I am responding to your current consultation on behalf of the National Association of Boat Owners (NABO). We note that these proposals have been discussed for many years.

As a principle NABO is in favour of licensing which in turn should bring in the requirement for boats to have a minimum level of insurance and also a boat safety certificate. Any such license should have reciprocal agreements with Environment Agency and the Canal and River Trust.

However if boaters are required to purchase a license they should expect the licensing authority to provide adequate boater facilities currently these are pretty much limited to those provided by March Town Council (water and pump out) and Well Creek Trust (water). Boaters would also expected to be provided wit sufficient visitor moorings and cruising depth. Facilities perhaps could be provided by the locks at Stanground and Soham junction and access times reviewed accordingly

Mark Tizard