First time applicants can only apply by post

River authorities are warning boaters not to leave their application for registration too late.

The good weather has brought people out on to the water and hundreds of applications have been received, according to the Environment Agency, which regulates users on the River Thames as well as several other inland waterways in the UK.

‘People found using a boat on the Thames without a registration may find themselves being given a police style caution and facing prosecution,’ added a spokesman. Last year 300 boats were caught without a license.

The Agency usually takes less than 10 days to process applications – although people who get in early and avoid the busiest period get their registration done more quickly.

Official advice
Getting registered is now even easier:

Customers from previous years can renew your annual registration, you can do so over the telephone by credit or debit card by calling our craft registration team on 0118 953 5650.

If you plan to visit the River Thames this year then we have three types of visitor registrations available and we offer the option to mix and match to suite your river holiday needs, giving a total of 67 days on the beautiful River Thames.

If you require an annual registration for the first time, applications can only be made by post.

See the Environment Agency website for more details