Must have TV licence

THE television licensing people are concerned at the number of resident boaters without a television licence, pointing out they must have the same licence as if living on land.

It seems there are boaters that are not taking out a television licence, with the authority pointing to those on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation and the Stort, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Vast database

Boaters are reminded that the BBC has a vast database of both householders and 'houseboat' owners, and the corporation is urging those who are living life afloat to make sure that if they watch or record television programmes that they are correctly licenced to do so.

It points out that if boaters are discovered with a television without a licence they stand to be find up to £1,000.  This applies whether the boat is permanently moored or cruising, and no matter what device is used or how the programmes are received.

This of course does not apply to leisure boaters who have a home television licence.