National Community Boats Association

The National Community Boats Association or NCBA is a charity that provides support to Community Boating Organisations. Its does this primarily through training support but also by representing the interests of the member projects with the Canal and River Trust.  The NCBA administers systems to help promote the safe use of the inland waterways.  Its qualifications are recognised by the Canal and River Trust which allows Community Boating organisations to operate boats which carry up to 12 passengers.

A small selection of our member's details are shown below

Mary Sunley Canal Boat Trust
The Mary Sunley 2 is a community canal boat which aims to take groups of disadvantaged people or people who would otherwise not get the opportunity for trips on the Macclesfield Canal. Our boat is a 62ft purpose built vessel which can take up to 12 passengers. We have a lift so can include up to 4 wheelchairs on our trips. A typical trip lasts 4 hours and runs from our base in Highter Poynton to Marple and back along the Macclesfield Canal. The boat is operated by volunteers.

Wooden Canal Boat Society
The boats offer respite for disadvantaged people and those suffering poor mental health. Preserving the traditional boat building skills and the history surrounding the operation of these boats.

The Heulwen Trust
Offering exciting scenic canal boat trips through some of the most beautiful Welsh countryside. Our trips are offered free of charge to disabled or vulnerable adults and children.

Worcester - Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society
Based at Alvechurch, Worcs nb Cecilia is a 70’ Community Trip Boat operated by certified crew to carry 12 passengers. A variety of routes are possible, from short local cruises to full day return to B’ham Gas St, or even a 30 lock adventure through the Tardebigge Flight, the longest set of locks in England. Perfect for a team building day out! As an Accredited Training Centre we are able to offer courses from the NCBA curriculum, and welcome enquiries. Contact Ian or Ed at training@wbdcs.org.uk

NCBA Training

Training is provided by NCBA projects know as Accredited Training Centres. The ATC has available to it one or more NCBA Trainers who can deliver the NCBA courses. Normally an ATC undertakes all its own training but will often run courses for external people. If you are not attached to a project and require training please contact an ATC in you area. These can be found on the Projects page.

Public Course Information

From time to time details of public training course places are made avaiailable here.

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