Who is eligible for the loan of a boat

Without wishing to state the obvious - the person must be a veteran of the British Armed Forces. We cannot loan boats to family members of veterans but you'd be surprised how many people ask.

A person must be either homeless or on the point of homelessness. We will also consider veterans who are housed in HMO's but are not finding this compatible with their mental health.

We do not loan boats to people who "just" want to live on one, as they like the idea of the lifestyle or think it will be better for them financially. 

We will be happy to accommodate couples, and dogs and cats are allowed. Unfortunately, in part due to the size of our current boats, we are unable to offer boats to families. We may be able to consider  a parent with an over 18 child, who is still in their care.  

There are other criteria, which we'll be happy to supply you and talk over.

So what else should you know?

The Forces Veterans Afloat works in tandem with a number of established, Armed Forces Charities, who approach the organisation, when they have a veteran who has expressed a desire to live on a boat, or who they feel would benefit from living on one. These partner charities need to undertake to continue to care for the veteran’s physical, mental and financial wellbeing, while they are aboard a Forces Veterans Afloat boats, as they would if the veteran were housed in bricks and mortar.

 It is very important to stress that Forces Veterans Afloat is only providing somewhere safe, warm, dry and economic for the veterans to live, so with the help of their umbrella charity, they can get their lives back on track. Forces Veterans Afloat are boat experts and will do everything to ensure both boat and veteran are safe, in regards to living on and operating the boat but that is where the organisation’s responsibilities end. Forces Veterans Afloat are in effect, landlords - although the organisation will receive no payment from any veterans for living aboard the organisation’s boats.

Boats will initially be loaned for a period of a year – which can be extended at the discretion of FVA. A veteran can be removed from a boat if they are placing themselves, it  or other waterway uses in danger.
Veterans will have the choice of marina living or cruising the network. - however, if FVA considers a veteran suitable for a boat in a marina but not cruising, it will reserve the right to make this a condition of the loan.
The differences between Marina living and cruising will be fully explained to the veteran  by FVA, so they can make an informed choice, should they be passed as suitable for the loan of a boat. and also to yourselves.


Financial Implications – FVA will supply as accurate as possible breakdown of the costs for each boat, as prices increase by the foot, so all boats do not cost the same.

FVA will insure the boat, under their Fleet Insurance – at no cost to the veteran. FVA will make sure the boat has a valid, enhanced Boat Safety Scheme Certificate ( a boat MOT – to the higher standard demanded of holiday hire fleets)FVA will service the boat’s engine. FVA will maintain the hull’s blacking (paint on the area in or just above the water)

The license from the appropriate waterways authority must be purchased by the Veteran. In the case of the Canal and River Trust License, once the FVA get's it charity status, it will be entitled to 70% off the cost of the license - this is a considerable saving and may mean FVA pays the license, or the cost will be very much less for the veteran

Marina fees for berthing the boat must be undertaken by the veteran.

 Diesel fuel for movement and/or heating must be paid for by the veteran.

For further information and an assessment form, please contact lizzie@forcesvetsafloat.co.uk