Following the Government’s announcement of 23rd June that overnight stays away from home will be permitted in England from 4th July 2020, this means that leisure boaters will be able to stay overnight on their boats and hire and hotel boat companies may resume trading.
Navigation will start again under ‘new normal’ socially distanced conditions from 4th July, although if the number of Covid-19 infections increases significantly, CRT will review this decision. See
CRT has already stated that any liveaboard boaters who are self-isolating, shielding or who are key workers will not normally have enforcement action taken against them if they overstay, but they need to inform CRT. All boaters without a home mooring are entitled by Section 17 (3) (c) (ii) of the British Waterways Act 1995 to stay in any one place for more than 14 days if this is reasonable in the circumstances. You do not need CRT’s permission to do this, but we would recommend telling CRT in writing by email or letter why you are staying more than 14 days.
We recommend that if you do not feel it is safe to move your boat due to the risk of catching or spreading Coronavirus, that you inform CRT in writing by letter or email as soon as possible. If you need support in dealing with any enforcement action against you please contact info@boatingcommunity.org.uk or 07928 078208.
See also http://kanda.boatingcommunity.org.uk/what-if-i-do-not-feel-safe-to-resume-moving-every-14-days/
Tags: 14 day rule, Coronavirus, enforcement, hire boats, hotel boats, leisure boating, lockdown, overnight stays, social distancing, Waterways Act 1995