Watersports licences

Under The Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995: providers of certain adventure activities are required to have their safety management systems inspected and be licenced.

This licensing scheme only applies to those offering activities to young people under the age of 18 who operate in a commercial manner.

Generally, licensing only applies to these activities when they are done in remote or isolated environments. For example, climbing on natural terrain requires a licence, climbing on a purpose built climbing wall does not.

The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority inspects activity centres and other activity providers. They do this on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills (DfES).

If the licensing authority is satisfied that the provider complies with nationally accepted standards of good practice they issue a licence.

Activities covered include:

• Climbing
• Watersports
• Trekking
• Caving