In the UK one fifth of canal boat hirers are new to canal boating, as you do not need to be an expert of the waterways to hire a narrowboat. If this is something that you have considered, here are a few tips to help your boating trip go a bit smoother.

1. When meeting other boats on the canal, stick to the right. The canal systems work the opposite of how we drive on the roads.

2. It is not required to have a licence to steer a canal boat as a tutorial is provided in many holiday packages and you can find the Canal Boaters Handbook video on Youtube.

3. To steer, push the tiller left to go right and right to go left and to stop, simply put the engine in reverse.

4. Be sure to use your horn to warn other canal boats that could be coming towards you at sharp bends or when entering a tunnel.

5. When using a lock, always ensure the steerer is on the boat to keep it forward of the cill (step) and share the lock with other boats if possible, to save water and share lock operation steps. Be sure to close all paddles and gates after using a lock, unless another boat is approaching.