Boat Safety Scheme
NABO has long serving members who contribute to the management of the Boat Safety Scheme. They are not examiners, just boaters with a technical background and an eagerness in representing the user’s interest. NABO has representation at technical, advisory and management levels within the scheme and over the years has been a leading influence in […]
British Waterways Act 1995
NABO was formed at the time that this Act of Parlament was being debated and drafted. NABO members took part in many of consultations. This Act affects all boaters on waterways controlled by CRT (previously BW), and one part of the Act governs the right of boaters to continously cruise. NABO secured 28 amendments to […]
BW Waterways Standards
This document, which sets out the standards for depth, facilities, etc. on waterways controlled by BW, is available to all boaters at a nominal charge, thanks to NABO. BW had refused to make copies available to the public. NABO took BW to the Waterways Ombudsman over this, and won.
Canal Closures
NABO wants waterway closures and restrictions to be minimised. Too often canals are closed for long periods and inadequate notice is given of stoppages and restrictions. NABO is represented at the National Stoppages meeting and its Regional Secretaries monitor planned closures and argue the case for more opening periods, better synchronisation and longer advanced notice.
Dredging
NABO continues to promote more dredging. Pressure from NABO and others secured a 50% increase in BW’s Southern Region dredging budget over a five year period.
Boat Licensing and Moorings
NABO was victorious in taking BW to the Waterway Ombudsman over the lack of consultation concerning boat licence fee increases.
Boating Issues at Local Level
NABO ‘s system of regional and local level representation provides a valuable means of cross fertilisation of ideas between different waterways. There have been many instances where NABO representatives have been able to cite productive thinking on one waterway to benefit others.
Navigation Authority Accountability
NABO’s campaign for an Independent Waterways Regulator for all waterways, has added significantly to BW’s resolve to overhaul their complaints and consultation procedures and produce a statement of intent document titled ‘Openness and Accountability’.
The Future of Navigation
The Future of Navigation NABO was consulted by the Department of the Environment over the future of navigation under two major UK inland navigation authorities – the Environment Agency and British Waterways. NABO recommended, and continues to urge, greater liaison and co-ordination between the different waterway authorities.