PADDLING ON THE TIDEWAY A Code of Practice for Paddling on the Tidal Thames

FIRST EDITION 2017 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...... 2–3

TIDE & STREAM ...... 4–7 PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 24–39 COMMUNICATION & REPORTING 46–49 Ebb, flood tide & tidal stream . . . . 4–5 BASIC PRINCIPLES London VTS ...... 46 Factors affecting the tide & stream . . . 6 Accessing the river ...... 24 VHF radio communications . . . . . 46 Set of the tide ...... 6 Port & starboard ...... 24 Incident reporting ...... 47 Fluvial flow ...... 7 Lookout ...... 25 Emergencies ...... 48 General navigation rules (Col Regs) . . 26 RNLI & other emergency services . . . 49 BEFORE YOU GO AFLOAT ...... 8–11 Positioning on the river ...... 27 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 50–57 Planning a trip ...... 8 Right of way ...... 27 Topical river information ...... 8 Group management ...... 28 The Upper Tideway ...... 50–51 Who is afloat? ...... 8 Solo paddling ...... 28 Teddington Lock to Syon Crossing 52–53 Weather conditions ...... 9 Crossing the river ...... 29 Syon Crossing to Chiswick Bridge 54–55 Tide & water conditions ...... 10 Avoiding collisions ...... 30 Chiswick Bridge to Putney Bridge 56–57 Time of day ...... 10 Overtaking ...... 31 Experience ...... 11 Bridges ...... 32 CENTRAL LONDON 58–65 Group management ...... 11 Piers, buoys and moorings...... 33 Central London ...... 58–59 Group briefing ...... 11 Shouted warnings...... 34 Putney Bridge to Chelsea Bridge . . . 60 Dynamic Risk Assessment ...... 11 Sound signals...... 34–35 Chelsea Bridge to Tower Bridge . . . 61 FURTHER PRINCIPLES Heart of London ...... 62 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING 12–23 What is working the slacks?...... 36 Westminster (& Embankment) . . . . 63 Personal floatation devices (PFD) . 12–13 Rowing Code Areas ...... 37 Bankside Pier ...... 64 Boat Buoyancy ...... 13 Paddled boats working the slacks. . 38–39 HMS Belfast & the Upper Pool . . . 65 Personal clothing & equipment . . . . 14 Additional kit for group leaders . . . . 14 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES . . . 40–45 LOWER AREA DIRECTIONS . . . 66–69 Boat choice ...... 15 Personal responsibility ...... 40 Lower Tideway ...... 66 Kayaks ...... 16 Group leaders’ responsibility ...... 40 Lower Rowing Code Area ...... 67 Canoes ...... 17 Responsibilities of clubs etc...... 41 Tower Bridge to Greenwich . . . . . 68 Stand-up paddleboards ...... 18 Commercial paddling...... 41 Greenwich to the Thames Barrier . . . 69 Outrigger canoes ...... 19 Events’ responsibilities...... 42 Dragon boats ...... 19 Qualifications & restrictions ...... 43 Boat Identification ...... 20 British Canoeing & PLA...... 44 APPENDICES 113_116 Paddling in the dark & poor visibility . . 21 Environment ...... 44 Contacts ...... 70 Lighting your boat ...... 22-23 Pollution & health ...... 45 Acknowledgements ...... 72 1 2 INTRODUCTION Teddington and the Sea. users andthoseplanningtonavigatebetween (BC) haveproduced thiscodetoadvisebothexisting The PortofLondonAuthority(PLA)andBritishCanoeing creates achallengingwaterwayonwhichtonavigate. fast-flowing tideandmanybridges,piersmoorings, busiest inlandwaterwayintheUKwhich,coupledwitha of theriverandhowitoperates.TheTidewayisbyfar Thames Tidewayasitisalsoknown,requires knowledge Navigating anypaddledboatonthetidalThames,or Paddling ontheTideway - ACodeofPracticeforPaddlingonthetidalThames

consideration forotherriverusers. with appropriate goodenvironmental practiceand should berisk-assessedandundertakensafely correctly equipped forbusytidalwaters.Activities and thattheboatsbeingusedare suitableand participants cancopewiththeexpectedconditions individuals andcommercial providers toensure all It istheresponsibility ofclubs,organisations, INTRODUCTION Types of paddled boat The tidal Thames between the estuary and Teddington Lock This Paddling Code essentially refers to five different types of paddled comes under the jurisdiction boat . There are slightly different rules for each of these boat types which of the Port of London Authority are highlighted throughout the Code: (PLA) who regulate navigation on the tidal Thames in a • Kayaks – page 16 • Dragon boats – page 19 number of ways: • Canoes – page 17 • Outrigger canoes – page 19 • Collision Regulations • Stand-up paddleboards (SUP) – page 18 (Col Regs) • Port of London Act Paddling does not include any type of rowing boats (i .e . where the • Thames Byelaws participants have their back to the direction of travel) . Rowers have their • General Directions own Code of Practice, similar to this one and paddlers are advised to have a working knowledge of “Rowing on the Tideway”, especially in the Upper • Notices to Mariners (NtMs) area . The Rowing Code can be found on the PLA leisure users website: By its very nature, the Paddling www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/Rowing Code must, in part, refer to and recognise these various As well as the Paddling and Rowing Codes, paddlers on the Tidal Thames regulations. Where navigational should also refer to the following: regulations are quoted in this • PLA publication: “The Tidal Thames - Recreational Users Guide” Code they are enclosed in a coloured panel for ease of • PLA Leisure users website: www.boatingonthethames.co.uk recognition. • British Canoeing publication: The PLA keeps all its “You, your canoe and the marine environment” – also see page 45 regulations under regular • British Canoeing website: review and the latest additions www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/guidance-resources/waterways-environment can be found in their entirety on the PLA website – pla.co.uk • RNLI publication: “Kayaking Safety Pack” – also see page 12 Ignorance of the regulations • RNLI website: www.rnli.org/safety/respect-the-water/ is not a defence in the event of an incident. 3 Ebb tide, flood tide and the tidal stream

The Thames below Teddington Lock is a tidal river and To avoid any confusion, this code presumes the navigation is essentially based around the behaviour of normal state of the stream and tide flowing in the the tide, which changes regularly . same direction . This direction of flow is referred to The tidal rise and fall can be as much as seven metres as the ‘tidal stream’ . and the flow can reach 4 knots – more around bridge Tables of predicted tide times are available on the buttresses etc . – so attention must be paid to both the PLA website and there are various other websites direction and the strength of the tide and stream . and smart phone apps . that can also provide this

TIDE & STREAM Paddlers need to be especially aware of the tide direction information . with regard to working the slacks against the tide and how Apart from tide tables, which show predicted this affects navigation, particularly with regards to rowing tide times, there are several ways to check the boats above Putney . More detailed information can be tidal stream direction, although you must always found on pages 36–39 . account for the strength and direction of the wind: It is therefore vital that you understand the tidal stream conditions and tidal sets – see page 6 – and maintain • Look at boats moored only at one end, they will situational awareness at all times . On the Tideway the hang downstream from their mooring tide will always turn first at the estuary . • See what direction floating objects drift in What is ‘the stream’? • Look at which direction the water is flowing past a bridge buttress or buoy - see below The visible flow on the surface of the river is referred to by many Thames paddlers and rowers as ‘the stream’ . Although they almost always flow in the same direction, the stream’s direction can occasionally differ slightly from that of the tide . This effect happens during periods of prolonged, heavy rainfall when there may continue to be a visible outbound flow even though there is an inbound flood tide . During this rare occurrence, known as swelling, paddlers above DIRECTION OF TIDAL STREAM Putney should navigate according to the visible stream direction and not the tide predictions . 4 TIDE & STREAM 5 Turn of the tide Turn At the top (high water) or bottom (low water) of the tide, as it is changing from to the other, one direction is a period called there there ‘slack water’ where Slack is no tidal stream. water can last for up to 10 minutes and requires to navigate. extra care The Flood tide The Flood is stream is when the tidal and the flowing inbound . water level is rising flood Above Putney the tide takes approximately in from 4.5 hours to come water. low water to high The Ebb tide tide Ebb The is stream the tidal is when the and outbound flowing . is dropping water level the ebb tide Above Putney 8.5 takes approximately high run out from hours to low water. water to LW at LW HW at Woolwich Woolwich – 25minutes – 40minutes LW at LW HW at

– 20minutes –15minutes Greenwich Pier Greenwich Pier

(0minutes) HW at London Bridge (0minutes) LW at LW London Bridge LW at LW Chelsea Bridge +45 minutes HW at Chelsea Bridge +15minutes LW at LW Putney Bridge +1hour 40minutes HW at Putney Bridge +30minutes LW at Teddington lock (n/a due to Richmond half-tide lock) lock (n/a due to at Teddington LW HW at Teddington Lock +1hour Lock HW at Teddington HW at Kew Bridge HW at Kew +50minutes LW at Kew Bridge LW +2hours 45minutes (based on London Bridge) between Woolwich and Teddington between Woolwich low water (LW) This diagram shows approximate time differences for time differences approximate This diagram shows (based on London Bridge) on London (based between Woolwich and Teddington and Woolwich between water (HW) high This diagram shows approximate time differences for for differences time approximate shows diagram This 6 TIDE & STREAM only occurs duringthe wintermonths afterheavy rain. See page4fordetails .Swellingisrare andgenerally Swelling down asfarKewBridge andsometimesbeyond. also hasaneffect ontheriverflow andlowwaterlevel its naturallevel,whichismuch lowerthanusual.This water formaintenance.Thisallowstherivertodrain to the half-tidebarrieratRichmond isleftopenoverlow The draw-off usuallylastsforfour weeks andiswhen Draw-offs (normallyOctober–November) at all. flowing .Indeed,thefloodtidemaynot really feature It maybehard totellwhichwaythetidalstream is noticeable andconfusingeffect onthetidalstream . When theThamesBarrierisclosed,itwillhavea Thames Barrierclosures the riverdifferently alongitscourse. when planningatriptoremember thatwindwillaffect The Tidewaymeandersconsiderablysoitisimportant impression ofthetidalstream direction . Sometimes averystrong windcangiveafalse difficult conditions,especiallyathightide. chop upthetopofwaterandcanmakeforvery speed upthestream .Ifitisagainstthetide,will If thewindisinsamedirection asthetideitwill The windcanhaveaconsiderableeffect on theriver Wind Factors affecting thetidalstream . outside ofthebend. the tidalsetwillnaturallypushboatstowards the Fairway navigation istostayonthestarboard sideofthe Around thisbendduringanebbtide,thecorrect See theexampleshownbelow: a boat. not bethecorrect navigationalcourseexpectedof However, thenaturalcourseoftidalstream may to itsnaturalcoursearound theoutsideofabend. caused bythetidalstream whichwillalways‘set’ Paddlers needtobeaware ofthetidalset.Thisis Tidal ‘set’ , towards theinsideofbend.However danger bythetidalset . pushed outof positionorinto navigational line andnotbe steer tostayon thecorrect Paddlers shouldactively TIDE & STREAM 7 .pla .co .uk/Safety/

The PLA provide an ‘Ebb an ‘Ebb provide PLA The to system Flag Warning’ Tide warn flows fluvial abnormal of vessels and all man-powered and note the should monitor advice. is updated daily This advice website – leisure on the PLA .co .uk boatingonthethames a widget as It is also provided installed on which should be all club websites. also be This information can main online on the sourced .co .uk PLA website – pla Other information regarding scheduled Thames Barrier are or Draw-offs closures available via the Notices to Mariners page on the PLA website: www Regulations-and-Guidance/ Notices-to-Mariners/Notices- to-Mariners

system to help judge if paddlers are suitably experienced for the conditions . suitably experienced if paddlers are system to help judge it only applies to an ebb tide it only applies to . Use this but on the Tideway Teddington It is similar to the red and yellow board system used above system used and yellow board red to paddlers . It is similar to the A flag warning of the river is in place to help indicate the speed system Ebb tide flag warning system . dangerous in some cases, to navigate on and difficult river more make the When combined with an ebb tide this can with an ebb . When combined in speed to increase stream After heavy rainfall, the fluvial flow will increase causing the outbound causing the outbound flow will increase rainfall, the fluvial tide . After heavy reason that the river fills up very quickly when it meets the inbound (flood) when it meets the up very quickly that the river fills reason There is always water flowing outbound (downriver) and is the outbound (downriver) water flowing is always Thames . There Fluvial flow is the amount of water flowing downriver from the non-tidal the non-tidal from downriver flowing of water the amount flow is Fluvial Fluvial flow Fluvial 8 BEFORE YOU GO AFLOAT media, particularlyTwitter: is alsoavailableviasocial Topical riverinformation Annual-Events-Calendar www happening ontheTideway shows allrecreational events events calendarwhich The PLAalsohaveanonline the PLAwebsite–pla.couk Notices are alsoavailableon stretch oftheriver. These Mariners pertainingtotheir receive, byemail,Noticesto website toautomatically should sign-uponthePLA All clubsandgroup leaders @ocukcoach @TowerRNLI @ChiswickRNLI @BritishCanoeing @Thames21 @ThamesPoo @MrSafeT_Tideway @AlanBarrierEA @LondonPortAuth .placouk/Events/ in anemergency a personalVHF radiosettocommunicate withVTSortosummon help should carry eitheramobilephone(in abuoyant,waterproof case)or Group leaders,smallgroups andsolopaddlersbelow RichmondLock inform LondonVTS,eitherbyphoneorVHF – seepage46. Paddlers goingafloatin the darkbelowPutneyBridgemustalways advised toinformLondon VTS priortogoingafloatandon . return In additiontosigning-out(or innon-clubsituations)paddlersare strongly and ideallybedisplayednear thesigning-outboard . information shouldbepartoftheclub’s standard operatingprocedures should alsoknowwhattodoifaboatfailsreturn orisoverdue .This afloat andwhentheyexpectto incaseofanaccident.Members return, Clubs andcentres are advisedtokeepalogorsign-outboard ofwhois Who isafloat? PLA website. regarding theThamesTidewaywhichisavailable via emailalertsandthe Recreational riverusersmustbeaware oftheinformationandguidance Topical riverinformation–seepanelleft the plannedtrip. coerced) intogoingafloatiftheyare notcomfortablewithanyaspectof Inexperienced paddlersshouldnotbecoerced (orallowthemselvestobe a problem withyourequipment,knowledge,experienceorfitness. Do notproceed withatripiftheoutcomeofthesechecksshowsup which mayaffect theirtrip. member oragroup leadertoensure thattheyhaveassessedallfactors It istheresponsibility ofallpaddlerswhetherpaddlingsolo,asagroup Planning atrip . BEFORE YOU GO AFLOAT 9 . .

Temperature ones should be as well as cold High temperatures and what kit to wear when deciding on considered can be hot weather of your trip . Very the duration cold weather demanding as as physically Visibility visibility issues, the Tideway As well as rain causing be made to to fog and no attempt should is prone is less than 200m . go afloat if the visibility if you cannot see the opposite A good guide is that you should not go afloat . bank clearly then river is 300m wide at Greenwich, For example: the and Hammersmith Bridges 200m wide at Putney above Hammersmith . than 200m but narrower visibility during an outing If you encounter reduced you should find a safe haven . Fog is often a more than darkness and, although large serious hazard small paddled boats motor vessels may have radar, do not show up on radar Lightning you should If you experience lightning in your vicinity the river as soon as possible . get off 30 minutes have No one should go afloat unless . elapsed since the last visible lightning .

also windy You will feel much colder when wet especially if it is will feel much colder when wet especially You motor vessels to spot small boats . ability for large . temperature the perceived Rain can very much affect particularly the visibility, Rain can also seriously reduce Rain lead to exposure and even exhaustion, especially if wet . and even exhaustion, lead to exposure which will lower the level at which cold is felt and can which will lower the level at which cold The wind can have an extra chilling effect on the body effect The wind can have an extra chilling . wind direction buildings, where there can also be sudden changes of can also be sudden there buildings, where and around bridge arches as well as in areas with tall as well as in areas bridge arches and around Wind speeds can vary and noticeably increase through through vary and noticeably increase Wind speeds can can create steep standing waves . steep standing can create Wind against tide is a serious factor to consider as it is a serious factor to consider as it Wind against tide . the wind into account effect of the wind although all small boats must take although all small boats must take of the wind effect SUPs and open boats are particularly vulnerable to the are SUPs and open boats Wind physically demanding in a matter of minutes . physically demanding Conditions can become awkward and can become awkward . Conditions motor vessels water, especially when combined with washes from with washes from when combined especially water, conditions can create big waves and very choppy and very choppy big waves can create conditions The river is often exposed and weather is often exposed . The river small boats a significant effect on the safety and handling of and handling on the safety effect a significant Weather conditions on the tidal Thames can have can tidal Thames on the conditions Weather Weather conditions Weather 10 BEFORE YOU GO AFLOAT • • • • • wind direction andtidalsets: the river, especiallywithregard tothestateoftide, this canaffect waterconditionsondifferent partsof its course,itistherefore importanttounderstandhow The ThamesTidewaymeandersconsiderablyalong Tidal andwaterconditions Planning atrip and Weir undergoing maintenance (the“Draw-off”)? E .gistheThames BarriershutorisRichmond Lock Will anything else affectthewater? flag? What colouris theEbbtidewarning where youcanexitsafely egress points.Whenyouplananouting find out foreshore exposedand in placesthere are few high tidecanbedifficult, as there islittleorno Also gettingoff therivertwohours eithersideof will berelatively slow space .Towards theendofanebbtidestream Low tidemeansbetterwaterbutshallowsandless High tidemeanslumpierwaterbutmore space. How highisthetide? change oftide. as muchpossible.Planreturn tripsaround the Long tripsare bestarrangedtogowiththetide tochange? When isthetidepredicted a factoronyourintendedcourse? Will thedirection ofthewindortidalsetsbecome ofthetide? What isthedirection . . See next section–pages 12–23 Equipment and Clothing • • • Time forSUPs restrictions forthequietestconditions. weekend mornings craft totransitCentralLondonbefore 10.00amon 10 .00amThePLAtherefore strongly encourageleisure sightseeing tripsstilloperate,beginningataround less frequent atweekendsaboveChelseaBridgebut so inthesummermonths.Commuterservicesare Central Londonisalmostalwaysbusybutevenmore rowing activity very busyintheUpperArea where there isalotof Weekend andsummereveningsare mornings often Consider thetimeofdaywhenplanningyourtrip. Time ofday No paddlingafter dark Below ChelseaBridge traffic inCentralLondon Friday and30 No paddlingbetween11:00 and18:00from Good (in additiontotheabove) Between ChelseaBridgeandTower Bridge movements atWandsworth high water(atLondonBridge)duetofreight vessel No paddlingthree hoursbefore andtwohoursafter Below PutneyPier . th September .Duetobusycommercial BEFORE YOU GO AFLOAT 11 Dynamic Risk Assessment Risk Dynamic your you plan well However times when will be there trip, you will have afloat that critical decisions to make choosing the safest regarding line, due to the option or of the river and busy nature changing conditions. This is described code this throughout as a Dynamic Risk Assessment and certain marked key situations are with this symbol. leaders Individuals and group into account must always take the conditions and their competence and must ensure members are that all group able to cope with the choice that is made. This is important in the Upper and Rowing Code Area especially in Central London early judgement calls where often needed due to the are of the river and traffic nature volumes – see pages 60–65. .

Long distance trips may not be suitable for inexperienced paddlers be suitable for trips may not Long distance by not be undertaken London should Central through Trips Thames should unstable boats . The tidal paddlers in inexperienced suitable it require and paddlers using ‘exposed water’ as be treated conditions for the potentially demanding knowledge and experience kayaks paddlers consider using stable double For inexperienced familiar with the tidal Thames who are accompanied by leaders to take qualification or experience the required Leaders must have the tidal Thames out on a group

– pages 48–49 . situations management – page 28 – and emergency in this section and also include any relevant information regarding group group information regarding relevant in this section and also include any The briefing should cover all of the points detailed going afloat . The briefing should cover all of the before important that all are briefed by an experienced leader on what to expect briefed by an experienced important that all are In situations where a group is going out for a journey is going out for instruction it is or a group In situations where Group briefings Group SUP groups should have a minimum 1:4 ratio of leaders to paddlers . SUP groups Clubs and organisations should produce their own guidelines for this . produce should Clubs and organisations on the experience of the group and where on the river they are paddling . on the river they are and where on the experience of the group . This ratio will vary depending sufficient ratio of leaders to participants As well as leaders having suitable qualifications, groups should have a groups As well as leaders having suitable qualifications,

a suitably qualified leader a suitably qualified participants then consider splitting them into smaller groups, each with groups, consider splitting them into smaller participants then If there are more more are than 10–15 boats . If there consist of no more should A ‘group’ • • • • for further guidance – see page 28 and page 43 management Group and weather conditions: and weather group, should be taken into account, particularly with regard to the water to the regard with particularly account, into be taken should group, or as members of a members or as as soloist whether of all paddlers, experience The for further guidance further for 43 page and 28 page – see Experience 12 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING • • • • Fitting to yourPFDisalsorecommended . wearing it.Havingawhistleattached be ratedtosupportthesizeofperson It shouldhaveanEN/ISOnumberand paddle sportsisabuoyancyaid(BA). The mostsuitabletypeofPFDfor while afloatonthetidalThames. Floatation Device(PFD)atalltimes All paddlersshouldwearaPersonal Personal FloatationDevices(PFD) above thewater easily inwater andkeepyourhead The PFDshould allowyoutoswim going afloat adjusted before properly thattheyare always ensure off inanemergencyscenario so Loose-fitting PFDsmaycome at thewaist arms freely andallowyoutobend tight .Itshouldletyoumoveyour The fittingshouldbeasnugbutnot and adjust It shouldbeeasytoputon,takeoff done-up atalltimeswhileafloat all otherclothingandmustremain ontopof The PFDshouldbeworn

approved retailer forfurtheradvice. and contactthe manufacturer oran of aPFD,donotgoafloat withit If youare unsure about any aspect • • Storage • • Maintenance direct heat direct sunlightandawayfrom a cooldryplaceideallyoutof When dry, store yourPFDin allow todrynaturally in cleanwater, hangitupand After usealwaysrinseyourPFD a tumbledryer washing machineordryin Don’t washyourPFDina replacement for adviceor, ifnecessary, to theretailer ormanufacturer buckles, tiesorzips,takeitback stitching comingundone,broken basis, ifyounoticeanyripsor Check yourPFDonaregular . EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING 13

– but only if any hatches done-up. correctly are It is highly recommended asthat open boats such boatscanoes and dragon additional, fitted with are bags tosuitable buoyancy afloat they remain ensure even if swamped. If a club or an individual determines that their boat is an adequate substitute for a PFD when paddling above Richmond Lock, the river is more where benign and semi-tidal, a risk assessment careful should be carried out. In addition to a PFD, your to In addition a useful aid inboat is also you afloat in ankeeping situation – butemergency itself buoyant. only if it is are Paddleboards as are buoyant, inherently outriggermost kayaks and deckscanoes due to their Boat Buoyancy Boat

A jacket-style buoyancy aid with side and shoulder adjustment (for a snug fit) and easily accessible pockets – in this case containing Also note the sun a hand-held VHF. glasses and hat for the obviously bright conditions – page 14 . .

> Kayaking and Canoeing > Choose your Activity www.rnli.org/safety/respect-the-water storage is available from the RNLI: choice, fitting, maintenance and Further information regarding PFD life jacket if necessary possibly even a manually-inflating consider a higher rated PFD or Weak or non-swimmers should Weak operate if you are already in the water already operate if you are would be very difficult to don and would be very difficult for use on the tidal Thames as they for use on the tidal style PFDs are strongly discouraged strongly style PFDs are Therefore, ‘bum-bag’ or pouch ‘bum-bag’ Therefore, their job) . need to inflate them for them to do need to inflate them you don’t (i .e . you don’t buoyant’ ‘inherently are over other types of PFD is that they over other types of The main benefit of buoyancy aids benefit of buoyancy The main the most suitable PFD for a trip . suitable PFD for the most be taken into account when choosing into account when be taken vary considerably and should always and should vary considerably Conditions on the tidal Thames can on the tidal Thames Conditions Conditions 14 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING details about VHF. activity –seepage46 formore watch oncommercial vessel paddlers forkeepingalistening forall strongly recommended below PutneyBridgeandit is VHF *NOTE: SUPsmustcarry • • • • • • • • • • • below Richmondlock: group leaders(andassistants) orcarriedby should beworn Additional equipmentthat Group Leaders Additional kitfor (and /orfoilvests) Spare /emergency clothing First Aidkit(+qualification) Laminated map Torch /SOSlight Knife Tow line Throw line/spare line Spare Paddle Whistle waterproof case) Mobile Phone(inabuoyant, Personal VHFradioset* – seepage28 fordetails . If choosingto paddlealone,ensure youare suitably equipped should wearappropriate clothing–seepages21–23 fordetails. If paddlingafter darkyourboatmustbe appropriately litandyou • • • • • Whistle(ideallyattachedtoyourbuoyancyaid) depending ontheconditions: Other itemsthatpaddlersmaywanttoconsiderwearing orcarrying, • • • • • Personal clothingandequipment

Drinking water&snacks Paddle leash/Spare paddle(s) Spare clothes(inadrybag) Mobile phone(inabuoyant,waterproof case) important inlowlightconditionsordarkness clothing toimprove theirvisibilitytoothervessels.Thisisparticularly It is strongly recommended thatpaddlerswearbright-coloured orhi-vis Going barefoot isnotrecommended ontheTideway to walkonanunevenriverbedorbankwiththeriskof sharpobjects. Suitable watersportsshoes/bootsare very importantasyoumayneed Peaked hatsandsunglassesare recommended insunnyweather possibly wetsuits.Perhapsevendrysuitsinthewintermonths Wind, rainandcoldtemperatures willrequire additionallayersor properties are mostsuitable lightweight man-madefibre sportsclothingwiththermalquick-drying conditions .Acombinationofwater/windproof outeritemsand You mustensure thatyou are wearingsuitableclothingforthe(forecast) • • •

Sun cream Gloves orPogies Pump EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING Boat choice – is your boat suitable for the conditions? Paddlers must be aware that the tidal Thames is Considerations categorised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as Freeboard: is the amount of hull above the waterline . follows: All small man-powered boats have minimal freeboard in comparison to motor vessels and this very much affects their ability to cope with rough • Above Gravesend water . Sufficient freeboard is a vital consideration on the tidal Thames as Category C waters, expect wash and draw-off from motor vessels can be difficult to handle if the wash waves of up to 1.2 metres is coming from the side or unexpectedly from behind . Certain weather in height conditions can also cause very rough water . • Below Gravesend Category D waters, expect Decking: is the boat is ‘open’ or ‘closed’? waves of over 2.0 metres The integral decks on a closed boat allow water to pass over the boat in height without taking any on board (swamping) - especially if spray decks are fitted . Open boats are more susceptible to swamping . Buoyancy: affects a boat’s ability to remain afloat even if swamped Most modern paddled boats have inherent or built-in buoyancy but some, especially open canoes and dragon boats, may require buoyancy to be retro-fitted .

Conclusions Open boats (canoes or dragon boats) and very narrow racing-style boats are not well suited to rough water or big waves . Neither are SUPs, due to their almost non-existent freeboard .

Recommendations Conditions are often demanding below Putney and only the more experienced paddlers should venture below this point using a suitable kayak or canoe . It is strongly recommended that dragon boats, SUPs and particularly inflatable boats remain above Putney Bridge where water conditions are less demanding . 15 16 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING most suitablefortheseconditions. kayaks, withenclosedcockpitsandspraydecks,are London cangetveryrough soseaandtouringclass Certain partsofthetidalThamessuchasCentral an opentopdesign. have encloseddeckswhereas thesit-on-top-kayakis paddle .Thetraditionaltypeofkayaksasillustrated forward, legsinfront andusesadouble-ended arrangement where thepaddler(s)isseatedfacing Kayaks canhaveasingleordouble-seat Kayaks TouringTouring canoe kayak 1 • • • 2 1 2 C2 racing canoe K1 racing kayak for theTidewaybelowPutney Inflatable kayaksare notconsidered tobesuitable more suitableforthesefastboats tide ismuchlessofafactorandthewater custom andpracticeaboveRichmond,where the Paddling racingkayaks(suchasK1andK2)isa placing noviceswithmore experiencedpaddlers are more stableanddoublesare idealforinitially and experienceofthepaddler Choose asuitabletypeofkayakfortheconditions .Long,widehulls EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING 17 Long, wide hulls are hulls are . Long, wide Choose a suitable type of canoe for the conditions conditions for the of canoe type a suitable Choose of the paddler and experience placed should initially be stable and novices more paddlers experienced with more is a as C1 and C2) racing canoes (such Paddling the Richmond, where practice above custom and of a factor and the water much tide is much less for these fast boats suitable more to be suitable considered not are Inflatable canoes Putney for the Tideway below C2 racing canoe 3 2 3 • • • 1 Touring canoe Touring

1 It is recommended that all open boats are retro- all open boats are that It is recommended (usually air bags) if it is not fitted with buoyancy to the design . integrally built-in already 2

1 • conditions compared with racing canoes . with conditions compared wider beam so are better suited for use in Tideway better wider beam so are Open / touring canoes have a higher freeboard and a higher freeboard canoes have Open / touring . “Canadian canoes” described as specifically Sometimes more more paddle . Sometimes a single-bladed travel using seated or kneeling paddlers facing the direction of facing the direction kneeling paddlers seated or ends and open on top, propelled by one or more one or more by open on top, propelled ends and Lightweight narrow boats, typically pointed at both at both pointed typically boats, narrow Lightweight Canoes 18 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING more stableandrecommended forTidewayuse. (particularly thewind).Long,wideboards are slightly than regular boards towaterandweatherconditions freeboard .Inflatableboards are evenmore susceptible SUPs are comparativelyunstablecraftandhaveno through thewater boards and usealongpaddletopropel themselves paddleboarders maintainanuprightstanceontheir and anSUPisessentiallyasurfboard whereby Stand-up paddleboarding isanoffshoot ofsurfing Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) SUPs at ChiswickPier . • • to theirexperienceandotherfactors–seepage43 which partsoftheTidewaySUPsmayuseaccording Putney andthere are strictconditionsregarding SUPs are bestsuitedtothecalmerwatersfoundabove 2 1 Quick-release waist leashesare recommended use abuoyancyaid On thetidalThamesallstand-uppaddlersmust should beavoided prove difficultto reach instrong-flowing waterand release waistleash.Ankleorkneeleashesmay If choosingtowearaleashitshouldbequick- 1 2

Outrigger canoes Dragon boats EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING

Outrigger Canoeing, or Va’a, has Polynesian origins Dragon boats are long open boats where the crew sit as native sports in Hawaii, New Zealand and Tahiti . abreast and drive the boat along with a single paddle Outrigger canoes are stable boats built to cross ocean to the beat of a seated drummer in the bow and are channels with a narrow main hull and an outrigger steered by a coxswain with a paddle who stands in stabiliser or ama . Boats vary in size from 7m single the stern . person (OC1) to 14m six person (OC6) . Outriggers Dragon boats are considered to be open boats and generally have a deck fore and aft but are otherwise as such their use is recommended only on the calmer considered to be open boats . Though the waters of the waters found above Putney . Thames are considerably calmer than the ocean, spray skirts are recommended for OC6s in Central London and bailers are recommended at all times .

OC6 12 crew dragon boat 19 Port of London Boat Identification ID Specification Thames Byelaws 2012 - Byelaw 53 Club Boats VESSEL Boats that belong to a club or commercial IDENTIFICATION provider must display a five-character 16CKC AND MARKING identification marking: a two digit unique • Cap height: 40mm minimum A vessel to which number followed by the club’s ID . To • Typeface: Ariel, Helvetica or this byelaw applies register an ID please contact the PLA . similar ‘sans serif’ style font must exhibit its name • Colour: any colour but must painted in letters Personal Boats contrast with the hull colour (or numbers) of a Non-club boats, owned by individuals, are and be easily legible from 30m length not less than required according to byelaws (see panel in daylight . A recommended 0.1 metres and of left), to be marked with a name . They are option is to place the ID on proportionate breadth not specifically required to display a five- retro-reflective SOLAS tape, one each side of and character ID associated with a club but to increase visibility of both in a colour contrasting are strongly encouraged to do so for the

EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING the boat and the ID itself with that of the hull reasons below . Owners are also strongly • Position: in a prominent place on or superstructure, advised to display contact information on both sides of the boat, ideally on provided that, if the their boats, such as the ID sticker found in the most vertical surface possible vessel is of less than the RNLI’s Kayaking Safety Pack . 20 metres in length and above the waterline – see below compliance with the These various ID markings allow boats to foregoing requirements be more easily identified in an emergency is impracticable, or if found unattended, returned to their the name or number owner . Also, if more than one group is out must be otherwise on the river, particularly in Central London, exhibited in one or using the boat’s ID as a call sign assists more positions as vessels to distinguish between the groups prominently and clearly and in making contact via VHF . Identifying as practicable. a specific group can also help with incident investigation . 20 BEFOREEQUIPMENT YOU & GO CLOTHING AFLOAT 21 After dark it is essential to essential dark it is After someone knows that ensure afloat. you are must inform All paddlers out in if they are London VTS below Putney Bridge, the dark VHF radio. either by phone or after SUPs may not paddle Bridge. Chelsea below dark More . More

Hi-vis (or white) clothing is Hi-vis (or white) clothing recommended in the dark

Retro-reflectivea large tape and group vastly increase visibility also correctly light your boat in darkness and reduced visibility reduced in darkness and light your boat also correctly However, must by law you . However, boat ID (see left) with your can be combined trim . (white or bright colours) with reflective high visibility clothing Use of retro-reflective SOLAS tape (as shown below) is very effective and below) is very effective tape (as shown SOLAS Use of retro-reflective try as much as possible to wear . Paddlers should easily seen (see below) . and risk assessment planning thorough as well as more clothing – as it can be more to paddle in a group preferable In the dark it is always than in bright daylight so requires additional equipment and different and different equipment additional daylight so requires than in bright overleaf . this should be achieved can be found details about how Paddling in the dark or in poor visibility is obviously much more hazardous hazardous more much is obviously visibility in poor dark or in the Paddling Paddling in the dark and poor visibility poor and dark in the Paddling Col Reg Rule 25 Lighting your boat Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars By law, you must correctly light your boat in darkness and reduced d (ii) - A vessel under oars may visibility . exhibit the lights prescribed Paddlers need to be as visible as possible, so lights must be displayed at in this Rule for sailing all times of restricted visibility such as mist, fog, rain or snow and at night vessels, but if she does not, or in the early morning . If you are going out for an evening paddle, even if she shall have ready at hand you intend to return in daylight, you should take lights with you as daylight an electric torch or lighted can fade very quickly . If in doubt, use lights . lantern showing a white light Lighting must be a constant white light which should be firmly fixed to which shall be exhibited in the bows and to the stern of the boat . Each light should be visible for sufficient time to prevent approximately 800m and through 180° The boat should effectively have collision. white lighting visible through 360° . Col Reg Rule 20 Lights should be waterproof and also diffused, so as not to impair the vision of anyone in your group or other river users . On SUPs kayaks Application or EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING and canoes low to the water, it is recommended that lights be fixed to the (Lights and Shapes) chest and back of the paddler . When paddling as a group, all boats in the The lights prescribed by these group must carry lights . It is not sufficient to have a single set of lights to rules shall, if carried, also cover the whole group . be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility Unidirectional lights are not permitted as they are not safe . Spare lights and may be exhibited in all should also be carried . Additional lights such as head torches can be used other circumstances when it to warn approaching vessels of your presence, but can also ‘dazzle’ other is deemed necessary. river users if used inconsiderately . LED sticks, attached to the paddler, are recommended as is high visibility For the purposes of this clothing and reflective tape on clothing and paddles (see photo on rule paddled boats are also previous page) . Red or other coloured lights should never be used . considered to be ‘under oars’. NOTE: In the Rowing Code Areas a flashing white light is required on the bows of rowing boats to help determine their direction of travel . It is not required by, and should not be used by, paddled boats . 22 BEFOREEQUIPMENT YOU & GO CLOTHING AFLOAT 23 24 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION green light to of thevessel. used inthedirection oftravel navigation. Theyare always conventions usedtodescribe light ontheir display a[forward facing] red In thedark,motor vesselswill side left-hand Port Port and seaway,an international (below Teddington lock)is Because thetidalThames Port and

Starboard are the Port Starboard. Starboard side anda Starboard right-hand side

your outing plan,which shouldbe guidedbythe club’s procedures . recommended accessandegress pointsshould alwaysbeincludedin only beused to exitinanemergency orwithpermission.Locationof very fewbelow points .There are afairnumberofdrawdocksabove PutneyBridgebut there islittleornoforeshore exposedandinplaces there are fewegress Getting off therivertwohourseither sideofhightidecanbedifficult,as • • • • • • • Direction sectionsofthiscode–from page52. Authority on theRecreational UsersGuideorchartsproduced bythePortofLondon found ontheinteractivemapatwww.boatingonthethames.co.uk aswell water around thesearea whichcanbeutilised.Accesspoints boat orontoaboard .There are ofteneddiesorsheltered areas ofslack slipway orforeshore/beach astheseprovide afirmerfootingtogetinto River accessforpaddledboatsisconsidered safestfrom adrawdock, Accessing theriver already afloattoaccompany/manage them When gettingnovicesafloat,makesure there are experiencedpaddlers aware ofwash Lookout forothertrafficbefore enteringthemainflowofriverandbe obstructions downstream ofthelaunchsite Know whichwaythetidalstream isflowingandensure there are no Be aware oftheslippinghazard especiallyonstepsorramps SUP shouldremain onkneesuntilcomfortable/inasafearea first,withcaution – itmaybebesttoentertheriverstern Take care nottodamageanyruddersorskegstheboatmayhave Avoid obstructingthetowpathwithboatswaitingtogoafloat .Principaldrawdocksare alsonotedonthediagramsin .Pontoonsand piersare privatelyowned andshould BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION Lookout Col Reg Rule 5 Lookout Keeping a proper lookout is the single most essential Every vessel shall at all times feature of safe navigation . maintain a proper lookout by Failure to keep a proper lookout is the single biggest factor in sight as well as by hearing as collisions and near-misses . For paddlers it may be that the biggest well as by all available means risk is as likely to come from behind them as from in front . appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions Paddlers face in the direction of travel so can easily see oncoming so as to make a full appraisal hazards but they must also be very aware of quicker vessels that may of the situation and of the risk be approaching from behind . Motor vessels can be easily heard and of collision. may even give a sound signal on their horn . Rowing boats however are much smaller and quieter and very often the steers person is facing away from their direction of travel . Rowers may make their presence known by shouting a warning . It is therefore essential that paddlers check behind them at regular intervals and in addition, is recommended that groups have one or two experienced paddlers at the rear of the group whose specific role it is to keep a lookout behind . This includes being aware of wash from behind or reflected off walls which can cause irregular wave patterns . Always when in heavy traffic, poor visibility, at the turn of the tide or navigating in the vicinity of bridges, a more proactive lookout should be employed . This includes lookout by hearing, considering both sound signals – page 34–35 – and VHF – page 46 .

25 26 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION sailing boatiscrossing thefairway). Paddled boats mustalsogivewaytosailing boats(unlessthe V Passenger vessels, tugsandtows largeDutchbarges. also givepriority tovesselssuchas(but notlimitedto)Class keep outofthewayall the typesofvesselslisted.Theymust paddled boatsmustact aspower-driven vesselsandmust For thepurposesofByelaw 27andColRegRules918, (b) avesselengagedintowing. (a) avesselof40metres (20m) 27.1 (&27.2)Avesselofless Westminster Bridge of Tower Bridge)andabove Garden Pierisdownstream GardenCherry Pier(Cherry Vessels navigatingabove Byelaws 2012-Byelaw27 Port ofLondonThames or more inlength;or passage of: Pier mustnotimpedethe above CherryGarden a sailingvesselnavigating Westminster Bridge),and length navigatingabove Garden Pier(or20min navigating aboveCherry than 40metres inlength 18 (d)Anyvesselotherthana Vessels Responsibilities Between Col RegRule18 practicable. starboard sideasissafeand or Fairwaywhichliestoher to theouterlimitofchannel or Fairwayshallkeepasnear the courseofanarrow channel (a) Avesselproceeding along Narrow Channels Col RegRule9 constrained byherdraught the safepassageofavessel case admit,avoidimpeding if thecircumstances ofthe ability tomanoeuvre shall, or avesselrestricted inher vessel notundercommand on pages36–39 . canbefound navigation pattern details aboutthisalternative slacks againstthetide.More boats are allowedtoworkthe Tideway, where man-powered Col Regsintwosectionsof the The navigationrulesdiffer from NOTE: from them. are andpositionyourselfwellaway where themainrivertrafficflows the riverasperColRegs.Observe navigate onthestarboard sideof that youkeepagoodlookoutand All alongthetidalThames,itisvital so astopassport-to-port. the starboard sideofanychannel that allvesselsshouldnavigateto Col RegsRule9aessentiallystates for Preventing CollisionsatSea. Regulations The International rules thatapplyare ColRegs: seaway,international thenavigation Because thetidalThamesisan Col Regs BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 27 All vessels in the Fairway the in vessels All way. right of have give must boats Paddled motor vessels way to larger is That in the Fairway. these vessels are because to in their ability restricted and although manoeuvre paddled boats slow, relatively much more also generally are most manoeuvrable than larger vessels......

starboard bank as is safe and as close to thestarboard Zone , in the Inshore

are able to use the shallow water outside the Fairway able to use are your intentions clearly the centre of the river, in the Fairway in the river, of the centre Fairway and boats have minimal draught and practicable . That is because paddled at such times you give way and show that should always ensure tide . You vessels have more draught (hull under the water) so will usually be near so will usually under the water) draught (hull more vessels have to navigate outside of the encouraged Zone (IZ) . Paddlers are Inshore especially at low place on the river, to be in the “wrong” boats can appear whether the water level is high or low the water level is whether Fairway and is called the channel lane is the main navigation The centre marked . Large and is not generally boats channel for larger It is a deeper to as the referred the Fairway and the banks are The lanes between and large the Fairway is not in the centre NOTE: In a number of places The river can be roughly divided into three lanes which remain in place in place remain lanes which three divided into be roughly river can The Positioning on the river river the on Positioning 28 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION not recommended. Solo paddling inthedarkis necessary. hi-vis clothing orlightswhere other riverusersbymeans of to beasvisiblepossible to Every effort shouldbemade member orafriend. London VTS,anotherclub information couldbeleftwith anticipated return time.That intended planis,including they are afloatandwhattheir to makesure someoneknows method ofcommunicationand advised tocarryatleastone Soloists are verystrongly navigation andconditions. experienced inTideway be undertakenbypaddlers Solo paddlingshouldonly with aproblem. assistance onhandtocope other vesselsandbyhaving both intermsofbeingseenby can rely onsafetyinnumbers paddling inagroup which carries more riskthanwhen Paddling aloneinherently Solo paddling • • This formationalsoallowsforeasiercommunicationwithinthegroup . exception astheirvisibilitytoothervesselsisimproved asagroup . abreast (side-by-side)butitisacceptedthatpaddledboatsare an river users.ThamesByelaw15doesnot,infact,allowboatstoproceed not baulkorotherwiseimpedethesafenavigationofother, usuallyfaster that groups stayclosetogetherandare ofasizeandformationthatdoes boats are mucheasierforothervesselstospot.However, itisimportant Paddling ingroups issaferthanpaddlingalonesincegroups ofvery small Group management lookout behindandinform,direct orcontrol thegroup asnecessary experienced paddlersattherear whosespecific role itistokeepa As wellastheleader, groups shouldideallyhaveoneortwo a suitablegroup sizeandshapeinanygivensituation they takeup.Thegroup leadermusttakeresponsibility formaintaining across theriverandgroups mustalwaysconsidertheamountofspace Group paddlingdoesnotgivepaddlerscarteblanchetospread out Crossing the river Port of London Thames BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION Byelaws 2012 – Byelaw 24 At some time paddlers will have to cross the Fairway in order to commence Modifications of the their return journey . That can be the most hazardous part of the outing . International Regulations Please consider the following in order to effect a safe crossing: for Preventing Collisions at • Cross where you can see other vessels and you can be seen by them Sea (Col Regs) - Crossing Make your intentions and your crossing obvious to other river users (a) a vessel must not cross • You may not cross unless the Fairway is clear and never in front of or enter a fairway so as to oncoming traffic or close to a bridge – also see page 33 obstruct another vessel proceeding along the • Any boats in the Fairway have right of way so be prepared to have fairway. to wait until the Fairway has cleared • Groups should not cross the Fairway strung-out in single file Port of London Thames • Groups should cross the Fairway in close formation Byelaws 2012 - Byelaw 15 • Crossing must take place as quickly as is safely possible and by the Modifications of the shortest possible route International Rules • Be aware of the effect of the tidal stream which will push you sideways (c) a power-driven vessel • Keep a good lookout must not proceed abreast of another power-driven vessel except for the purposes of overtaking that other vessel.

For the purposes of this rule paddled boats must act as power driven vessels.

29 30 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION collision (Col Reg,Rule2). a dutyofcare toavoida this page,allvesselshave points andotheradvice on Notwithstanding theabove vessels must actaspower-driven regulation, paddledboats For thepurposesofthis (c) Whenavesselisinany (a) Whentwopowerdriven Head-on situation Col RegRule14 and actaccordingly. assume thatitdoesexist a situationexistssheshall doubt astowhethersuch of theother. shall passontheportside to starboard sothateach each shallalterhercourse to involveriskofcollision reciprocal coursessoas on reciprocal ornearly vessels are meeting . 2 1 and safelytothecorrect stationbefore continuing. even ifitbreaks alltherules.Boatsshouldalwaysthenreturn immediately In extreme situationsanyactionshouldbetakentoavoidacollision • • or intentionsandrowing – seepage34. boatsmayshoutawarning Motor vesselsmayuseasoundsignaltocommunicatetheirpresence the rear ofthegroup whosespecific role itistokeepalookoutbehind. It isrecommended thatgroups haveoneortwoexperiencedpaddlersat danger ofcollisionis,infact,from fastervessels approaching from behind. Because oftherelatively slowspeedofpaddledboatsthemostlikely Avoiding collisions That meansthatideallybothvesselsshouldpassport-to-port In ahead-onsituationyoushouldalsopreferably steertostarboard . starboard andthusleavethepassageclearforfastermovingvessel When approached from behind,paddlersshouldpreferably steerto 1 2 Overtaking General Directions for BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION Navigation in the Port of It is unlikely that most paddled boats will be sufficiently fast enough to London 2011 (as amended) overtake other vessels but they may have to go around stationary boats Direction 24 or other, slower paddled boats . Please observe these overtaking rules: Overtaking Manoeuvres • The overtaking crew does not have right of way . If it is not clear to (1) Overtaking manoeuvrings overtake then you must wait shall only be undertaken so • Overtaking should not take place if it puts the overtaking boat into that the vessels involved the path of oncoming traffic, either: do not prejudice their ability to navigate safely, 1 Any vessels in the Fairway particularly in areas of additional constraint such 2 Rowing boats in the Inshore Zone – see pages 37–39 as river bends and bridges.

• Overtaking should, in general, be on the outside (in the faster tidal stream) Col Reg Rule 13 • Any boat(s) being overtaken should maintain course and speed, Overtaking baulking the passage of an overtaking vessel is not permitted (a) any vessel overtaking • Do not overtake under bridges any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

Port of London Thames Byelaws 2012 - Byelaw 15 Modifications of the 1 International Rules (d) a vessel in a fairway above Tilburyness must not overtake a vessel 2 which is itself overtaking another vessel. 31 32 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION Closed arch marker be announcedviaanNtM) (Any archclosurewillalso (b) bynight,three red lights (a) byday, three red discs0.6 36.1 Whenthearch orspan Bridges Byelaws 2012-Rule36 Port ofLondonThames discs displayedbyday. in similarpositionstothe horizontal; and downwards andthebase triangle withtheapex points ofanequilateral metres indiameteratthe harbourmaster: a positionagreed withthe of thatarch orspan,in the centre aspracticable display atorascloseto control of thebridgemust navigation, thepersonin of abridgeisclosedto Fairway marker 1 with Arch #1(seediagram opposite) Bridge arches overthe riverare numbered, startingfrom thenorth bank, Arch numbering • • • Arch marking • • • • when transitingabridge. Paddlers shouldkeepwellclearofallbridgesfortheir ownsafetyexcept out foratlowtide,particularlyunderthearches closesttothebanks. paddler’s abilitytocontrol theirboat.There mayalsobeshallowstolook around bridgebuttress drawingsmallboatstowards them andaffecting Another hazard forsmallboatsisthecurrent whichflowsmuchfaster buttresses andavoidpassingothervesselsclosetoabridge. manoeuvre .Smallboatsshouldalwaystrytokeepwellawayfrom bridge buttresses andlarge vesselsmayoftenbeverylimitedintheirabilityto Visibility ofsmallboatscanbeveryeasilyobstructedbythebridge paddlers buttheycanpresent particularhazards tosafenavigation: and Tower Bridge.Theheightandwidthofbridgesare to ofno concern The Tidewayhas29bridgesoverthemainchannelbetweenTeddington Bridges 2 3 For safetynovesselshouldevernavigate through aclosedarch A closedarch ismarkedwithaninverted triangleof3red lightsordisks The Fairwayismarkedwithtwoamber lights abovethearch Do notbaulk(obstruct)fastervesselsunderorneara bridge Do notcross, orovertakeundernearabridge turn Do notstopunderornearabridge(unlessinanemergency) Whenever possible(orasappropriate), use thearch closesttotheshore BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 33 2 This is mostly . This is mostly 1 3 . paddlers are advised to advised are paddlers possible Whenever a pier behind (or under) navigate and work boats the passenger vessels to avoid the pier the outside of using that are to advised are possible paddlers Whenever ) any moorings Zone inside (Inshore navigate on the edge of the fairway positioned which are of the dangers of be aware Paddlers must also any man-made obstructions being pushed onto the . Once trapped on by the tidal stream obstruction, it can be side of a fixed upstream is the and there to get free almost impossible of pushed under by the force risk of being real the water 5 4 • • • 5

4

from page 50 . – from sections detailed in the Directions They are piers and moorings . They are about navigating bridges, There are some specific exceptions to this general advice exceptions to this general some specific are There . to see than a line of small boats vessels for larger A compact group is easier long line . A compact group out in a than spread Groups of paddlers should remain tightly spaced rather should remain of paddlers Groups moorings . navigating around bridges, piers, buoys and navigating around Always keep an especially good lookout when good lookout an especially Always keep the river – of which there are many! are – of which there the river obstacles in to all other large for bridges precautions Paddlers should apply the same should apply the them . Paddlers around buoys and moorings – and the vessels manoeuvring the vessels manoeuvring moorings – and buoys and Similar dangers [to bridges] are also presented by piers, by piers, presented also are [to bridges] dangers Similar Piers, buoys and moorings and moorings buoys Piers, Shouted warnings Sound signals

If you feel that a risk of collision is developing do not • Power-driven vessels, especially the larger assume that the other boat is aware of it and call out commercial (passenger) vessels are much more in good time to warn them . The conventional calls likely to use sound signals than they are to shout for rowers and paddlers are: • Emergency vessels such as the lifeboat and police • “Take a look [other boat]” will use their siren rather than shout potential risk of collision • Paddlers must be aware of the meaning of sound • “Ahead [other boat]” signals, usually given via a horn or whistle imminent risk of collision • In the Upriver Area sound signals are most likely to • “Hold it up” apply to the Class V passenger vessels, especially precautionary stop when using Kew Pier . Below Putney use of sound signals will be common amongst the busy • “Hold it hard!” commercial traffic Emergency stop • In addition to sound signals, all paddlers are All paddlers when hearing such a call in their vicinity advised to carry VHF and keep a listening watch should take a good look to ascertain whether it pertains to them or not . The most important sound signals for paddlers to remember are as follows: Calling other boats is particularly important where paddlers are sharing the river with rowers . Calling is

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION common (and indeed good practice) amongst rowers and paddlers should not be inhibited about doing the same . It is better to assume that other boats have not seen you than to leave your call until it is too late .

It is recommended that all paddlers also carry a whistle (attached to their buoyancy aid) to attract attention in an emergency and where conditions make shouting ineffective . 34 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 35 36 FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION traffic . pavement against theflowof being allowed torideabikeonthe working theslacks andit’s abitlike It isthispracticethatknown as pre-arranged CrossingZones. They mayonlydothisat banks tostayintheslack water so much,boatshavetoswap Because theTidewaymeanders only againstthetide. on theinsideofbend–but the slowermoving,‘slack’water staying tostarboard) byrowing in the normalnavigationrules(of have beenallowedtobreak with Traditionally, oar-powered boats on theinsideofbend. with sloweror‘slack’waterbeing creating tidalsets–seepage6) around theoutsideofbends(also In general,waterflowsfaster their boatintoastrong current . the tide,ratherthanhavetoforce ‘slack’ waterwhenrowing against working oarsmentousetheeasier system historicallydevelopedby Working theslacksisanavigation What is“Working theSlacks”? . UpperRowingCodeArea LowerRowingCodeArea 2 1 Rowing Code Areas FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION

On the Thames Tideway there are two specific areas In both rowing code areas the Inshore Zone is only where the slacks are worked . Because rowing boats used when rowing against the tidal stream . When make up the vast majority of recreational craft on the rowing with the tidal stream rowers are positioned river in these areas, they are known as the Rowing on the starboard side of the Fairway as per Col Regs Code Areas (see diagrams left) . (Rule 9a) . Think of it as a river within a river . • 1 Upper Rowing Code Area also applies to paddlers Only in the Upper Rowing Code Area the lanes are and is between Syon Reach and Putney Pier occasionally marked with buoys in important areas • 2 Lower Rowing Code Area doesn’t apply to paddlers and at Crossing Zones: and is between Cherry Garden Pier and Island Jetty • Green buoys are always on the Middlesex or north edge of the Fairway Within those areas, rowers should work the slacks meaning that when rowing against the tidal stream they • Red buoys are always on the Surrey or south edge use the lanes between the Fairway and the river’s edge, of the Fairway known as the Inshore Zones . When using the Inshore Outside the Rowing Code Areas, Col Regs (Rule 9a) Zone, rowers should be positioned as close to the bank starboard side navigation, applies to all vessels at all as safe and practicable, however high the water is . times, as described on pages 26–27 .

37 38 FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION details. See pages67–69 formore Lower RowingCode Area. not worktheslacksin there, paddledboats different. Unlikerowingvessels Area, therulesforpaddlers are In theLowerRowingCode .co.uk/Rowing www.boatingonthethames leisure userswebsite: That isavailableonthePLA found intheRowingCode. Rowing CodeAreas canbe working theslackswithin detailed explanationabout covered here butamore The fundamentalpointsare the sameasforrowing boats. rules forpaddledboatsare the slacks.Thenavigation paddled boatsshouldwork Code Area (SyontoPutney) Because intheUpperRowing Code Areas? know abouttheRowing Why dopaddlersneedto should 2 • obliged tolookoutforand safely overtakepaddledboats. much theotherwayaround, withrowing boats, asthefastervessel,being When proceeding withthestream intheFairway • Inshore Zone. to rowing boatsandtoavoidimpedingtheirprogress byfillingthewhole should makethemselvesasvisible(andaudible–seepage34 ) aspossible as wellinfront whennavigatingwithintheInshore Zone.Paddlers It isvitaltherefore thatpaddlersalsokeepagoodlookoutbehindthem boat whenbothtypesofare workingthesameslackwater increased possibilityofarowing boatcollidingintothebackofapaddled The consequenceofthatsituationisveryobvious–there isan • • • Zone toworktheslacks: specific issuesthatarisewhere paddlersand rowers usethesameInshore asrowingsame navigationpattern boatssoitisvitaltounderstandthe Only intheUpperRowingCodeArea , paddledboatsshouldusethe Paddled boatsworkingtheslacks 1 starboard sideof theFairway nor intotheInshore Zonebutpaddleas acompactgroup onthe However, paddledboatsmust notspread outacross thewhole Fairway unhindered ontheoutside. as closetothebankis safe thusallowingrowing boatstopassthem Areas –Paddlersshouldbenomore thantwoabreast andshouldstay The ruleonpaddlingingroups isdifferent withintheRowingCode Rowers havetheirbackstodirection of travel Paddlers faceintheirdirection oftravel Paddled boatsare usuallyslowerthanrowing boats , asdescribed onpage28 . , theresponsibility isvery . FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 39

Inshore Zone Zone Inshore tide in the the against the slacks working Paddlers Fairway, as per Col Regs side of the Fairway, with the tide on the starboard Paddlers proceeding

2 1

• • 40 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES is £5,000 at timeofpublication(2016) maximumfine The statutory on indictmenttoafine]. maximum andonconviction exceeding [thestatutory and liabletoafinenot shall beguiltyofanoffence (b) inamannerliabletoinjure (a) withoutduecare and vessel ontheThames A masterwhonavigateshis navigation General rulesfor amended) -Section108 Port ofLondonAct1968(as Thames; installation inorbesidethe level) oranystructure or or belowmeanhighwater Thames (whetherabove vessels, thebanksof or endangerpersons,other attention; or behaviour ofthecrew As such,thesteersislegallyresponsible forthenavigation,safetyand vessel -seepanelleft. boats withmore thanoneperson),isdeemedtobethemaster ofthe In thecontextofPLAregulations, thesteersperson(‘steers’forpaddled The Vessel Master They shouldbeabletoswimandwearasuitablePFD. with rules,regulations andemergency procedures setoutbytheirclub. They shouldunderstandthebasicsofthisCodePracticeandbefamiliar plus theirownabilityandexperience. about togoafloatinandalsoforassessingtheenvironmental conditions Every paddlerisresponsible forcheckingtheequipmentthattheyare Risk Assessment Personal responsibility It isalso recommended that group leaders holdaFirst Aidqualification . able tomake the rightdecisionsanddynamically riskassessthetrip . care toensure theirexperienceand‘local knowledge’are sufficientto be into aposition oftrustbytheothergroup members,sothey haveadutyof Whilst individualsare ultimatelyresponsible forthemselves, leadersare put guidance inthiscode. maintain thesize,shape,position androute ofthegroup inlinewiththe which shouldappointaperson to‘takecharge’ to takeanactiverole to As mentionedinotherpartsofthiscode,it’s advisabletopaddleingroups, Group leaders’ responsibility . ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities of clubs, organisations Commercial Paddling and paddle sport providers Any club, individual or company which offers paid Clubs, organisations and paddle sport providers should have measures ‘tour guide’ style trips on in place for: the tidal Thames requires • Generic risk assessments permission from the • Standard operating procedures including identifying usable egress points PLA Harbourmaster. • Up-to-date Health and Safety policies Detailed Passage Plans • Appointed coaches/group leaders and Risk Assessments are • Appointed Safety Officer required for operations such • Other conditions required for affiliation to a national governing body as this and these need to (e .g . British Canoeing) or if operating as a commercial provider . be approved by the PLA. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up Experience paddleboards used Associate clubs, organisations or providers should consider producing for commercial trips must also their own guidelines based on British Canoeing Coaching and Personal be licensed by the PLA. Performance (Leadership and Star) Awards . These guidelines should take A leader of any such into account the level of competence required of paddlers and group commercial outfit is required leaders, as well what part of the river is being used and the expected to hold a Thames Local conditions . Clubs not associated with British Canoeing are recommended Knowledge Endorsement to be guided by the principles within these awards . (LKE) when operating Information distribution between Putney and Margaretness. Clubs are also responsible for informing members (i .e . via a notice board, website or social media) of any information relevant to safety and More details on the LKE navigation on the Tidal Thames . This information could be any or all of the can be found on the PLA following issued by the PLA or British Canoeing: website or by contacting the Harbourmaster – see page 70 • This Code of Practice • Notices to Mariners (NtM) for contact details. • Safety Bulletins • Fluvial Flag warnings 41 42 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES AND OTHERRIVEREVENTS BOAT RACES, REGATTAS, PROCESSIONS Port ofLondonThamesByelaws2012-Byelaw9 9.4 Anypersonwhoproposes toorganise 9.3 Everypersonnavigatingavesselinor 9.2 Anypersonwhoproposes toorganise[anevent] 9.1 Apersonmustnotorganiseorpromote [aboat low as reasonably practicable. safety orboth ismitigatedandmaintained as to ensure anyriskto personsornavigational other riskcontrol measures tobeimplemented and anysuitableprocedures, precautions and assessment mustidentify therelevant hazards in respect oftheeventinquestion. Therisk a result oftheconsultation underbyelaw9.2 comprehensive riskassessment requested as the harbourmasterfindingsofany or promote [anevent]mustprovide to the instructionsofaharbourmasterrelating toit. connection withsuchaneventmustcomply the proposed event. the harbourmasteratleastfourweeks’noticeof issues arisingfrom theproposed eventandgive harbourmaster onthenavigationalandsafety on orovertheThames,mustconsultwith the harbourmaster. or overtheThamesexceptwithconsentof firework display, airraceorother riverevent]on race, regatta, stunt,procession, exhibition, litter – see page. 45 considered particularly withregards todealingwith The environmental impact ofaneventmustalso be event hasfinished. the eventisabouttostart and againoncethe Event organisers shouldinformLondonVTSthat • • • • The organisermustprovide: closure, whichrequires atleastonemonth’s notice. deems itnecessary, mustnormallyhaveafullriver the wateratanyonetime,orifHarbourmaster Any eventthatinvolvesmore than99boatson at leastfourweeksbeforehand . Harbourmaster asfarinadvancepossibleand interest . Theeventorganiser mustadvisethe paddlers, races,stuntsoranythingwithmedia This includesmasspaddlesof(typically)30-40 other thannormaltrainingorrecreational purposes. An ‘event’is classed as use ofthe river foranything Events’ responsibilities working forhire orreward Details ofanyboatsinvolved intheevent costs orclaimsarisingasaresult oftheevent containing anindemnityforthePLAagainstany A Letterofconsentfrom theHarbourmaster A riskassessmentandeventplan Proof ofpublicliabilityinsurance ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES 43

Considerations for Considerations other paddle sports other paddle British Canoeing Coaching & Personal PerformanceAwards (Leadership & Star) for determining required levels of ability and experience *Be guided by the Previous paddling Previous experience* on the tidal Thames is recommended Previous paddling Previous experience* on ‘exposed water’ is recommended

Level 2 2 experience 1 (1:4 ratio) (3 minimum) TSK Lead a group Lead a group of paddlers with As part of group As part of group Some Solo (daytime only) No restriction Level 1 2 Not solo At night (as member of a group) At night (as member of (3 minimum) TSK Only as part of a group, led by a group, a commercially a commercially As part of group As part of group licensed paddler Not at night or solo Stand-up paddleboarding experience 1 SUP is not permitted below Tower Bridge SUP is not permitted below Tower

Not at night No paddling Level 2 (1:4 ratio) Not at night or solo (3 minimum), led by TSK qualified paddler are accompanied by a are and be part of a group and be part of a group Recommend beginners Recommend No TSK (minimal experience) No TSK (minimal Must have Some , th

experience means having paddled on the tidal Thames on at least three previous experience means having paddled on the tidal occasions 1

– Thames Skills and Knowledge endorsement. Contact the PLA Harbourmaster – Thames Skills and Knowledge endorsement. (Upper) for details on courses 2

Below Tower Bridge Below Tower (pages 65 – 69) Below Chelsea Bridge (pages 61 – 65) No SUP between Good Friday and September 30 No SUP 3 hours before and 2 hours after high water (at London Bridge) SUP must carry VHF Restrictions apply in certain Restrictions pages) areas (See Directions Above Putney (pages 50 – 57) Below Putney (pages 58 – 60) 11.00 – 18.00 TSK All commercial paddle sport leaders must have a LKE to operate on the Tideway – see page 41 have a LKE to operate on the Tideway All commercial paddle sport leaders must Some see pages 2–3 . afloat – see pages going before All paddlers on the tidal Thames should have a thorough knowledge of this Paddling Code of Practice of Practice Code Paddling of this knowledge a thorough have should Thames on the tidal All paddlers Qualifications, experience and restrictions and experience Qualifications, Other organisations Environmental Responsibilities

British Canoeing Environment British Canoeing is the national All users of the river should be environmentally friendly and take care governing body for canoeing. not to disturb the wildlife while on the water . Paddlers should also not It is responsible for setting the paddle towards or close by seals on the banks of the river . overall framework for the National Associations; representing Invasive non-native species (INNS) and bio-security canoeing interests such as Paddlers should take steps to minimise the risk or prevent the coaching and competition at UK movement of invasive non-native species which can be introduced and international level. It also and spread by all waterway users, often unknowingly via contaminated formulates standards for training equipment and clothing left in damp conditions . Paddlers should programmes with certification check their gear is clean before bringing it to the Thames from other levels and administers a range waterways to prevent INNS contamination . Please remember: of personal performance and coaching awards. Check your equipment and clothing for live Port of London Authority (PLA) organisms, plant fragments, etc – particularly in ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES PLA operations cover 95 miles areas that are damp or hard to inspect of the River Thames between the Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and estuary and Teddington Lock. clothing thoroughly . Soaking small items at 45°C Its role is to keep commercial and for 15 minutes has been show to caused a 99% leisure users safe, protect and mortality rate across all species . If you do find enhance the environment and any organisms, leave them at the body of water in promote the use of the river for which they were found trade and travel. The PLA is ultimately Dry all equipment and clothing . Some species can responsible for enforcing the live for up to 16 days in moist conditions . Ensure navigation rules of the river, you don’t transfer water anywhere including this Paddling Code. 44 Pollution and Health ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Litter Do not drop litter in the river, or leave it where it will be taken/blown back into the river . Plastic has been found in fish of the Thames, because they are eating broken-down litter mixed in the river bed with their food . Bin it, for a cleaner Thames! If organising an event, where litter is likely to collect with spectators, plan your event to minimise the litter generated and event-specific items like flags or banners are secured . Plan to review the area following the event to prevent any litter ending up in the river .

Water pollution If you see any pollution of the river, please report it to the relevant London VTS channel by phone or VHF . Take photos if possible, but do not take samples and keep a distance as the pollutant may also be damaging to health . After heavy or prolonged rainfall, screened sewage is released into the river from combined sewage outfalls . Avoid paddling in or near those events as there is an increased risk to your health .

Noise Pollution Please be considerate towards those who live on and near the river . Paddlers should avoid abusive language, playing loud music or shouting during unsociable hours .

Health Paddlers should always be aware of the risk of Weil’s disease which is spread by rodents’ urine . All cuts and grazes should be covered before going afloat . If a bleeding wound occurs during an outing, wash it thoroughly as soon as you return and treat it as an infection risk . Always wash your hands after paddling and before eating . 45 46 COMMUNICATION & REPORTING • • • communication networkisextremely beneficial. and trafficmovementssobeinginvolvedinthis regarding suchthingsasriverworks,arch closures London VTShaveagreat dealofinformationtohand are theshippingequivalentofAirTraffic Control . whole ofthetidalThames,24/7,365daysayear London VTSoverseesafetyandnavigationacross the VHF: channel69 Sea Reach4toSeaward Limit VHF: channel68 Crayfordness toSeaReach4 VHF: channel14 Teddington toCrayfordness London VTS(Vessel Traffic Services) they are afloatinthedarkbelow PutneyBridge All paddledboatsmustinformLondonVTSwhen – seepages62–65 intend topaddleintoorthrough theHeartofLondon All paddledboatsmustinformLondonVTSifthey Central London–seepages58–63 London VTSiftheyintendtopaddleintoorthrough All paddledboatsare stronglyadvisedtoinform Phone: 01747562215 Phone: 01747562215 Phone: 02088550315

.They particularly upriverand/or atlow water NOTE: Hand-held VHFradiosmayhave limitedrange, and ishighly recommended forsmallboats. a pre-defined distress signal,includingyour location, Digital SelectiveCalling(DSC) button.DSCwillsend VHFsetsalsoinclude theoptionofa Many modern SUPs mustcarryVHFbelow PutneyBridge make otherriverusersaware ofyourintentions. If youhavesuchalicencethenare alsoableto do needtheappropriate licencetobroadcast onVHF You donotneedalicencetolistenonVHFbutusers information from LondonVTS. the intentionsofothervesselsortoreceive critical It canbeinvaluableforkeepingalisteningwatchon busy commercial trafficareas, suchasCentralLondon. A personalVHFhandsetishighlyrecommended in response required ontheriver other vesselstocoordinate, viaVHF, anyemergency closely togetherandwiththeemergency servicesor VTS are stationednexttoeachother The dutyofficersatLondonCoastguard and London pertinent information. as wellregularly broadcasting NtMsandother with commercial, commuterandemergency vessels London VTSare inconstantVHFradiocommunication For channels,seeLondonVTS,left VHF RadioCommunications . .Theywork . . COMMUNICATION & REPORTING 47 facility, the river embankment, a structure a structure embankment, the river facility, of a bridge or a berthed or including any part vessel or object; moored (including a vessel); taken the ground); which has intentionally to navigation; beacon or other aid capsize of a sailing to a recoverable in relation by paddles or oars; dinghy or a vessel propelled to the Marine Accident Investigation be reported Agency, Branch or the Maritime & Coastguard or both. as soon vessel master to the harbourmaster, of the as practicable after the submission by byelaw 8.1 above. required verbal report, must give the full details of The written report by the in a form prescribed the occurrence, Harbourmaster. Port of London Thames Byelaws 2012 – 2012 Byelaws Thames London of Port 8 Byelaw the Thames: whilst in has, any vessel 8.1 Where or is in danger of sinking; a) sunk abandoned; b) been derelict; c) become vessel, shore in collision with another d) been or caused damage to anything e) been damaged an explosion; or has suffered f) been or is on fire being a vessel or stranded (not g) taken the ground or damaged any light, buoy, h) run into, fouled except any person falling overboard i) suffered to any other accident normally required j) suffered must be submitted by the 8.2 A written report

Incidents Incidents . . .

Collisions – with other vessels Contact – with stationary objects (bridges, piers, in underwater obstructions etc .) that results requiring the party or requiring by a third Capsizes caused services emergency Incidents should be reported as soon as possible be reported Incidents should the RNLI is called must be Any incident where 24 hours within reported personal injury or shipwreck Near misses and poor or unsafe navigation Personal injury or inconsiderate behaviour Inappropriate

details with the relevant national association the relevant details with who may share the share – who may .co .uk/incidentreport PLA – pla to the reported must be on the Tideway All incidents Non-emergency incidents Non-emergency Incident reporting Incident • . soon as possible to London VTS - see left • as be reported navigation by motor vessels should • Any concerns or about poor / abusive behaviour • are: that must be reported The sorts of incidents • • • Behaviour of motor vessels •

whether or not they are based on the river based are whether or not they That is the case for all paddlers using the tidal Thames all paddlers using the tidal Thames That is the case for personal injury officer, particularly if it involves damage to a boat or involves damage particularly if it officer, should also be reported to your club or centre’s safety safety club or centre’s to your be reported should also 48 COMMUNICATION & REPORTING VHF: appropriate response . Phone: 999/112andaskfortheCoastguard whowillcoordinate the There are twoprimarycommunicationoptionsinanemergency: and nottucked-awayinahatchorbag. device shouldbecarriedwhere itiseasilyaccessible (e.gonalanyard) emergency situation(SUPsmustcarryVHFbelowPutneybridge).This waterproof case)orapersonalVHFhandsettosummonhelpinan particularly group leaders,carryamobilephone(inbuoyant, Below RichmondLock,itisstrongly recommended thatpaddlers, Emergencies casualty recovery There are training coursesavailablefor managingon-waterincidents and than ashout. You mayalsobeable toattractattentionby. waving whistle, ifyouhaveone,is veryeffective fordoingthis asitcarriesfurther to attractattentionfrom othervesselsnearbyorpeople ontheshore .A If youare unabletocommunicate by eitherofthesemethodsthenattempt your position. and thedirection ofthetide.Uselandmarksandbridge namestodetail In allcasesyouwillneedtoprovide detailsofyourlocationontheriver offer evenmore immediateassistance. emergency service)orothervesselsinyour vicinitywhomaybeableto London VTSwilleitheralerttheCoastguard (whowilltasktheappropriate www .britishcanoeing .org .uk/go-canoeing/build-my-skills/#safety-training Crayfordness toSeaReach4 Teddington toCrayfordness . Sea Reach4toSeaward Limit. .Formore information see . channel 14 channel 69 channel 68 COMMUNICATION & REPORTING 49

– report it before it happens! it before – report unable you are back at your club and overdue is significantly A boat or group them to contact or locate You see someone in difficulty see someone You silly to do something danger or is about might be in think someone You

Make sure you are prepared for wash and give them space to do their jobs . for wash and give them space prepared you are Make sure respond to incidents at speed, signified by sirens and/or flashing blue lights . and/or flashing blue at speed, signified by sirens to incidents respond • need to service or PLA) may (also the police, fire that the Lifeboats Be aware

• • reported it! Use your VHF or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if: ask for the Coastguard or call 999 and it! Use your VHF reported may depend on you to report an incident – don’t presume someone has already has already someone presume an incident – don’t on you to report may depend River users are the best eyes and ears on the river and emergency services services and emergency the river ears on eyes and the best users are River Lifeboats (RNLI) and other emergency services emergency other and (RNLI) Lifeboats 50 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS recreational sportinthispartoftheriver motor cruisersbutrowing isbyfarthemostcommon recreational waterusersincludingpaddlers,sailors and Because ofthat,theUpperTidewayisverybusywith recreational activities. water isgenerallycalmerandtherefore bettersuitedto less commercial trafficinthissection.Asaresult the fewer wallsandwharvesontheriver’s edgeandmuch it, withmuchmore green spaceandwildlife.There are of westLondon,itismore ‘rural’thantheriverbelow Although theUpperTidewayrunsthrough the suburbs Teddington LockandPutneyBridge. The UpperTidewayisthepartofriverbetween The UpperTideway . the remainder ofthisUpperTidewayDirections Section . The different are navigationpatterns alsodescribedin www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/Rowing is availableonthePLAleisure userswebsite be foundonpages36–39andthefullRowingCode Essential detailsonhowtheRowingCodeworkscan • • (seediagram right): navigation patterns On theUpperTidewaythere are two different Upper RowingCodeArea applies torowing andpaddledboatsonlyinthe The RowingCode(aka.workingtheslacks) Col RegsapplytoallvesselsaboveSyonCrossing

UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 51 BRIDGE PUTNEY FULHAM Barn Elms reach RAIL BRIDGE . HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE Putney Pier Pier Dove Putney Crossing Canoe Club Putney Bridge Chiswick reach Corney reach EYOT BARNES BRIDGE CHISWICK CHISWICK Pier Canoe Club Chiswick Pier Chiswick Canoe Club Civil Service Mortlake reach Out riggers Dragon Boats Only paddlers with a minimum of TSK L1 may paddle at night Only paddlers with a minimum of TSK L1 BRIDGE Paddlers should continually employ a Dynamic Risk Assessment Paddlers should continually employ a Dynamic the safest place to be positioned is . The following to decide where pages contain further detail . above Putney Bridge: SUP restrictions • Upper Rowing Code Area: Upper Rowing Code Syon Crossing to Putney Crossing the tidal stream When navigating against should and paddlers both rowers Zones . Inshore work the slacks in the and paddlers rowers the tidal stream, When navigating with should use the Fairway and Col Regs (Rule 9a) apply CHISWICK EDGE Canoe Club EDGE Canoe Kyak Club Chelsea SUP Active360 BRIDGE KEW RAIL Kew Piers BRIDGE Teddington Lock to Syon Crossing: Teddington starboard Col Regs apply to all vessels . Small boats should stay as close to the whenever possible . closest to the shore bank as is safe and use bridge arches KEW ROAD Richmond Canoe Club Syon reach buoy Syon Crossing Horse reach RICHMOND BRIDGE Syon reach BRENTFORD AITS BRENTFORD BRENTFORD BRENTFORD LOCK RICHMOND LOCK & WEIR ISLAND GLOVER’S Thames Young Mariners Thames Young TEDDINGTON LOCK & WEIR AIT TWICKENHAM ISLAND EEL PIE

N ISLEWORTH ROAD & RAIL BRIDGES EPIC SUP DOVE PIER

HAMMERSMITH KEW ‘STONE’ F A I R D EDGE Canoe Club W AY BRIDGE BRIDGE Chelsea Kayak Club CHISWICK EYOT Kew Bridge Pontoon D Active360 SUP BRENTFORD Harbourmaster Pontoon FULLERS BREWERY AITS OLIVER’S AIT RIVERSIDE St NICHOLAS D CHURCH PARK D FAIRWAY KEW ‘RAIL’ BRIDGE Chiswick LOT’S AIT KEW Y Chiswick Pier A HARRODS PIERS W reach Canoe Club R D I BRENTFORD ‘The Petrol Pumps’ A F LOCK CHISWICK PIER Grand Union canal Outriggers & Chiswick Steps Dragon boats

Crossing F

u

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m

‘The Barges’ F MEADOWS MILE POST

A KEW Barn Elms

FAIRWAY I Mortlake CHISWICK R

F A R I W AY GARDENS THE W F reach reach MARINA l A a t N Y SYON BANDSTAND s Small D BARN ELMS Teddington Lock to Syon Crossing PARK Civil Service Proffitt’s Dock CRAVEN COTTAGE (FFC) Syon Reach Buoy Chiswick Canoe Bridge Club Putney Bridge Syon Crossing Corney Crossing & Battersea In this part of the river Col Regs (Rule 9a) apply to all vessels . ‘THE PINK reach BISHOP’S PARK HOUSE/LODGE’ Syon reach Canoe Clubs CHISWICK BARNES Beverley Brook Putney AY • All vessels should navigate to the starboard side of D BRIDGE F A I R W BRIDGE ‘The Black Buoy’ Crossing FULHAM D RAILWAY “THE SHIP” “YE WHITE D BRIDGE the river at all times, regardless of what the tide HART” PUTNEY D EMBANKMENT D is doing . Paddlers should aim to be as close to the ISLEWORTH AIT PUTNEY PIER F A I FAIRWAY R W starboard bank as is safe and practicable AY PUTNEY D – travelling in either direction . BRIDGE RICHMOND • Paddlers may also use the water out of the main LOCK 1 channel, behind the aits and islands, particularly TWICKENHAM RAIL BRIDGE 2 when travelling inbound (upriver) . This is obviously D RICHMOND TWICKENHAM BRIDGE dependant on the tide and whether there is BRIDGE

sufficient water to do so . CORPORATION ISLAND D 1• Richmond Lock – see opposite page for directions Richmond Canoe Club 3

2• Beware that in the vicinity of Richmond the river is GLOVER’S ISLAND quite narrow and can get very busy, particularly in Horse MARBLE HILL reach the summer, with hired rowing boats and pleasure PARK D PETERSHAM UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS UPPER TIDEWAY cruisers . D D MEADOWS

EPIC SUP 3• The area around Richmond is most commonly FERRY EEL PIE HAM HOUSE used by racing kayaks and canoes from Richmond ISLAND KEY Canoe Club . During a club race or when HAM LANDS Inbound line performing a ‘Race Start’, paddlers should ensure SWAN the river is clear of transiting vessels . Be aware ISLAND Outbound line Thames of pleasure boats and consider having ‘spotters’ Young mariners D Draw dock above and below to identify approaching craft . Paddling club Sailing club TEDDINGTON LOCK & WEIR Rowing club(s) Passenger vessel stop 52 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

NORTH / MIDDLESEX SURREY / SOUTH

Arch #1 Arch #2 Arch #3 Arch#4 Arch #5 (Portage) (Inbound) (outbound) (closed) (Lock)

1 Richmond Lock and weir, looking downriver, showing the barriers down

Richmond Lock is a half-tide lock . For 2 hours either above the lock . If the closed arch markers are down, side of high water (earlier in drier months) arches #2 or are being lowered, paddlers must use the portage and #3 are normally open to navigation . under arch #1 or the lock under arch #5 . Otherwise those arches are closed due to weirs being NOTE: Be aware that the weirs are lowered without lowered into the water to maintain the water level much notice .

3 A mass start to a Kayak race above Richmond

53 Syon Crossing to Chiswick Bridge Crossing

This part of the river is within the Upper Rowing Code Area and is very busy with rowing boats . • Both rowing boats and paddled boats should use the Rowing Code navigation, i .e . use the Inshore Zone to work the slacks against the tidal stream • When using the Inshore Zone, paddlers should be no more than two abreast and must lookout behind for faster moving rowing boats – see pages 38–39 • When navigating with the tidal stream, boats Arch #3 of Kew Bridge, looking downriver at low water must stay to the starboard of the Fairway • Paddlers may also use the water out of the main Kew bridges channel, behind the aits and islands, particularly Arch #3 of Kew (Stone) Bridge can get very shallow at when travelling inbound (upriver) . This is obviously low water and all boats using the Inshore Zone must dependant on the tide and whether there is take extra care in this area at low water . sufficient water to do so UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS UPPER TIDEWAY Using arch #2 (centre arch) inbound against the ebb 1• The main channel is very narrow at Oliver’s Ait tide is not recommended . It is hard to see boats coming downriver in the Fairway as they are easily • Arch #1 of Kew (Stone) Bridge is closed to hidden by the bridge buttress and the curve in the river . navigation The recommendation is to turn around if arch #3 of Kew • 2 hours either side of high water, beware of boats Bridge is impassable . If you absolutely must use it then coming out of: do so with EXTREME CAUTION, ensuring the Fairway 2• Brentford Lock above the bridge is entirely clear before proceeding . The inshore arch of Kew Rail bridge also dries out but 3• Chiswick Marina visibility is much better . However, boats in the Inshore Zone must always give way to those in the Fairway • Be aware that Kew Pier is a scheduled stopping point for Passenger vessels 54 DOVE PIER

N UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS HAMMERSMITH KEW ‘STONE’ F A I R D EDGE Canoe Club W AY BRIDGE BRIDGE Chelsea Kayak Club CHISWICK EYOT Kew Bridge Pontoon D Active360 SUP BRENTFORD Harbourmaster Pontoon FULLERS BREWERY AITS OLIVER’S AIT RIVERSIDE St NICHOLAS D CHURCH PARK D FAIRWAY KEW ‘RAIL’ BRIDGE Chiswick LOT’S AIT KEW Y Chiswick Pier A HARRODS PIERS 1 W reach Canoe Club R D I BRENTFORD ‘The Petrol Pumps’ A F LOCK 2 CHISWICK PIER Grand Union canal Outriggers & Chiswick Steps Dragon boats

Crossing F

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‘The Barges’ F MEADOWS MILE POST

A KEW Barn Elms

FAIRWAY I Mortlake CHISWICK R

F A R I W AY GARDENS THE W F reach reach MARINA l A a

Y t SYON BANDSTAND s Small D BARN ELMS PARK Civil Service Proffitt’s Dock CRAVEN COTTAGE (FFC) Syon Reach Buoy 3 Chiswick Canoe Bridge Club Putney Bridge Syon Crossing Corney Crossing & Battersea ‘THE PINK reach BISHOP’S PARK HOUSE/LODGE’ Syon reach Canoe Clubs CHISWICK BARNES Beverley Brook Putney KEY AY D BRIDGE F A I R W BRIDGE ‘The Black Buoy’ Crossing FULHAM D Paddling against either tide Draw dock D RAILWAY “THE SHIP” “YE WHITE Paddling with the flood tide Paddling club D BRIDGE HART” PUTNEY D Paddling with the ebb tide Sailing club EMBANKMENT D Passenger vessel stop Rowing club(s) ISLEWORTH 55 AIT PUTNEY PIER F A I FAIRWAY R W AY PUTNEY D BRIDGE RICHMOND LOCK

TWICKENHAM RAIL BRIDGE

D RICHMOND TWICKENHAM BRIDGE BRIDGE

CORPORATION ISLAND D

Richmond Canoe Club

GLOVER’S ISLAND Horse MARBLE HILL reach PARK D PETERSHAM

D D MEADOWS

EPIC SUP FERRY

EEL PIE HAM HOUSE ISLAND

HAM LANDS SWAN ISLAND Thames Young mariners

TEDDINGTON LOCK & WEIR 56 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS Chiswick BridgeCrossing toPutneyBridge 2 1 Area andisverybusywithrowing boats. This partoftheriveriswithinUpperRowingCode 2 1 • • • • • • traffic –iftheneedarises . used bypaddlers tokeepoutoftheway ofother used bylarge vesselsorrowing boats socouldbe Hammersmith andPutney (FulhamFlats)isnot The area tothenorthofFairway between paddlers tobe Fairway maybethesafestplacefor agroup of Often, stayingclosetothe riverbankoutofthe from PutneyPier boats andalsoregular passengerservicesrunning Embankment whichisextremely busywithrowing Be extracareful around themooringsatPutney paddling withtheFloodtide Chiswick moorings)bythesetoftidewhen Beware ofbeingpushedontoDovePier(and stay tothestarboard oftheFairway When navigatingwiththetidalstream, boatsmust behind forfastermovingrowing boats be nomore thantwoabreast andmustlookout When usingtheInshore Zone,paddlersshould to worktheslacksagainsttidalstream the RowingCodenavigation,i.euseInshore Zone Both rowing boatsandpaddledmustuse

UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS N DOVE 1 PIER

HAMMERSMITH KEW ‘STONE’ F A I R D EDGE Canoe Club W AY BRIDGE BRIDGE Chelsea Kayak Club CHISWICK EYOT Kew Bridge Pontoon D Active360 SUP BRENTFORD Harbourmaster Pontoon FULLERS BREWERY AITS OLIVER’S AIT RIVERSIDE St NICHOLAS D CHURCH PARK D FAIRWAY KEW ‘RAIL’ BRIDGE Chiswick LOT’S AIT KEW Y Chiswick Pier A HARRODS PIERS W reach Canoe Club R D I BRENTFORD ‘The Petrol Pumps’ A F LOCK CHISWICK PIER Grand Union canal Outriggers & Chiswick Steps Dragon boats

Crossing F

u

l DUKE’S h a

m

‘The Barges’ F MEADOWS MILE POST

A KEW Barn Elms

FAIRWAY I Mortlake CHISWICK R

F A R I W AY GARDENS THE W F reach reach MARINA l A a

Y t SYON BANDSTAND s Small D BARN ELMS PARK Civil Service Proffitt’s Dock CRAVEN COTTAGE (FFC) Syon Reach Buoy Chiswick Canoe Bridge Club Putney Bridge Syon Crossing Corney Crossing & Battersea ‘THE PINK reach BISHOP’S PARK HOUSE/LODGE’ Syon reach Canoe Clubs CHISWICK BARNES Beverley Brook Putney AY D BRIDGE F A I R W BRIDGE ‘The Black Buoy’ Crossing FULHAM D 2 RAILWAY “THE SHIP” “YE WHITE D BRIDGE HART” PUTNEY D EMBANKMENT D ISLEWORTH AIT PUTNEY PIER KEY F A I FAIRWAY R W Paddling against either tide D Draw dock Paddling club AY PUTNEY D Paddling with the flood tide Passenger vessel stop Sailing club BRIDGE RICHMOND Paddling with the ebb tide Thames Tunnel site Rowing club(s) LOCK 57

TWICKENHAM RAIL BRIDGE

D RICHMOND TWICKENHAM BRIDGE BRIDGE

CORPORATION ISLAND D

Richmond Canoe Club

GLOVER’S ISLAND Horse MARBLE HILL reach PARK D PETERSHAM

D D MEADOWS

EPIC SUP FERRY

EEL PIE HAM HOUSE ISLAND

HAM LANDS SWAN ISLAND Thames Young mariners

TEDDINGTON LOCK & WEIR 58 CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS fewer placestogetoutoftheriver a result thewaterisgenerallyrougher andthere are edge isalsoalmostentirely wallsandwharvesas traffic aswellworkboatsandbarges .Theriver’s are muchhighervolumesofpassengerandcommuter in thissectionespeciallybelowLambethBridge.There The riverisverymuchmore commercially orientated Tower Bridge. in thisCodeasbeingbetweenPutneyBridgeand The CentralLondonsectionoftheTidewayisdefined Central London . may paddleinthissectionandatwhattimeofday water conditions.There are alsorestrictions onwho but more considerationmustbemadetotheprobable Paddled boatsare, however, allowedbelowPutney are betterabletocopewiththewater particularly inopenboatsandSUPs,althoughkayaks not especiallywellsuitedtorecreational activities, negotiate .Forthosereasons CentralLondonis a large numberofbridges,piersandmooringsto As wellasbeingbusyandchoppy, there are also . . CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS In this part of the river Col Regs (Rule 9a) apply to all vessels .

• Paddlers should navigate to the starboard side of the river at all times, regardless of what the HEART OF LONDON - pages 62 – 65 tide is doing . Paddlers should aim to be as close to the starboard bank as is safe and practicable BLACKFRIARS BLACKFRIARS ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL when travelling in either direction . Slacker water BRIDGE RAIL BRIDGE & MILLENNIUM BRIDGE LONDON TOWER OF is found closer to the bank WATERLOO BRIDGE BRIDGE LONDON • When water levels allow, always use the bridge CHARING CROSS RAIL Kings SOUTHWARK arch closest to the shore, unless it is closed (HUNGERFORD) BRIDGE reach BRIDGE CANNON STREET TOWER • When water levels and width allows, always pass LONDON EYE RAIL BRIDGE BRIDGE inside/under all piers unless specific advice says WESTMINSTER BRIDGE Upper HMS pool otherwise – see pages 63–65 for details WESTMINSTER BELFAST PALACE Lambeth • Be very aware of vessels crossing, give way reach

to larger vessels and always wait for traffic LAMBETH BRIDGE to clear before proceeding

Westminster N VICTORIA RAIL Boating CHELSEA (GROSVENOR) Base VAUXHALL BRIDGE BRIDGE BRIDGE

BATTERSEA Nine Elms ROAD BRIDGE reach Chelsea BATTERSEA reach Kayaking London ALBERT POWER STATION EPIC CIC BRIDGE Battersea CHELSEA reach HARBOUR BATTERSEA In Central London, paddlers should continually RAIL BRIDGE PUTNEY employ a Dynamic Risk Assessment to decide where BRIDGE the safest place to be positioned is . The following Wandsworth Putney reach pages contain further detail . Crossing FULHAM WANDSWORTH There are restrictions for SUPs in Central London . RAIL BRIDGE BRIDGE These are listed overleaf and a detailed overview can River Wandle also be found on page 43 59 BLACKFRIARS BLACKFRIARS BRIDGE RAIL BRIDGE ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL Blackfriers Pier & MILLENNIUM BRIDGE TOWER OF LONDON WATERLOO LONDON BRIDGE F A I R W AY BRIDGE Tower Pier F A I R Bankside Pier W AY Embankment Pier Kings reach SOUTHWARK CHARING CROSS RAIL Festival BRIDGE CANNON London F A Y I R W (HUNGERFORD) BRIDGE A Pier Bridge STREET AY W

R I City Pier A RAIL F TOWER LONDON EYE BRIDGE HMS BRIDGE Upper Waterloo Pier BELFAST pool Westminster Pier WESTMINSTER WESTMINSTER BRIDGE PALACE Lambeth reach

Lambeth Pier LAMBETH BRIDGE Millbank Putney Bridge to Chelsea Bridge Pier

Y

A

W

R I SUP restrictions between Putney and Chelsea Bridges: A VICTORIA RAIL VAUXHALL F • At least one person must carry a VHF radio (channel14) Rowing boats also use this (GROSVENOR) BRIDGE part of the river as far as • Do not paddle 3 hours before and 2 hours after BRIDGE Westminster MI6 Chelsea Bridge Boating Base high water at London Bridge, due to large Y A Chelsea W St. George’s I R A freight vessels movements reach F Wharf Pier • Unless they hold a TSK L1, SUPs with Cadogan Pier some experience* must have leaders BATTERSEA Nine Elms W AY F A I R with a TSK L2 at a ratio of 1:4 ROAD BRIDGE CHELSEA BATTERSEA reach • Solo paddlers must have a TSK L2 BRIDGE POWER STATION Kayaking London ALBERT EPIC CIC • At night, paddlers must hold a minimum BRIDGE of TSK L1 and paddle as a group of at Cremone Wharf least 3 boats . No soloing at night * Some experience: means have paddled CHELSEA on the tidal Thames on at least 3 previous HARBOUR D Often, staying close to the river occasions Chelsea Battersea bank and out of the Fairway may Harbour Pier reach be the safest place for a group of BATTERSEA paddlers to be . RAIL BRIDGE The area to the north of the Putney Fairway between Cremone Wharf CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS Crossing

Y A and Vauxhall Bridge is not used PUTNEY W R I A by the commercial freight vessels BRIDGE F at Nine Elms, Cringle Dock Wandsworth reach and Battersea power station . Putney Plantation Wharf Pier D Therefore this area could be used D F A I R by paddlers, when paddling with FULHAM W AY WANDSWORTH BRIDGE either tide, to keep out of the way RAIL BRIDGE of other traffic – if the need arises . SMUGGLERS WAY WASTE TRANSFER STATION River Wandle 60 Chelsea Bridge to Tower Bridge CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS

BLACKFRIARS BLACKFRIARS ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL N BRIDGE RAIL BRIDGE Blackfriers Pier & MILLENNIUM BRIDGE TOWER OF LONDON WATERLOO LONDON BRIDGE F A I R W AY BRIDGE Tower Pier F A I R Bankside Pier W AY Embankment Pier Kings reach SOUTHWARK CHARING CROSS RAIL Festival BRIDGE CANNON London F A Y I R W (HUNGERFORD) BRIDGE A Pier Bridge STREET AY W

R I City Pier A RAIL F TOWER LONDON EYE BRIDGE HMS BRIDGE Upper Waterloo Pier BELFAST pool Westminster Pier WESTMINSTER WESTMINSTER BRIDGE PALACE SUP restrictions between Chelsea and Tower Bridges: Lambeth reach In addition to the requirements opposite on page 60: • No paddling 11 .00hrs – 18 00hrs. between Good Friday Lambeth Pier and September 30th LAMBETH BRIDGE • SUPs require a minimum of TSK L2 and must paddle Millbank as a group of at least 3 boats . No soloing Pier

Y • No paddling at night A

W

R I

A VAUXHALL F Note: Commercial groups may paddle in this area without VICTORIA RAIL BRIDGE a TSK endorsement, provided they meet the requirements (GROSVENOR) Westminster MI6 set out on page 43 BRIDGE Boating Base Y A Chelsea W St. George’s I R A reach F Wharf Pier KEY Cadogan Inbound line Outbound line BATTERSEA Pier AY Nine Elms I R W Passenger vessel stop Exclusion Zone ROAD BRIDGE F A CHELSEA reach BATTERSEA Commercial freight berth D Draw dock BRIDGE POWER STATION Kayaking London ALBERT Thames Tunnel site Paddling club EPIC CIC BRIDGE 61 Cremone Wharf

CHELSEA HARBOUR D Chelsea Battersea Harbour Pier reach BATTERSEA RAIL BRIDGE Putney Crossing

Y A PUTNEY W R I A BRIDGE F Wandsworth reach Putney Plantation Wharf Pier D D F A I R W FULHAM AY WANDSWORTH BRIDGE RAIL BRIDGE

SMUGGLERS WAY WASTE TRANSFER STATION River Wandle 62 CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS on weekendmornings. section before 10.00am small boatstotransitthis The PLAstrongly encourage from around 10.00am. sightseeing tripsstilloperate, above ChelseaBridgebut run lessfrequently atweekends months. Commuterservices especially inthesummer busiest partoftheTideway, Tower Bridgesisbyfarthe Between Westminster and The HeartofLondon • • • • Heart ofLondon–GeneralAdvice from behindaswellinfront water andbeaware ofwash Expect highwavesandrough is highlyrecommended understand trafficmovements Use ofapersonalVHFtohelp extreme cautionatalltimes lookout andproceed with Keep averygood,proactive advised inthepanelleft this sectionoutsidethetimes should attempttonavigate and qualifiedTidewaypaddlers Only themostexperienced Looking downriverat Waterloo Pierand CharingCross RailBridge • • • them whiletheyare stopped rather thanattempttogoaround at apier Clipper servicesrarely spendlong helm ofmotorvessels try tomakeeyecontactwiththe Make yourintentionsclearand on thefollowingpages exceptions tothisare detailed starboard edgeoftheriver– see youbefore returning tothe that thehelmofanyvesselcan Do soasatightgroup andensure allows When waterlevels , passinside/underpiers. .Letthemleavethepier and width BLACKFRIARS BLACKFRIARS RAIL BRIDGE ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL BRIDGE Blackfriars Pier SOUTHWARK BRIDGE LONDON WATERLOO BRIDGE W AY Kings reach F A I R F A I R BRIDGE W AY Tower ST. KATHARINE’S Kings reach TOWER OF DOCK Pier LONDON CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS MILLENNIUM Westminster Bankside F A I R BRIDGE W AY The river between Westminster Pier Bridge and Charing Cross Rail Embankment Pier CANNON Upper pool Bridge is extremely busy with STREET tourist and commuter traffic often CHARING CROSS RAIL BRIDGE London Bridge causing rough water conditions . (HUNGERFORD) Festival There are three piers that City Pier HMS require particular attention: RAIL BRIDGE Y Pier A BELFAST Embankment Pier W

Never go inside Embankment Pier . R N I TOWER Waterloo Pier A There are barriers to prevent F BRIDGE vessels from going inside/under LONDON Waterloo Pier . This is a very busy EYE Pier . Paddlers should wait until they are certain that it is safe to go around the outside then tuck back Waterloo Pier in immediately . When waiting for the Fairway to clear, be aware of Westminster Pier the tidal set on the ebb . Westminster Pier A decision whether or not to go inside Westminster Pier should WESTMINSTER WESTMINSTER only be considered by the most PALACE BRIDGE experienced paddlers or leaders . If in doubt go outside but with (70m Exclusion Zone) extreme caution as this pier is Lambeth reach very busy . 63 Westminster Pier (70m ExclusionZone) PALACE WESTMINSTER Embankment Pier RAIL BRIDGE (HUNGERFORD) CHARING CROSS WATERLOO BRIDGE

Lambeth reach F A I R W AY BRIDGE WESTMINSTER Waterloo Pier LONDON EYE Pier Festival

Kings reach 64 CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS • • paddlers shouldnotgoinside. go insideinstead.Inexperienced should betakenifchoosingto recommended andextreme care Going outsideBanksidePieris Pier soisespeciallyhazardous . river ‘funnels’behindBankside with theriverfloworbank, Due tothepiernotbeinginline Bankside Pier can alsoincrease waveheight. increases instrength here which As aresult thetidalstream Blackfriars andLondonBridges. The rivernarrows alittlebetween Bankside Pier

F

A best to waitforthem pier forlongso itisgenerally services willnot stopatthe Remember that Clipper approaching from behind other vessels–whichmay be your intentionsveryclearto ebb tide.You should make should take,especiallyon the made onwhichlinethegroup An earlydecisionshouldbe

I

R

W

A

Y BLACKFRIARS BRIDGE • • reappear from behind it less chanceof seeingyouas passenger vessels mayhaveeven If youdecide to gobehindthepier, seen youbefore returning tothebank the helmtoensure thattheyhave and ifpossiblemakeeyecontact with passed .Continuewellpastthebows cut-in closelyacross herbowsonce stopped onBanksidePier, don’t If youchoosetogooutsideavessel Blackfriars Pier RAIL BRIDGE BLACKFRIARS Kings reach MILLENNIUM

BRIDGE

Bankside F A ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

Pier I

R W

RAIL BRIDGE A Y SOUTHWARK CANNON BRIDGE

STREET N London Bridge BRIDGE LONDON

City Pier

F

A

I

R

W

A Y BELFAST HMS Tower

Pier Upper pool Upper BRIDGE TOWER TOWER OF LONDON ST. KATHARINE’S DOCK HMS Belfast and the Upper pool CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS

BLACKFRIARS The Upper Pool, between London and Tower Bridges is another Tower Pier particularly busy section with a lot of tourist and commuter river traffic BLACKFRIARS RAIL BRIDGE This is an extremely busy pier and ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL often causing rough water conditions . It requires good judgement and a lot of commercial vessels cross BRIDGE Blackfriars Pier caution to navigate, especially outbound . the river between Tower Pier and SOUTHWARK N London Bridge City Pier . BRIDGE Paddlers should go behind/under LONDON Tower Pier if the water level allows . WATERLOO BRIDGE W AY Kings reach F A I R F A I R BRIDGE HMS Belfast W AY Tower It ST.is recommended KATHARINE’S that paddlers Kings reach TOWER OF also go insideDOCK HMS Belfast Pier LONDON although there are pros and cons . Make your decision early, MILLENNIUM Bankside 1 F A I R W especially on the ebb tide and BRIDGE Pier AY clearly show your intentions to other vessels . Embankment Pier CANNON Upper pool STREET • Inside HMS Belfast? CHARING CROSS RAIL BRIDGE London Bridge • Less wash Festival (HUNGERFORD) City Pier HMS • Less traffic RAIL BRIDGE Y Pier • Easier to recover to shore A BELFAST • Outside HMS Belfast? W • 1 Just below London Bridge R the effect of the old bridge • More easily avoids moorings I TOWER below A foundations on the river bed F can cause large wave height, BRIDGE • More visible to other river LONDON particularly on the last of the traffic ebb tide . EYE 65 Waterloo Pier

Westminster Pier

WESTMINSTER WESTMINSTER PALACE BRIDGE

(70m Exclusion Zone)

Lambeth reach 66 LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS boats andSUPmaynotpaddleonthissectionatall . less suitedtorecreational activities,particularlyinopen to getoutare stillfewandfarbetween.Thissectionis more open.Thewatercangetveryrough andplaces industrial past)andtheriverisnowmuchwider river’s edgeismostlywallsandwharves(ahintofthe Barrier butregular commuterservicesdostillrun.The The riverislesscommercially orientatedabovethe Barrier paddlers rarely venture muchbelowtheThames Bridge outtotheestuary, althoughinpracticalterms The LowerTidewayisthepartofriverbelowTower Lower Tideway . www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/Rowing is availableonthePLAleisure userswebsite be foundonpages36–39andthefullRowingCode Essential detailsonhowtheRowingCodeworkscan • • (seediagram right): navigation patterns to theprobable conditionsandthere are twodifferent Lower Tidewaybutmore considerationmustbemade Other paddled(androwing) boatsare abletousethe rowing boatsintheLowerRowingCodeArea onlyappliesto navigationpattern this alternative The RowingCode(a.kaworkingtheslacks) Col Regsapplytoallvesselsexceptrowing boats LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 67 ROYAL DOCKS Thames Dragonboat Club THAMES BARRIER SUP is not permitted below Tower Bridge SUP is not permitted below Tower Jetty Island SUP restrictions below Tower Bridge: below Tower SUP restrictions • In the Lower Tideway, paddlers should paddlers should In the Lower Tideway, continually employ a Dynamic Risk the safest place Assessment to decide where to be positioned is . The following pages contain further detail . Bugsby’s reach Bugsby’s EMIRATES AIRLINE EMIRATES CABLE CAR Bow Creek side of the river side of the starboard navigate to the Paddlers should the tide is doing . Paddlers of what regardless at all times, safe and bank as is starboard to be as close to the should aim direction – travelling in either practicable always pass inside/ and width allows, water levels Where that the helm of any and ensure tight group under all piers as a ) (starboard returning to the shore before vessel can see you 02 Greenwich reach Blackwall reach ARENA • • EAST INDIA DOCK SARK CUTTY INDIA DOCK DOGS SOUTH WEST ISLE OF WHARF CANARY Creek Depford Docklands Water Sports Centre . LINK LIMEHOUSE LIMEHOUSE MARINA MARINA SOUTH DOCK POINT Limhouse reach CUCKHOLD’S Lower Pool BASIN Tower Hamletts Canoe Club Tower

N SHADWELL Pier Cherry Garden Garden Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre Shadwell Basin Outdoor DOCK Upper Pool

ST. KATHARINE’S ST.

ST. SAVIOUR’S ST. DOCK TOWER BRIDGE (Rule 9a) apply and Col Regs (Rule 9a) the Fairway the tidal stream, rowers must use rowers with the tidal stream, When navigating . – see page 39 shape accordingly Zones in the Inshore work the slacks to and adjust their group boats that have of rowing aware the tidal stream, rowers should rowers against the tidal stream, When navigating particularly so must be do not work the slacks Paddlers Island Jetty to Island Pier Garden Cherry Lower Rowing Code Area Code Rowing Lower N Tower Bridge to Greenwich LIMEHOUSE MARINA Bow Creek East India Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre LIMEHOUSE Dock Trinity Tower Hamletts Canoe Club Jubilee LINK Pier ST. KATHARINE’S F A I R W AY DOCK SHADWELL Blackwall Y BASIN W A I R (Rowing) Crossing A CUCKHOLD’S Canary Wharf F EMIRATES AIRLINE POINT Pier CANARY WHARF CABLE CAR Nelson Dock Surrey Entrance (Hilton) Pier 02 Wapping (Rowing) Crossing ARENA TOWER Pier Bugsby’s reach South West North BRIDGE Butler’s India Dock THAMES F A I R W AY Lower Pool West India Pier Greenwich Wharf BARRIER (Seacons) Pier ST. SAVIOUR’S ST. MARY’S Island DOCK Upper Pool CHURCH Jetty Cherry Chalkstones Follyhouse (Rowing) Crossing (Rowing) Crossing Garden Follyhouse Pier Limhouse reach Barge Roads F A I R W AY Chalkstones Blackwall reach Moorings D Paddlers interacting with rowing boats – see pages 38–39 Docklands Water London Yard Greenland Pier Sports Centre Moorings D

When paddling with the tide F AR I W AY ISLE OF LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS LOWER TIDEWAY SOUTH DOCK DOGS Paddlers should be aware of rowers ‘working the slacks’ MARINA in the opposite direction to you in the areas shown in the diagrams . Give rowers sufficient room to pass on D the inside ‘to starboard’ . Masthouse Terrace Pier Y A D W I R When paddling against the tide A F Greenwich reach Paddlers may utilise the slack water alongside the river walls but must be aware that rowers are obliged to Greenwich D Ship Tier ‘work the slacks’ against the tide . Therefore be conscious Greenwich Pier of rowers overtaking from behind on your port side in the Depford CUTTY SARK areas shown in the diagram . Creek 68 LIMEHOUSE LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS MARINA Bow Creek Greenwich to the Thames Barrier East India Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre LIMEHOUSE Dock Trinity Tower Hamletts Canoe Club Jubilee LINK Pier ST. KATHARINE’S F A I R W AY DOCK SHADWELL Blackwall Y Paddlers must obtain permission BASIN W A I R (Rowing) Crossing A CUCKHOLD’S Canary Wharf F from London VTS (VHF channel 14) EMIRATES AIRLINE POINT Pier CANARY to transit the Thames Barrier . WHARF CABLE CAR Nelson Dock VTS will advise which span to take . Surrey Entrance (Hilton) Pier 02 Wapping (Rowing) Crossing ARENA TOWER Pier Bugsby’s reach South West North BRIDGE Butler’s India Dock THAMES F A I R W AY Lower Pool West India Pier Greenwich Wharf BARRIER (Seacons) Pier ST. SAVIOUR’S ST. MARY’S Island DOCK Upper Pool CHURCH Jetty Cherry Chalkstones Follyhouse (Rowing) Crossing (Rowing) Crossing Garden Follyhouse Pier Limhouse reach Barge Roads F A I R W AY Chalkstones Blackwall reach Moorings D Docklands Water London Yard Greenland Pier Sports Centre Moorings D

F AR I W AY ISLE OF The lower reaches of the Tideway SOUTH DOCK DOGS below the Thames Barrier are rarely MARINA KEY used by paddlers . The estuary in Inbound line particular is very unsuitable for small, recreational boats due to the volume D Outbound line Masthouse of large freight shipping . Terrace Pier D Draw dock Y A D W Paddlers must make London VTS I R Paddling club F A Greenwich reach Sailing club (VHF channel 14) aware that they are afloat and of their intentions . Greenwich Rowing club(s) Ship Tier • Continue to navigate according to D Rowing Inshore Zone Greenwich Pier Col Regs i .e . starboard side of the Passenger vessel stop Depford river at all times and aim to be as CUTTY SARK Creek Commercial freight berth close to the starboard bank as is Vessels entering the river safe and practicable 69 The Port of London Authority (PLA) London River House, Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BG Head Office: 020 7743 7909 Richmond Lock: 020 8940 0634 www.boatingonthethames.co.uk www.pla.co.uk

CONTACTS London Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Telephone 020 8855 0315

RNLI Chiswick www.chiswicklifeboat.org.uk Tower www.towerrnli.moonfruit.com

British Canoeing www.britishcanoeing.org.uk

Great Britain Outrigger Canoe Association www.gboca.org

Thames Regional Rowing Council (TRRC) www.thames-rrc.org

Thames Water www.thameswater.co.uk

The Environment Agency www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency www.gov.uk/check-river-conditions-and-closures/river-thames 70 We hope that you have found this guide useful and informative. If you have any further questions regarding the Paddling Code or have any queries or suggestions regarding anything in this document, please contact the PLA or British Canoeing. Additional copies are available from the PLA or you can download a pdf version from their website. See opposite for contact details and web addresses. 71 This booklet is a new publication by the PLA . With thanks to the contributors to this the first (2017) edition: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Port of London Authority, British Canoeing, Great Britain Outrigger Canoe Association, London Kayak Company, Active360, British Dragon Boat Association, RNLI .

Original photography by PLA, Todd-White Art Photography, London Kayak Company, Active360, Neil Pickford, Ollie Harding . Original illustrations by Neil Pickford (Tideway diagrams based on data supplied by PLA Hydrographic services) Designed & typeset by Neil Pickford – neilpickford@mac .com Printed by ft solutions – info@ftsolutions .co .uk

The publisher has made every effort to ensure the content is correct, but takes no responsibility for its accuracy . All information in this book was correct at the time of printing and all copyrights sought . Identification of any club or individual within the photographs used is coincidental and without agenda . No part of this document may be reproduced without permission . ©2017 All rights reserved 72