Club announcement regarding the new launch arrangements effective from 1 April 2021
As you are probably aware, from 1 April 2021, if you want to launch any watercraft from any of the public launch ramps, you will need to be registered with Canterbury City Council as a watercraft member.
There will be barriers at the ramps from this date, and you will not be able to access them without registering. Membership will run from 1 April 2021 until 31 March 2022, whereupon you will have to reapply.
The annual cost is £150 for all users, but CCC have agreed that the HBAA and Heron Angling Society be granted a special rate of £30 per year for launching of members fishing boats. Both clubs being responsible for the approval of club members prior to being given launching access at the discounted rate.
It must be appreciated that the concession for fishing club members was not intended as an open invite for boat users to join either club just to get the discount. CCC expect both clubs to have accountable procedures in place to ensure that new members are joining for the right reasons.
Both clubs looked at all the options, and it was agreed after considerable debate that new members MUST be a club member for twelve months before being eligible for the discounted rate. Members during this period would have to pay the full £150 should they wish to become a ‘watercraft user’. After the twelve-month period, a member could apply for watercraft membership which would require club approval based on each club’s approval process.
It was also agreed that past members from 2018 and 2019 who wished to re-join would not be subject to the twelve-month rule.
Watercraft membership applications will be via the CCC website and become available in March. On the website there will be a separate option for HBAA and HAS members. On application, CCC will confirm with the appropriate fishing club that they are eligible. Once approved, payment will be taken, and a passport photo will have to be supplied. It will be expected that each applicant has third party liability insurance of £3 million pounds, but proof will not be required. No RYA qualification will be necessary as is the case with other water users applying.
You can register up to five people (including yourself) to use your watercraft, and they must be at least 14 years old. Club members will not be allowed to launch other types of craft other than a fishing boat.
One approved, each member will be issued with a unique number which will be shown on the on the key, boat sticker and photo I.D. It is planned that a new key will be issued each year.
No doubt there will be teething problems, but hopefully the system will ensure less usage by other craft, especially during the summer months which will benefit us all.
The H.A.S would like each new member to fish at least 4 competitions to be able to receive the discounted rate for the following year.
Any misuse of the key , ie lending it to a friend or for jetski use will result in the termination of your membership
Any questions please email me at; heronangling@yahoo.co.uk.
Phil.Gower
Heron Angling Society
President & Chairman
