Introduction

This is a website primarily for people new to boating on the UK Inland Waterways. If you are an experienced boater then you will already practice all that we talk about here and this site isn't for you. We have no desire to appear to be patronising.

If you want to learn or improve your practical skills then there are many excellent training establishments, (see our "Waterways Links" page).

But if you want to learn what is acceptable, (and unacceptable), behaviour on the waterways then browse this web site.

Considerate Boater reviews many practises that you might want to adopt to keep harmony on the UK Inland Waterways.

Simple things like keeping your music down to a dull roar and not behaving badly after a drink are obvious. But etiquette at locks, moorings and winding holes may not be so obvious to the newcomer to boating.

Hirers are often on the receiving end of disrespect from established boat owners because of their "apparent" lack of consideration. In reality, hirers are usually the most polite of users and it is only perhaps a lack of knowledge that makes them appear to be inconsiderate. Hire boat operators have our sympathy. They have very little time to hand over a lifetime of experience to their customers.

So make your way through the web site, take the "light hearted" quiz and even suggest considerate ideas of your own through our "Contact" page.

You might also want to be a Private or Corporate supporter by completing the form on the “Support” page.

Aims?
The aim of this initiative is to promote considerate boating and good boating etiquette on the inland waterways in the UK.

Why?
This isn't a commercial campaign. There are no adverts here. Considerate Boater is not linked with any waterways business. See the "About" section to understand why we are doing this.

How?
By attracting people to read and consider some of the ways in which we think considerate boaters should act and to reward those that practise such attributes. You can also support the campaign free of charge and help to spread the principles that go to making the Considerate Boater.

Who?
Absolutely anyone who owns or hires a boat can be involved but initially we are targeting boat hire and training companies and waterways organisations including the media to help spread the word through their customers.

Where will it lead?
Who knows where it will lead? We have some ideas but we would just like to think that we can put something back into boating by encouraging the sort of behaviour that we embrace. If it improves the enjoyment for boaters then we will have achieved our aim.

Where do I start?
Start with the "HOW To Be A Considerate Boater" page: