Staines Magistrates’ Court heard two batches of prosecutions on 4 November and 2 December 2025 targeting owners who failed to register vessels for consecutive years on the non‑tidal River Thames. Seven were repeat offenders, with three first‑time cases also considered, including one owner with two boats. According to the Environment Agency, the 11 offences resulted in fines, compensation orders, victim surcharges and costs.
The prosecutions followed an Environment Agency patrol at Penton Hook marina on 1 April 2025. Officers again found several of the same vessels moored near the berths where notices had been served 16 months earlier. That discovery triggered fresh summonses for owners who had already appeared before the court, underscoring the focus on persistent non‑registration.
Colin Chiverton, an environment manager at the Agency, said the approach to non‑registration on the Thames has tightened: owners are given ample opportunity to comply, but once a summons is issued the case proceeds even if fees are paid afterwards. The stated aim is to deter repeat evasion and ensure consistent handling across the navigation.
One case illustrated the shift. Leslie Marsh of Chertsey, owner of Oopsie Daisy, was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £200 victim surcharge and £275 in costs. Although the £1,341.81 2025 registration fee had been paid before the hearing, the prosecution continued in line with the Agency’s position that post‑summons payment does not halt proceedings.
Three first‑time cases were also dealt with. Klaus Beversluis, owner of the Dutch barge La Belle View, admitted paying no annual fee since acquiring the vessel in 2021 and was ordered to pay the 2025 registration of £3,664.60 with a 12‑month conditional discharge. A West Molesey owner faced two counts relating to Piscator 2 and Lainton Dory/Thames Warrior and received fines on each. Other matters included Joysee, Arris’ere, Brienda, Sea Dancer, Maverick III and Moondara II, with outcomes varying by plea and compliance status.
Across the last six weeks, the Agency reported that fines, compensation, surcharges and costs arising from these 11 offences reached £27,541. The published court lists for 4 November and 2 December show combined totals of £13,797.32 across the named cases, reflecting a mix of fines, compensation orders representing unpaid fees, surcharges and prosecution costs.
Enforcement activity has intensified through 2025. Agency officers have conducted 2,447 boat‑registration checks, with additional checks by lock keepers bringing the total to 4,030. The Agency estimates £91,439 in registration income has been secured through enforcement without resorting to prosecution. Over the year to date, 30 offenders have been ordered to pay £36,695 for registration offences.
Policy Wire analysis: the operational change creates procedural certainty. For owners, the point of no return is the issuing of a summons; late payment can no longer be relied upon to avoid a criminal penalty. Marinas should expect continued patrols in urbanised stretches and should ensure moorers’ documentation is current to minimise disruption during checks.
Further hearings are scheduled for 2026 after spot checks at Bossoms Boat Yard in Oxford, and at Caversham and Walton Marina, identified 12 unregistered vessels earlier this year. The Agency has stated that evasion levels remain unacceptably high in some marinas and urban areas, so additional prosecutions are expected.
Boat registration on the Thames starts on 1 January each year. Owners of powered and non‑powered craft, including paddleboards, must register annually with the Environment Agency to use the non‑tidal river. Failure to register can result in fines and associated court costs. Registration forms and guidance are available on GOV.UK or by calling 03708 506 506. Fees fund the management and maintenance of more than 600 miles of inland waterways in England.