Third Party Insurance

[boatone]

Although the Environment Agency require proof of a valid Boat Safety Certificate to register a boat for use on the Thames, I believe I am right in saying they do not require any evidence or declaration of third party insurance cover.

Surely this should be mandatory ?

 

[No Regrets]

Not seen any evidence, nor has this been requested.

I agree though, what if some uninsured oik's blazing vessel were to drift past setting light to your pride and joy?

Stevens owners, stop laughing now, you'll still lose that Tender if nothing else other than a few scorch marks.

The rest of us will be swimming home! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[DogsBody]

I think you are correct in that the EA do not require insurance in order to obtain a license but I believe most marinas do, although I have never been asked to actually prove I have it.

 

[joejo]

I have never been asked by the EA or my marina for proof of insurance. I went on the River Way a few years ago, and at Thames lock they said 'as a Thames registered boat you will have provided insurance details so I don't need to see yours'. BW however will not issue a visitors licence until proof of insurance is provided.
I firmly believe proof of suitable insurance should be a condition before the issue of an annual or visitor licence on EA waters, in the same way that applies for car tax.

 

[TrueBlue]

Just you wait, \'Enry \'iggins, just you wait -

In the draft Transport and Works Order which EA quietly slipped under the wire (without any consultation), there appears the following:-

Insurance
1.—(1) The owner or master of a vessel must not keep, let for hire or use the vessel on the waterways or any adjacent waters unless there is in force in relation to the vessel a policy of insurance complying with the requirements of Schedule 3.

(2) The requirements of paragraph (1) do not apply in relation to a vessel to the extent that the vessel is exempted by the Agency from those requirements.

(3) The Agency may exempt any unpowered vessel or class of unpowered vessel from the application of paragraph (1) to such extent and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine if, having regard to its assessment of the risk of damage or injury which such insurance would provide cover against, it considers such exemption appropriate.

The Order may already be in force, or is winging its way through "the system" (or lack thereof). The Order says Coming into force 2008


so, be afraid, be very afraid.

 

[ADLS]

Just read the EA visitor registration form for the Medway and they ask for the boats insurers name and address. Doesn't mention producing evidence of insurance though.