13 February 2026

Since the BBC report at the end of last year about boat licenses in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch local authority area, British Marine has been reassured by the local authority (BCP) that it has no plans to extend the current licensing regime to other types of boats, such as sailing dinghies owned by training centres, but is consulting on a new policy that is designed to improve its existing pleasure boat licensing regime.

BCP’s current boat licensing regime applies to its Class B and Class C pleasure boats, including motorboats and PWCs such as jet skis and e-foils -  as well as to boatpersons.  It only applies to commercial hire vessels operating in its Category B and C inland waters,  such as Poole Harbour and Christchurch Harbour (excluding The Run) and not affect private boat owners nor commercial vessels that go out to sea and which come under MCA regulations.

The new draft policy is designed to ensure its licensing regime for pleasure boats and  boatpersons better protects public health and safety and provides clear guidance as to what requirements need to be met before a license can be issued.  

Having considered the draft policy, British Marine is not minded to challenge the proposed licensing requirements which seem reasonable and could help safeguard the excellent reputation of our industry in that area.  However, if members do have any concerns, they may wish to respond directly to the consultation via this link before its closes on 12  March.  Alternatively, please contact our External Affairs Manager, Joanna Richardson via jrichardson@britishmarine.gov.uk no later than Friday 6 March.