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: 9 January 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 9 January 2025

     Link to The Boater's Handbook updated.

  2. 30 March 2023

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

  3. 26 July 2018

     Hard copies no longer available to order.

  4. 7 November 2014

     New version published November 2014

  5. 1 July 2006

     First published.

Documents

The Boater's Handbook

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/go-boating/a-guide-to-boating/boaters-handbook

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