New hire boat code will increase costs

THE consultation on proposed changes to the Hire Boat Code by British Marine and the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities will result in increased costs for businesses.

Which of course will have have an effect on boat hire costs, Roger Fox reports.

Advances in boat design

The proposal of changes includes advances in boat design, regulation and operation which have come into force since the first code was published in 2008.

The new revised code is intended to be mandatory and could result it is believed in higher costs for hire businesses.

Proposed changes

Proposed changes include responsibilities for hire boat operators, hirers and hire boat licensing authorities of  powered boats of all lengths, as well as amendments to key technical standards, the purpose being for safe business operations, clarification of operators, navigation authorities and user responsibilities.

The consultation period will close on the 9th March, 2020, with the new code replacing the existing 'Code for the Design, Construction and Operation of Hire Boats'.