DBA the Barge Association, previously known as the Dutch Barge Association, is generally but by no means exclusively concerned with Big Old Boats from any origin converted for living afloat and pleasure cruising in Europe. Typically these are ex-commercial cargo vessels, often from the Netherlands or UK because those are the best sources of craft of a suitable size.
Most barges are flat bottomed, and therefore best suited to river, canal, and estuary cruising, although they can make sea voyages (such as across the English Channel) in calm weather.
DBA was launched in 1992 and has 1300 members from all over the world.
Our colour magazine Blue Flag is sent to members every two months and has received a number of awards within the boating press. If you would like to advertise in Blue Flag please see our
current rates and contact
Sid Jacomb for more details.
We also run several active
Email Discussion Lists.
Togther with a
French association we are seeking to improve the state of the smaller canals in France.
We invite everyone who is interested in barges or other broad beam inland craft to become a DBA member. We have negotiated discounts for members with several suppliers.
You are very welcome here. Please look around our site and
contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.
We are corporate members of the following organisations:
ATYC (Association of Thames Yacht Clubs)
Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust
Cotswold Canals Trust
Droitwich Canal Society
EBA (European Boating Association)
IWA (Inland Waterways Association)
IWI (Inland Waterways International)
NABO (National Association of Boat Owners)
PWG (Parliamentary Waterways Group)
RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
Ton Canal Patrimoine