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SHDC Boatmans licencing

To apply for a boatmans licence, please contact Salcombe Harbour, as they are run by South Hams District Council, who are the licencing authority.

Licenses will be issued on a case by case basis. Dart Harbour and SHDC reserve the right to cancel, suspend or withdraw any SHDC licenses and applications as appropriate, conduct random spot checks or ask for additional information as required by them.

FAQ guide for Boatmans.

SWRPA Blue Book – Guide.

12 Seat passenger vessels.

A variety of small passenger boats operate on the River Dart and a license is required.  The license is issued by South Hams District Council (Salcombe Harbour Office) for up to 12 passengers, for which Dart Harbour acts on their behalf.

To obtain a license for a vessel up to 12 passengers, please contact the Salcombe Harbour Office in the first instance will arrange a test for both the operator (Boatman’s Licence) and a vessel safety inspection.  This is conducted by Dart Harbour, who will carry out the relevant checks.

Hull condition surveys, mandatory safety equipment, and other various safety-related conditions will apply to each vessel, under the guidance of the Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code

For any new applications for passenger boats, the stability requirements as described in the MCA approved Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code must be met.

A Local Boatmans License is also a mandatory requirement for operators of these vessels and relevant RYA/MCA certificates will be taken into account as supporting qualifications.

N.B. New operators should also consider the logistics associated with running a boat-based commercial business. These include;

  • Mooring availability
  • Passenger embarkation and debarkation
  • Provisioning the vessel
  • Cleaning and maintenance
A Water Taxi licenced under the SHDC scheme.

Hire Boats

Hire Boats and operators need to apply to South Hams District Council, who will be able to advise further on the requirements and the applications process.

Self-drive hire operators will need to provide the following. This list is not exhaustive.

  • Operator to hold a operator’s licence
  • Each vessel to pass inspection & 5 yearly out of the water survey
  • Propeller guard to be considered (SWRPA guidelines)
  • Self-drive hire boat businesses to require a suitable waterfront premises.
  • Documentary proof of Risk assessments and safety/operating procedures
  • Third party and public liability insurance to a minimum of £3,000,000

SUP & Kayak/Canoe Tours

Operator’s need to apply to South Hams District Council, who will be able to advise further on the requirements and the applications process.

Guided trips and tours using human propelled craft such as kayaks and paddleboards. This list is not exhaustive.

  • Operator/guide to hold an operator’s licence
  • Each craft to pass inspection (buoyancy chambers, suitable leash or painter, good condition all round).
  • Documentary proof of Risk assessments and safety/operating procedures
  • Third party and public liability insurance to a minimum of £3,000,000

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