The Association of Pleasure Craft Operators

The APCO Guide to Inland Waterway Boating Holidays

A guide to narrowboat holiday hire from APCO
Information for Companies considering joining APCO
How to join APCO
If you are interesting in joining APCO and would like to learn more about member benefits please be our guest and come along to our AGM and Autumn Conference in Llangollen on the 25 November 2011. Click to see details of our AGM programme and Members Dinner. Please email APCO@britishmarine.co.uk  or call 01784 223603.

APCO is a Group Association within the British Marine Federation. To obtain full membership details please either email membership@britishmarine.co.uk  or details for membership applications and the wider benefits of the BMF can be found on the website at www.britishmarine.co.uk, companies are also able to apply on line through this website.
The main benefits that APCO members receive are:
Access to many money saving commercial benefits including preferential rate credit card processing (this is the most useful saving APCO members use)
Keeping up to date with Technical or Legislative issues facing the trade through the APCO National Committee made up of members, and the Inland Matters Newsletter sent quarterly to all members highlighting issues to watch out for
Inclusion on the APCO website at www.apco.org.uk
The opportunity to get involved with the Association if you want, for example take part in the National Committee or help with the development ideas for the Association website
Subsidised rate for the Hire Boat Handover Audit
Access to professional advice and support for BW Leasehold issues
Use of the APCO & BMF logos, including an office sign for your boatyard with the APCO logo showing
Up to 50% discount on BMF organised training courses
Technical Advice, up to date advice on issues that could affect your business including the RCD, new legislation and standards.
Health & Safety Advice
Free Planning advice worth £300
Free 24 hour Legal advice scheme
Legal agreements and standard business documents available on-line via BMF website
Regular informative publications to help you keep abreast of current issues including quarterly technical report, Environment Code of Practice Industry Bulletin.
Free weekly E-Newsletter
Member exhibitor discounts at BMF run UK boat shows including Southampton and London.
Access to members and exhibitors lounge at National Boat shows
4x complimentary National Boats Show tickets per year, and additional Trade tickets available at reduced rates.
Free entry onto the BMF Website.
Opportunities to meet other members on regular basis to exchange news, information and contacts

Boating Holidays
What to expect on a UK boating holiday, different types of holiday and much more.
About APCO
Explaining the purpose and background of the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators.
APCO Members
Listing all APCO member, with their full contact details.
Waterways News
APCO Waterways News about what is happening on UK canals & waterways.
Handover Scheme
When hiring a boat you need to be sure you will be given suitable tuition.
Boat Grading Scheme
Explaining the Boat Grading Scheme from VisitBritain for Hire Boats and Hotelboats.
Boaters Code
British Waterways guide to how all canal users should behave. PDF download.
Boaters Handbook
The BW handbook, available here as a PDF to download, covers everything from Boat Handling, Safety and Rules of the Road.
Kid's pages
Things for the children to do, including a waterways game courtesy of British Waterways.
Useful Links
Links to other useful waterways websites.
Members Section
Information for APCO members, password needed to enter.
 
Association of Pleasure Craft Operators (APCO) , Marine House, Thorpe Lea Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 8BF
Tel: 01784 223603  Email info@apco.org.uk