Our Aims

ONE: Protecting your interests

Boat owners are under more pressure today than ever before. Greater safety regulations, compliance with stricter boat building standards and new legislation. Apart from increasing the cost of boating, what do you gain?

The Government considers that boat owners should pay more towards the cost of maintaining navigations. Annual grants have been reduced forcing waterway authorities to demand ever-higher licence fees. There’s been talk of VAT on licence fees, the imposition of higher duty on fuel and a national registration scheme. What next?

The Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs represents the interests of 6,000 inland waterways boat owners, through the membership of over 100 cruising clubs. We act as a forum for boaters to address the many issues, both local and national, which can affect your club and your enjoyment of cruising inland waterways.

TWO: Visiting other clubs

For boat owners who cruise regularly – even if only for their annual holiday – AWCC club membership enables you to apply for temporary moorings at other AWCC member clubs, and be offered additional facilities during your stay.

Providing there a berth is available, you can tie up overnight and be assured a welcome at any AWCC club. And if you wish to explore waterways further afield, you may be able to exchange your club mooring with a fellow AWCC member for a longer period.

Many boaters ‘weekend’ their craft on extended cruises and value the peace of mind that comes from leaving their craft on a secure club mooring, especially in a strange town.

And for trail boaters, access to nearly 50 club slipways and secure car parking makes cruising even more carefree

THREE: Boater’s rescue service

Boat owners tend to resourceful. But every boatman has experienced a breakdown, which appears to be insoluble. And they often crop up when you seem to be miles from anywhere, or time is precious and you have no knowledge of local facilities.

That’s where club membership of the AWCC is invaluable. In fact it was just such an emergency mishap that prompted the formation of the Association in 1965. Since then many members affiliated to the AWCC have been assisted in an emergency while cruising.

The Association’s handbook lists every member club throughout the Country. So you only have to reach a telephone and call the nearest club for assistance, transport or professional help. By providing a link between clubs, the Association fosters friendship and closer co-operation throughout the waterways