River Thames: boat registration and other charges

All boats kept, used or let for hire on the River Thames must be registered in line with the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010.

If you have a boat and you keep it afloat or use it on the River Thames, you need to register it.

This requirement extends to every part of the non-tidal River Thames between Cricklade Bridge and Teddington Lock, and the short section of the tidal River Thames between Teddington Lock and the Port of London Authority’s boundary, including backwaters and marinas.

It also applies to the River Kennet between the River Thames and the Canal and River Trust’s boundary downstream of the High Bridge in Reading and to every part of the Jubilee River flood alleviation scheme.

Only unpowered open boats can use the Jubilee River flood alleviation scheme; powered boats are not permitted. It is not possible to navigate into the channel directly from the Thames. There are portage points to gain access and to pass the weirs. Please be mindful that the levels in the Jubilee River respond to high flows in the Thames and can change without warning.