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

Huddersfield Canal Society

We completed restoration of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in 2001 and now operate two trip boats that provide a free Shuttle boat service between Marsden and the Standedge Tunnel asking only for donations. Our new all electric e-Shuttle is disability friendly with an integrated wheelchair lift. This photo shows Robbie Cumming on the tiller just after he officially launched it in May 2022.

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.

Milton Keynes Community Boat

12-passenger fully-electric accessible 54ft narrowboat, built by Colecraft, sucessfully launchedon the Grand Union in Milton Keynes in July 2021. Purpose: to raise awareness and funds to support the work of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust in promoting a Waterway Park to link the Grand Union with the River Great Ouse. www.bmkwaterway.org It also supports community development, healthy walking and canalscape improvement. The Trust also runs the 50-seater John Bunyan in Bedford.

Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust

The Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust is a registered charity set up in 1983 to raise money to build and operate a narrowboat to run day trips for disabled and disadvantaged groups of all ages. Lady Winifred is our new, specially designed and adapted, narrowboat launched on 30 June 2019. Our fully trained volunteers take out daytrips, 7 days a week, from April to October on the canals around the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (the 'stream in the sky') which is a World Heritage Site.

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.

Join us

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Join Our Board! The National Community Boat Association is Seeking Passionate Leaders

Are you passionate about boating and community service? Do you want to make a lasting impact on the boating community across the nation?

The National Community Boat Association (NCBA) is looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Directors. As we continue to expand our programs and initiatives, we need innovative leaders to help guide us into the future.

About Us

NCBA is committed to fostering a love for boating, promoting safe and accessible waterways, and supporting local boating communities across the nation. We provide resources, training, education, and advocacy to empower boating enthusiasts and protect our aquatic environments.

Why Join the Board?

Make a difference: Play a key role in shaping the future of community boating and environmental stewardship.
Collaborate: Work alongside like-minded individuals passionate about promoting boating and community development.
Grow your skills: Expand your experience in non-profit governance, fundraising, and organizational leadership.

Who We’re Looking For:

We are seeking board members with:

Experience in non-profit governance, boating, community development, fundraising, or financial management.
A passion for NCBA’s mission and a commitment to expanding access to boating across diverse communities.
Leadership skills and the ability to contribute to strategic planning, financial oversight, and outreach efforts.
The ability to attend regular board meetings (virtual or in-person) and support key initiatives.

We’re Especially Interested In:

Individuals with skills in fundraising, legal expertise, marketing/communications, and policy advocacy.
Diverse candidates from underrepresented communities to bring new perspectives and ideas to our leadership team.

Time Commitment:

Board meetings are held quarterly, with additional committee work as needed.
Estimated time commitment is 4-6 hours per month.

Interested? Apply Today!

If you are interested in joining the NCBA Board of Directors, please submit your application through Emailing newmembers@national-cba.co.uk.

We look forward to working together to strengthen our boating community!