Boat hire licence
Licence summary
If you own or operate a boat and let it out for hire or to carry no more than 12 passengers for reward, you must be licensed. Licences are available from your local authority. You must comply with any conditions attached to a licence.
Eligibility Criteria
Your application must be in writing (including by electronic means), in the form specified by the Local Authority and accompanied by any requested fee. You must be a fit and proper person and not be disqualified from holding a licence. You may be required to produce a certificate issued by a suitably qualified person stating that the vessel is suitably designed, constructed, maintained and equipped and in a safe condition for its intended use.
Regulation Summary
See the External Links section on this page for the regulation summary.
Application Evaluation Process
Applications will not be granted if the Local Authority believe the vessel is not safe or suitable for the proposed purpose of use. You must have an insurance policy approved by the Local Authority. Public notice of the application may be given in a local newspaper and objections may be considered.
The Local Authority may make such reasonable inquiries as they think fit and include the results of these inquiries in matters they take into account, but where they intend to include any of these results they must notify you. You may be given the opportunity to make representations.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply online
Please use the link under the External Links section on this page to submit an application.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. You can request reasons in writing for the refusal within 28 days of the date of the decision. You may appeal to the sheriff against the decision which must be lodged within 28 days from the date of the decision.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. You can request reasons in writing for a refusal to renew, a variation or suspension of a licence within 28 days of the date of the decision. You may appeal to the sheriff against the decision which must be lodged within 28 days from the date of the decision.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre. See the Related External Links at the bottom of the page for links
Other Redress
If your application is refused you cannot apply again in respect of the same activity in the same area within one year of the refusal unless there has been a material change of circumstances. Any party to an appeal to the sheriff may appeal on a point of law from the sheriff's decision to the Court of Session within 28 days from the date of that decision.
Trade Associations
None