Supporting
Community Boating

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

Worcester - Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society
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

The Baldwin Trust
The Baldwin Trust
The Baldwin Trust is a charitable organisation staffed by volunteers who offer waterway outings on the River Soar, Leicestershire, for community or family groups. Wheelchair and limited mobility accessible with ramps, lifts and spacious cabins.

Mary Sunley Canal Boat Trust
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.

Huddersfield Canal Society
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.

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.

    Latest News

    NCBA 2020 AGM – 12th December at 10:00am

    NCBA 2020 AGM – 12th December at 10:00am

    For the 2020 AGM it had been planned to hold the AGM at Pirate Castle in London. Due to the Covid19 restrictions this was not possible, instead the meeting was held online using Microsoft Teams on the 12th December 2020. The meeting started at 1pm...

    NCBA 2019 AGM – 16th November at 10:00am

    NCBA 2019 AGM – 16th November at 10:00am

    This year the NCBA AGM will take place at Braunston Memorial Hall, The Green, Braunston, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 7HW on the 16th November 2019 starting at 10:00 am. Please email members@national-cba.co.uk if you are attending. Please...

    NCBA 2018 AGM – 17th November at 10:00am

    NCBA 2018 AGM – 17th November at 10:00am

    This year the NCBA AGM will take place at Portland Basin Museum, 1 Portland Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0QA on the 17th November 2018 starting at 10:00 am. Portland Basin Museum is housed within the restored nineteenth century Ashton Canal...

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