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

Monmouthshire Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust

We are a small local charity run by volunteers. Set up in 1984, we are dedicated to the protection, improvement, and restoration of the canal for the benefit of the local community. We partner to undertake on-the-ground restoration and run the Fourteen Locks Canal Center at Newport. Our “not-for-profit” Community Boats operation is based at Goytre Wharf, with any income over-and-above operating costs reinvested into the education, restoration, improvement, and promotion of the canal.

Blackwater Community Barge

Our organisation aims to provide a purpose built wide beam canal boat built to suit the specific needs of user groups. The boat will operate on the 12 mile stretch of the River Blackwater bordering counties Tyrone and Armagh.

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

Swinton Lock Activity Centre

About Us Swinton Lock Activity Centre is a Charitable Community Based Arts, Education and Activity Centre based in Rotherham within an idyllic location on the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation We provide a wide range of activities for all ages including fishing, arts and crafts, boat handling, pottery, and much more. The centre’s trip boat (Swinton Spirit) is fully wheelchair accessible making it an ideal place for groups of all ages and abilities.

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!