COUNTY boaters ihave been warned that without a valid registration they could end up with a sinking feeling – and up to £1,000 out of pocket.

The Environment Agency (EA) says its river inspectors regularly patrol waterways in the area, including the Haven, Witham and various drains around the town checking for unregistered craft.

It is now launching a new crackdown on the practice and has urged boaters not to risk prosecution by flouting the law.

Candy Reed of the EA's waterways team told the Target: "Our enforcement team's aim is to ensure all craft using the waterways are registered. The message to boaters is clear – if they fail to register and their boat is on the water, they are committing an offence and could end up with a criminal record and a fine of up to £1,000.

"And they will still have to pay the registration fee. Last year, we took legal action against 68 boaters in the region."

All the money raised from boat registration goes towards improving and maintaining EA managed waterways.

Ms Reed said: "The vast majority of boaters abide by the law. During the 2009/2010 season 5,874 registrations were sold, raising £1.6 million."

To register a craft, boaters need to pay a fee and may also need a valid boat safety certificate.

For more information on how to register write to the Environment Agency, Income Department 311, PO Box 263, Peterborough, PE2 8YD, call 0845 6070330 or email navigation@environment-agency.gov.uk

Anyone with information about unregistered craft is asked to contact the Environment Agency via the dedicated enforcement e-mail waterways.enforcement@environment-agency.gov.uk