Who it is for
New boaters before a first hire, crews getting ready for a trip, and anyone who likes a quiz. Boat clubs and hire bases are welcome to send people here: it is free and needs no sign-up.
Where the answers come from
Every answer is a line in the Canal & River Trust's Boater's Handbook, and the page number shows next to any you miss. The questions and the wrong answers are ours. Nine out of twelve is a pass, which is our own choice too.
The certificate
Pass, type a name, and print. It comes out on plain A4. Print at actual size: there is a line at the foot that should measure 50 mm, so you can check. It is a bit of fun, not a qualification. For real training the Trust points boaters to an accredited provider, such as the RYA.
Want to brush up first?
Most of the questions are about locks, so walk through one first with the lock steps tool, or read how canal locks work. Best of all, read the Handbook itself: it is free.
Sources
Canal & River Trust, The Boater's Handbook (revision Spring 2022), read on 30 October 2026.