Pleasure Boat, Vessel and Boatperson Licensing Policy Consultation

Pleasure Boat Licensing is covered under s.84 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1907 (as amended).

There are currently existing licensing arrangements for Pleasure Boat Licensing in the former Purbeck and East Dorset Council administrative areas.  The Council intends to introduce a new Pleasure Boat, Vessel and Boatperson Licensing Policy covering the whole of the Dorset Council administrative area.

A new draft Policy has been prepared by officers to be published for consultation in order to give a fair, consistent and equitable approach across the Dorset Council area. This would give the Council, as Licensing Authority greater control over the licensing of pleasure craft and ensure that all operators and boatmen are subject to the same application, enforcement and licence conditions regardless of where they trade.

We are seeking your views on the new draft policy. The policy covers the use of pleasure boats, vessels and boatpersons in Dorset Council areas. The policy does not regulate activities which fall under the jurisdiction of the Weymouth, Bridport or Lyme Regis Harbourmaster or sea going vessels outside of the Harbourmasters Jurisdiction which are licensed by the MCA (or Certifying Authority).

The policy is broken down into 6 main sections with an additional 5 annexes.