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Question: British waterways index number?

(Posted by: bikey7 on 2008-03-06 00:25:01)

Is there a requirement to display these ugly index number plates even though the boat is clearly named, or will the name be sufficient for ID purposes? Cannot find the definitive answer on waterscape or in the bumf that came with the licence. Thanks Of course the licence itself stating the boat name and index No. will be on display to port and starboard.

Posted by: postie272000 on 2008-03-06, 00:56:55

You need to display the number clearly but it does not have to be on an ugly plate, it can be painted sypatheticaly to the boats colour scheme so long as it is clearly readable from both banks when the boat is under way or moored.

Posted by: Andrew C on 2008-03-06, 00:28:02

I have a boat, never displayed the number plates, never had a problem with it. You have to display your licence disc though.

Posted by: CLIVE H on 2008-03-06, 00:35:39

My guess is that you must display your Brit Waterways index number - this is like a car number plate which identifies your boat or barge etc. A name can be used by more than one boat/ barge, but a number is unique to that craft. Just keep them happy and display the thing...otherwise some jobsworth is gonna ask, "why is you no display numero of bote, when is am the rule "? How the hell should I know?

Posted by: Michael H on 2008-03-06, 06:11:08

It is a requirement to display the number on both sides. You can paint it on - so long as its clearly visible and readable BW will not mind the font / colour The name does not matter, boats registered at watford do not have to have a unique name - unlike boats registered on the Thames.

Posted by: thebald1 on 2008-03-06, 07:55:51

You can see the ships number on commercial and fishing vessels but not on pleasure crafts, it may be for commercial vessels only

Posted by: The Happy Murcia on 2008-03-06, 23:49:13

If you dislike the number plates you can always paint the numbers on and incorporate it into the overall design,,If you were to use the Trent from Nottingham through to Cromwell lock at Newark you would need to show the id number to the lock keepers,,it never bothered me and as far as I know it is a requirement of the British Waterways bylaws,