Guidance

The boater's handbook: basic boat-handling and safety

Boating basics including essential knowledge and techniques you need to make sure you enjoy yourselves and stay safe on the water.

From:
Environment Agency
Published
1 July 2006
Last updated
309 MarchJanuary 20232025 — See all updates

Documents

The Boater’sBoater's Handbook

Ref: LIT 2642

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/go-boating/a-guide-to-boating/boaters-handbook https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/141.pdf

Details

Reading it before setting off will help you spot the risks yourself, and help you take simple action to avoid problems. If you do run into difficulties, this understanding will help you get out of trouble quickly and safely.

Click on the link below to watch five short animated films which take you through the simple steps to remember to keep yourself and others safe and look after the waterway environment.

Boating safely - YouTube

Updates to this page

Published 1 July 2006
Last updated 309 MarchJanuary 2023 2025 + show all updates

  1. Link to The Boater's Handbook updated.

  2. Link added to series of short Youtube videos on boat safety.

  4. Hard copies no longer available to order.

  6. New version published November 2014

  8. First published.

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