What this covers (13 activity descriptions)
  • Boat rental for passenger conveyance with crew (except for inland waterway services)
  • Coastal water transport for passengers
  • Excursion
  • Ferry transport of cars with driver
  • Hovercraft operator between UK and international ports (passenger)
  • Passenger ferry between UK and international ports
  • Passenger ferry on domestic or coastal routes
  • Passenger shipping service (sea and coastal)
  • Pleasure boat rental with crew (e.g. For fishing cruises) (except for inland waterway service)
  • Sea ferry (passenger)
  • Transport of passengers over seas and coastal waters
  • Transport of passengers over water (except for inland waterway service)
  • Water taxis operation (except for inland waterway service)

Guidance for this activity

Running a maritime business

How to register ships with the UK Ship Register and comply with maritime regulations. Covers ship registration, seafarer certification, ISM Code compliance, and maritime security requirements.

Sector-Specific
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Get an operator's licence for goods vehicles

How to apply for an O-licence to operate goods vehicles for business. Covers Standard and Restricted licences, financial standing, transport manager requirements, and ongoing compliance including tachographs and drivers' hours.

Sector-Specific
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Aviation cargo security compliance

How to become a Known Consignor or Regulated Agent for air cargo. Covers CAA certification, security vetting requirements, cargo screening, and dangerous goods training.

Sector-Specific
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Apply for development consent for major infrastructure

How to apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Covers the 6-stage application process, NSIP thresholds, community consultation requirements, examination procedures, and the Section 35 route for business projects of national significance.

Sector-Specific
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Avoid overloading and secure your loads

How to comply with load security requirements and avoid overloading offences. Covers the DVSA code of practice, maximum weight limits, shared duty between operator, driver, and loader, and penalties for non-compliance.

Sector-Specific
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Insurance for goods vehicle operators

What insurance goods vehicle operators need. Covers mandatory motor fleet insurance under the Road Traffic Act 1988, goods in transit cover, CMR liability for international carriage, and when to move from individual policies to a fleet policy.

Sector-Specific
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Compliance for van and light goods vehicle operators

What applies when operating vans and light goods vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. Vans do not need an operator licence but must meet motor insurance, MOT, road tax, Clean Air Zone, driving licence, and loading requirements under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Sector-Specific
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Smart tachograph requirements and transition

Smart tachograph v2 requirements, the transition from analogue and digital units, retrofit deadlines for international and domestic vehicles, and how UK requirements have diverged from EU rules since Brexit.

Sector-Specific
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