The new post follows the RYA's creation in June 2002 of a chief power and motor boat instructor position with a specific brief to develop inland waterways training.

"The appointment last year of a chief power and motor boat instructor moved inland waterways sharply up the training and development agenda, " said RYA chief executive, Rod Carr. "We 've already run an inland instructors' conference and have greatly increased our dialogue with key players like British Waterways, the Environment Agency, the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities, the Broads Authority and others."

Carr said the move had brought encouraging noises from several directions about the contribution and experience the RYA could bring to bear as a user's group.

"If we're to consider such a role, we must be able to deliver, " he said.