The Association's Achievements

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'. This promises to allay many of the concerns expressed by BW's boating customers. The Association's chairman has been on the working group for the setting up of the British Waterways Advisory Forum which should greatly improve communication between users and BW at Board level.

NABO is also calling for improved user group consultation with the Environment Agency and work is in hand to define and strengthen the status of the National Navigation Users Forum which is now enjoying better access to EA at Board level. NABO is also a consultee regarding EA's application for a new Transport and Works Order giving it the powers it needs to harmonise its registration fees and conditions. Along with other user groups, NABO has succeeded in ensuring there will be a consultation mechanism for overseeing the application of these powers.

Boat Safety Scheme

NABO has been a leading influence in securing a commitment to minimise the mandatory requirements of the Boat Safety Scheme and also in securing changes to the appeals procedure. It is one of few boating groups with representation at both technical and advisory level within the scheme

Boat Licencing and Moorings

NABO was victorious in taking BW to the Waterway Ombudsman over the lack of consultation concerning boat licence fee increases. NABO has also brought to BW's attention inadequacies in its Licence and Mooring Permit Conditions which are being rectified.

NABO is working with BW in seeking a legally sound means of combatting abuse and overstaying on public moorings that has minimum impact on the freedom of movement of conscientious boaters. This is leading to extensive modifications to the content and application of BW's trial Moorings Code.

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.

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.

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.

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.

British Waterways Act 1995

This act affects all boaters on waterways controlled by BW. NABO secured 28 amendments to the Act and concessions on the way it would be applied before it was passed. These brought in valuable safeguards for boaters.

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.