUI, canoeists and paddle boarders (or is that board paddlers?) can get a 'licence' economically by joining the British Canoe Union.

 

[harvey38]

But is there anyone to police it???

 

[fredrussell]

But is there anyone to police it???

The Environment Agency have been a bit more active of late doing just that. I canoe once in a while but have never had the annual ‘licence’. Haven’t been asked yet, but have mates who have, recently.

 

[snowbird30ds]

There's ranger patrols on the broads that check tolls but how hot on sups and kayaks likely depends on the guy on the day.

 

[Clancy Moped]

I was never asked for my rod license ever, which was good because I never had one.

 

[Gixer]

The license is to use the waterway not a qualification to be in control of a watercraft. Very much the same as the rod license mentioned above.

 

[Clancy Moped]

The license is to use the waterway not a qualification to be in control of a watercraft. Very much the same as the rod license mentioned above.

I'm glad it wasn't a qualification! I was carp at fishing

 

[bill bligh]

I was never asked for my rod license ever, which was good because I never had one.

It makes on odds to me one way or the other. FYI If you do get caught I believe it is a criminal offence.

 

[ylop]

I did not know this. Mrs B was telling me this morning that. Paddle Borders, Canoes, Kite Surfers, Kayaks in fact any water craft being used on any inland water way including the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. The person operating or driving the craft has to have a licence to do so. She had been reading something about people wanting to restrict Paddle Borders to certain areas for safety.
This got me thinking about rules of the road when we are out on in our boats power or sail be it on the sea or inland waters. Its with regards to Paddle Borders, Canoes, Kite Surfers, Kayaks in fact any water craft. I know that weather you are the stand on vessel or not it is still your responsibility to avoid contact with any other water craft. I posted here as my question covers a multitude of sins.

Is there actually a question in there somewhere?

 

[Clancy Moped]

It makes on odds to me one way or the other. FYI If you do get caught I believe it is a criminal offence.

My point was no authorities ever came to check.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I suspect this does not mean a competency licence, it means that users need to pay to use the waterways.

Welcome to my world.

We have to pay to have our boats inspected to ensure they comply with the law by a tex funded organ of stste

 

[bill bligh]

Is there actually a question in there somewhere?

No

 

[bill bligh]

My point was no authorities ever came to check.

Good for you, never say never.

 

[Refueler]

Your are lucky ... over here - regular patrols on the river to check licence .... Rod and Boat ....

 

[DownWest]

Over here, recent checks on tickets to be out there. But, only for mobos, as saily boats don't need them. They are checking a bit on required safety kit, but that seems to be on mobos too.
All boats have to carry a compass, sound signal, flares, anchor, bailer, etc. A VHF does negate the flares on small boats now.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

It makes on odds to me one way or the other. FYI If you do get caught I believe it is a criminal offence.

Well, a few years ago there was a crackdown on fishing without a license on the rivers around Cambridge and Ely, and you're right that it is a criminal offense. Local sources suggest that the crackdown was triggered by people (mainly eastern European migrant workers) catching fish for food - of course, the policy is mostly catch and release. Operation Lungfish happened in 2021!