Environment Agency - Home

Boating

What we do, boat safety notices, and information on our waterways.

Urgent boat safety notice

The Boat Safety Scheme is warning that boats fitted with domed decklights, better known as 'bullseyes', could be at risk from fires breaking out in strong summer sunlight.

What we do

We are one of the major navigation authorities in charge of inland rivers, estuaries and harbours in England and Wales. We manage the healthy growth of waterways for leisure, business, local communities and wildlife.

We manage nearly 1000km of Britain's rivers, and we are the Harbour Authority for Rye and the Conservancy Authority for the Dee Estuary.

  • Visit Environment Agency Waterways

    Our 'Visit' websites will help you make the most of our waterways.

  • Where to boat

    Find out all you need to know about boating on Environment Agency managed rivers in England and Wales.

  • Boat registration and licensing

    How to register your boat, application forms and tariffs.

  • Our water safety message

    Top tips for staying safe around water, and what to do if you see someone in difficulties.

  • Boat safety notices

    Please read our boat safety notices.

  • Boating information

    Environmental code of practice, how to contact the Waterways team, the Boat Safety Scheme and the Boater's Handbook.

  • Waterway Plans

    Our Waterway Plans define how we are improving our rivers to make them better places for people and wildlife.

  • Canoeing

    Where to canoe, how to get access and information on river levels.

  • Rafting

    Where to go rafting, and our role.

  • Byelaws

    A definitive list of byelaws for the waterways we manage.