50 - Water transport

This Chapter has been extracted from the ONS Explanatory Notes and provides a more detailed explanation of possible activities that could fall within the SIC Codes related to the Chapter.

This division includes the transport of passengers or freight over water, whether scheduled or not. Also
included are the operation of towing or pushing boats, excursion, cruise or sightseeing boats, ferries,
water taxis etc. Although the location is an indicator for the separation between sea and inland water
transport, the deciding factor is the type of vessel used. Transport on sea-going vessels is classified in groups 50.1 and 50.2, while transport using other vessels is classified in groups 50.3 and 50.4.

This division excludes restaurant and bar activities on board ships (see 56.10, 56.30), if carried out
by separate units.

50.1 Sea and coastal passenger water transport

This group includes the transport of passengers on vessels designed for operating on sea or coastal
waters.  Also included is the transport of passengers on great lakes etc. when similar types of vessels are used.

50.10 Sea and coastal passenger water transport

This class includes:
- transport of passengers over seas and coastal waters, whether scheduled or not:
• operation of excursion, cruise or sightseeing boats
• operation of ferries, water taxis etc.

This class also includes:
- renting of pleasure boats with crew for sea and coastal water transport (e.g. for fishing cruises)

This class excludes:
- restaurant and bar activities on board ships, when provided by separate units, see 56.10, 56.30
- renting of pleasure boats and yachts without crew, see 77.21
- renting of commercial ships or boats without crew, see 77.34
- operation of “floating casinos”, see 92.00

50.2 Sea and coastal freight water transport

This group includes the transport of freight on vessels designed for operating on sea or coastal waters.
Also included is the transport of freight on great lakes etc. when similar types of vessels are used.

50.20 Sea and coastal freight water transport

This class includes:
- transport of freight over seas and coastal waters, whether scheduled or not
- transport by towing or pushing of barges, oil rigs etc.

This class also includes:
- renting of vessels with crew for sea and coastal freight water transport

This class excludes:
- storage of freight, see 52.10
- harbour operation and other auxiliary activities such as docking, pilotage, lighterage, vessel salvage,
see 52.22
- cargo handling, see 52.24
- renting of commercial ships or boats without crew, see 77.34

50.3 Inland passenger water transport

This group includes the transport of passengers on inland waters, involving vessels that are not suitable for sea transport.

50.30 Inland passenger water transport

This class includes:
- transport of passengers via rivers, canals, lakes and other inland waterways, including inside harbours and ports

This class also includes:
- renting of pleasure boats with crew for inland water transport

This class excludes:
- renting of pleasure boats and yachts without crew, see 77.21

50.4 Inland freight water transport

This group includes the transport of freight on inland waters, involving vessels that are not suitable for
sea transport.

50.40 Inland freight water transport

This class includes:
- transport of freight via rivers, canals, lakes and other inland waterways, including inside harbours and
ports

This class also includes:
- renting of vessels with crew for inland freight water transport

This class excludes:
- cargo handling, see 52.24
- renting of commercial ships or boats without crew, see 77.34

 

For all queries related to this Chapter or any other aspect of SIC Codes, please contact the Office of National Statistics on 01329 444970 or email classifications.helpdesk@ons.gov.uk.