New boat licences in bid to improve water safety

Operators of pleasure boats and personal watercraft on parts of the Dorset coast will require new licences under plans set to be introduced to improve safety.

BCP Council is set to establish its first Pleasure Boat and Boatperson policy, covering vessels in Poole and Christchurch harbours.

It would mean boat owners would have to demonstrate their craft are "safe and well-maintained", with annual inspections and surveys of the hull.

Operators of hired personal watercraft would also have to provide a safety boat or another way to rescue customers in an emergency.

A draft policy was approved in 2023 but did not progress due to "unavoidable delays".

The policy means anyone hiring out boats or carrying paying passengers must now hold the right licence before starting business.

Under the new rules, operators would be required to have £5m public liability insurance, safety plans for skippered boats, and named skippers who each hold a council-issued boatperson licence.

They also state that personal watercraft cannot be hired to anyone under 14 unaccompanied by an adult or anyone under the influence of alcohol, and can only be operated during daylight hours.

Boatperson licences would be required for anyone navigating or assisting with passenger boats.

Applicants must be over 18, medically fit and trained in first aid - including hypothermia treatment.

A council report said: "Public safety will be supported by ensuring the boats/vessels are maintained in good order and anyone in charge or passengers meets the required standard for knowledge, and fitness."

The policy is due to be discussed by BCP Council's licensing committee ahead of a six-week consultation next year.

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