THE CODE A Code of Practice for and on the Tidal Thames CONTENTS 1

66 67 68 69 76 74 117 119 123 125 128 107 70–71 72–73 78–81 80–81 82–89 86_89 90–99 94_95 96_97 98_99 . . . . 76–77 . . . . . 114–119 120–125 126–127 112–113 102–103 104–105 106–109 108–109 . . 110–111 100–101 ...... LOWER TIDEWAY LOWER TIDEWAY CENTRAL FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION NAVIGATION OF PRINCIPLES FURTHER UPPER TIDEWAY UPPER TIDEWAY to (Code) to Greenwich Bridge Tower ebb Pier, Garden at Cherry – Turning flood Pier, at Cherry Garden – Turning Greenwich to (Code) ebb . . Barrier, at The Thames – Turning flood Barrier, at The Thames – Turning Rowing club colours & codes Contacts Tower to The Barrier (Col Regs) to The Tower Bridge to to Chelsea Bridge . . Chelsea Bridge to Tower Heart of London & Embankment – – & The Upper Pool Stopping Reduced upriver depths ...... – Richmond Lock & Weir Syon Crossing toBridge . . ...... – bend & bridges to Putney Bridge – Barnes . . . . . bend & Corney reach Bridge – Dove Pier & – Putney Bridge & Crossing Turning ...... abreast Proceeding (& Soloing). . . . management group ...... Overtaking. . . Lock to Syon Crossing Avoiding collisions & Turn of the collisions & Turn Avoiding DIRECTIONS TIDEWAY

38 38 39 39 40 40 40 41 42 43 48 49 58 59 50 51 34 34 35 36 37 29 30 31 54–55 60–61 64–65 44–45 46–47 56–57 62–63 52–53 32–33 ...... BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES & REPORTING COMMUNICATION Positioning: Col Regs ...... Positioning: working the slacks ...... Tideway Code Areas Bridges, piers, buoys & moorings ...... Col Regs & Rights of Way the river Crossing Port & starboard Accessing the river & Going afloat Lookout ...... Shouted warnings & sound signals ...... Information distribution ...... TRRC & Rowing clubs sport clubs. . . . British Canoeing & Paddle ...... providers Commercial Master of the vessel Personal responsibility leaders ...... Paddle group restrictions & Paddling qualifications Rowing coaches Tideway Coaching Endorsement Coaching launches the Tideway...... Events & Visiting Pollution & health Environmental London Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) . . . Traffic London Vessel Emergencies ...... reporting incident Non-emergency Code Panel The Tideway ...... VHF radio ...... lighting Boat ...... . . . rowing – Lighting launches coaching – Lighting ...... boats . . . paddled – Lighting

4 4 5 2 3 22 23 24 28 16 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 19 12 14 14 14 15 10 11 6–7 8–9 20–21 24–25 26–27 12–13 ...... EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING PLANNING AN OUTING TIDE & STREAM INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Personal clothing & equipment (hi-vis) Personal floatation devices (PFDs) ...... Additional equipment & Kill cords height ...... Wave Boat suitability ...... Rowing & Paddled boat identification reduced visibility Afloat in the dark & Topical information Topical What to check and assess Who is afloat & Communication conditions Weather Tidal & water conditions Time of day briefings . . experience & Group Previous management ...... Paddle group Rowing floatillas – What is the stream? the tidal stream Factors affecting . . . . & draw-offs – Wind, Thames Barrier set ...... – Neap & the tidal flag warningsFluvial flow & ebb tide the tidal stream Ebb tide, flood tide & Paddled boats Paddled boats . . . Code of Practice exist? Why does this the slacks? What is working Rowing boats the differences Rowing & paddling: bias & Using this Code Above Putney The Authority The Port of ...... Code The Tideway Forward: ...... Acknowledgements 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ©2019. All rightsreserved.Identification ofanycluborindividual withinthephotographs usediscoincidental andwithoutagenda.Nopartofthis documentmaybe reproduced without permission .PLA©2019. The publisher hasmadeeveryeffort toensure the contentiscorrect, buttakesnoresponsibility foritsaccuracy This bookletisabasedontwoprevious CodesofPractice: Printed byRealPrint&Media–www.realprintandmedia.com Designed andtypesetbyNeilPickford –neilpickford@mac .com Original illustrationsbyNeilPickford (datasuppliedbyPLAHydrographic services) Anthony Reynolds,MalcolmKnight,NeilPickford, DanielWalker andOllieHarding . Original photographybythePLA,Todd-White ArtPhotography, LondonKayakCompany, Active360,BillMitchell,NeilJackson, Kathy Syplywczak. Association, LondonKayakCompany, Active360,BritishDragonBoatAssociation, RNLI, PHRNG,NeilPickford, Port ofLondonAuthority, ThamesRegionalRowingCouncil,BritishCanoeing, Great Britain OutriggerCanoe With thankstothecontributorsthis(2019)edition: • • Paddling ontheTideway: ACodeofPracticeforPaddlingontheTidal Thames2017(Firstedition). Rowing ontheTideway: ACodeofPracticeforRowingontheTidal Thames2015(Thirdedition). .Allinformation inthisbookwascorrect atthetimeof printing andallcopyrights sought.

FOREWORD 3 THE TIDEWAY CODE Activities should be risk assessed and . Activities should be risk assessed

Enjoy the river! The Tideway is a busy waterway and all users should ensure that they can cope with and all users should ensure The Tideway is a busy waterway The Tideway Code is intended to be a readily available and easily assimilated user available and is intended to be a readily The Tideway Code This is the first edition of a combined Tideway Code – aimed at both rowers and paddlers rowers and paddlers – aimed at both of a combined Tideway Code This is the first edition Navigating any type of small recreational vessel on the tidal Thames, or Thames Tideway or Thames Tideway tidal Thames, vessel on the recreational any type of small Navigating

lookout Keep a proper others Show consideration for • follow the rules • Know and

A Code of Practice for rowing and paddling on the tidal Thames the tidal on paddling and for rowing Practice of A Code Code: Tideway The

• principles: Safety will best be enhanced by the application of three fundamental the application of three other river users . Safety will best be enhanced by tidal river the expected conditions in a bustling practices and consideration for good environmental with appropriate undertaken safely, information and advice about how best to navigate on the tidal Thames . information and advice about how Its objective is to provide rowers and paddlers with a single comprehensive source of source single comprehensive and paddlers with a rowers Its objective is to provide . of local and international regulations assessment and the requirements on a detailed risk It has been developed by experienced Tideway users with recommendations based with recommendations by experienced Tideway users guide . It has been developed

Teddington Lock and the Sea . Teddington new and existing users who plan to navigate anywhere along the tidal Thames between along the tidal Thames between users who plan to navigate anywhere new and existing (TRRC) and British Canoeing (BC) have produced this combined code to advise both this combined Canoeing (BC) have produced (TRRC) and British The (PLA), Thames Regional Rowing Council Authority (PLA), Thames Regional Port of London . The Port of London – and follows many years of various, separate codes of practice being implemented in the of practice being implemented years of various, separate codes – and follows many

. on which to navigate waterway a challenging creates piers and moorings, bridges, far the busiest inland waterway in the UK which, coupled with a fast-flowing tide and many tide and many a fast-flowing which, coupled with in the UK inland waterway far the busiest The Tideway is by . The Tideway how it operates of the river and knowledge known, requires as it is also 4 INTRODUCTION event of anincident. not anacceptable defenceinthe Ignorance of theseregulations is PLA website – www.pla.co.uk can befoundintheirentirety onthe under review and thelatestadditions The PLAkeepsallofitsregulations as thisone,foreaseofrecognition. enclosed inacoloured panel,such regulations are quotedtheyare regulations. Wherever navigational must refer toandrecognise these By itsverynature, theTidewayCode does that in a number of documents: regulating Tidewaynavigationand The PLAisultimatelyresponsible for the riverfortradeandtravel. environment andpromote theuseof users safe,protect andenhancethe is tokeepcommercial andleisure jurisdiction ofthePLAwhoserole Teddington Lockcomesunderthe stretching betweentheestuaryand oftidalThames The 95miles Port ofLondonAuthority(PLA) • • • • • Notices toMariners(NtMs) General Directions Thames Byelaws Port ofLondonAct Collision Regulations(ColRegs) PLA leisure users website– www.boatingonthethames.co.uk publication ‘Tidal UsersGuide’orvisitthe Thames:Recreational sports andactivities onthetidalThames pleaseseethePLA on theTideway This CodeofPracticeisspecifically aimedatrowing andpaddling sports . these areas are nottakenawayforgood, to thedetrimentoftheir thus ensuringthatthetraditional privilegeshistoricallyenjoyedin Code Tideway the following individuals –totakeresponsibility for communities –clubs,associations,commercial providers and not adhered to adhered not upon responsible, safenavigation,whichmayberemoved if working theslacks,forsportandleisure, isaprivilegeconditional However, itmustbemadeclearthatbeingallowedtonavigateby observed . Outside theseareas ColRegsorthestarboard-side rulemustbe users are expectedtonavigateaccording totheTidewayCode. page) where thesespecialnavigationrulesapply andwithinwhich There are twoTidewayCodeAreas, UpperandLower(seeopposite are alsothesafestoptionforsmallman-powered boats. concluded that:whenusedproperly, thesespecialnavigationrules such alarge tidalriver opposite pageanditexiststoallowfortheeasiestnavigationon Its origins,knownas“Working theSlacks”,are explainedonthe dragon boatsandstand-uppaddleboards . man-powered boats–specifically rowing boats,,, The TidewayCodeisaspecialnavigationalconcessionforusersof Why doesthisCodeofPracticeexist? . .Forguidance andadviceonotherrecreational It istherefore uptotherowing andpaddling .AstudybytheSalvageAssociationin2004 INTRODUCTION 5 Lower Tideway Code Area Lower Tideway Code Upper Tideway Code Area Code Tideway Upper

KEY Fast water Crossing zone Crossing Slack water

. Within the Tideway

What is “working the slacks”? the “working is What

the slack water Zones . Crossing at pre-arranged stream must swap banks to stay in must swap banks to stay stream they may only do this Code areas, so boats going against the tidal The Tideway meanders significantly The Tideway meanders significantly against the flow of the traffic . hard shoulder of the motorway hard like being allowed to drive up the working the slacks and it’s a little working the slacks and it’s It is this practice that is known as against the tide. – but only the inside of the bends slower moving, ‘slack’ water on slower moving, ‘slack’ to starboard) by rowing in this by rowing to starboard) normal navigation rules (of staying normal navigation been allowed to break with the with been allowed to break -powered boats in transit have boats in transit oar-powered Traditionally, . Traditionally, the inside of the bend leaves slower or ‘slack’ water on leaves slower or ‘slack’ around the outside of a bend it the outside around In general, water flows faster In general, water flows . current into a strong their boat the tide, rather than have to force force rather than have to the tide, ‘slack’ water when rowing against against when rowing ‘slack’ water working oarsmen: to use the easier to use the working oarsmen: system historically developed by developed system historically Working the slacks is a navigation is a navigation the slacks Working 6 INTRODUCTION Rowing boatscanalsoeither becoxedorcoxless: Rowing isagenerictermconsistingoftwobasictechniques: composites andthere are basicallytwotypes: Rowing boatsare generallymadeofeitherwoodorcarbon-fibre but refer tothemostcommontypesfoundonTideway. The typesofrowing boatdetailedonthispageare notdefinitive Types ofrowing boat: For thepurposesofthisCodearowing boatisdefinedas: Rowing boats • • • • • • levers. Thecrewhavetheirbackstothedirectionoftravel of ,wheretheoarsareincontactwithhullandactas A small,lightweight,narrow-hulledboatpropelledbytheuse travel and havetolook around to steer. larger boats. Theywillhavetheirback tothedirection of from thebowseat– by useofafootsteering system on Coxless –oneoftherowing crew steerstheboat,usually the boatbutwillalwaysface inthedirection oftravel. orthebowsof boat. Thecoxswain(cox) may beinthestern Coxed –anadditional,non-rowing crew member steersthe each hand. –eachcrew memberhastwoshorteroars, onein is drawnwithbothhands. Sweeping –eachcrew memberhasasinglelongoar which Fixed seat(largerboats). Sliding seat(fineboats). 9 peopleto1person: in-line .Crew numbers rangefrom sliding seatswhere crew memberssit with decksfore andaft, Fine boatshaveverylong,narrow hulls Tideway, particularlyabovePutney common rowing boatsfoundonthe These are, bysomemargin, themost Fine boats(Racingboats) • • • • Always coxless 1 rower Single scull: Almost alwayscoxless 2 rowers Pair (sweep)&Double(scull): Coxless: 4rowers Coxed: 4rowers +cox Four (sweep)&Quad(scull): Always coxed 8 rowers +cox (sweep)&Octuple(scull): . INTRODUCTION 7 Cornish gig Thames skiffs Touring Touring Touring boats (Tubs) boats Touring and heavier bigger, Generally boats . than fine stable more thus or ‘tubs’ also have boats Touring . The and sliding seats outriggers vary from sit in-line and can crew be both . They can 2 to 5 people coxed sculled and can be swept or or coxless . Gigs, Cutters & Skiffs for generic terms These are boats . rowing medium-sized, open wooden- ‘traditional’, Usually more rowlocks built boats, they have and fixed seats on their gunwales on the much less common and are boats . Tideway than fine generally sea-going Gigs are vessels and the most common is the : a 6 person in two who sit abreast sweep crew always coxed . and are rows very similar to gigs but Cutters are can be swept or sculled . , in the context of Thames skiffs sculled boats where this Code, are more sit in-line and are the crew commonly 1 or 2 person boats, usually with coxes . (Coxless) (Coxless) (Coxed) Four (Coxed) Eight (Coxed) 8 INTRODUCTION Paddled boats the Tideway. paddled boat foundon most commontypesof definitive but refer tothe of paddledboatare not The followingexamples Types ofpaddledboat: becoming increasing popular. kayaks, canoesandSUPsare construction andinflatable a fibre-glass orcarbon boats are more oftenof some SUPs.Racingclass are oftenwoodenasare although someolderboats canoes are madeofplastic kayaksand Most modern direction oftravel. the paddlerwhofacesin arehelddirectlyby use ofpaddles,wherethe hulled boatpropelledbythe A small,lightweight,narrow- a paddledboatisdefinedas: For thepurposesofthisCode (K1/K2) whichare finerandfaster or muchlessstableracingclasses classes stable touring/sea-going in-line .Theycomeinlarger, more people (occasionally4)whosit generally havecrews of1or2 are seenoccasionally decks, althoughsit-on-topkayaks paddle .Theboatsgenerallyhave propels itwithadouble-ended A kayakersitsintheirboatand Kayaks K1 racingkayak Touring .Kayaks . but muchmore unstable. decks andare muchfinerandfaster racing classcanoes(C1/C2)have touring andrecreation, whereas canoes andare generallyusedfor often referred toas‘Canadian’ who sitin-line.Opencanoesare paddled byacrew of1or2people ended paddle.Theyare usually boat andpropels itwithasingle- A canoeistmaykneelorsitinthe Canoes C2 racingcanoe Touring INTRODUCTION 9 . They 74). 12 crew dragon boat Dragon boats boats Dragon boats long, open are boats Dragon sit crew . The sizes of varying drive the boat along and abreast of to the beat with a single paddle drummer in the bow a seated with a by a coxswain steered are stands in the sternpaddle who . and have wider Dragon boats are some paddled than more to be considered boats but are open boats . There are restrictions for both rowing and for both rowing restrictions are There on some paddled boats (SUPs in particular) p. of the Tideway (from areas OC6 canoes (Outriggers) canoes Outrigger narrow of a consist Outriggers stabilising smaller, hull with main or ‘ama’outrigger on one side . They and aft have a short fore generally otherwise considered are deck but in boats which vary to be open single person (OC1) 7m size from . The crew to 14m 6 person (OC6) the boat with a sit in-line propelling by single paddle. is done the stern member in . the crew

) for general advice on boat choice 20–33) for general advice on boat choice

SUPs are a comparatively a comparatively . SUPs are

See the ‘Equipment & Clothing’ section See the ‘Equipment & Clothing’ section (pp. and suitability for certain water conditions.

SUPs . little freeboard unstable craft with

water propel themselves through the themselves through propel to uses a long single paddle upright stance on the board and on the board upright stance a single person maintains an maintains a single person Commonly . Commonly a surf board similar to differ in style, most SUPs are most SUPs are in style, differ some touring and racing boards and racing boards some touring with links to surfing and although although and links to surfing with This is a fast-growing water sport sport water is a fast-growing This (SUP) paddleboards Stand-up 10 INTRODUCTION Rowing andpaddling:thefundamentaldifferences INTRODUCTION Above Putney bias Using this Code

Due partly to restrictions and partly to the suitability of In general, the information in this Code applies the water, the vast majority of rowing and paddling on to both rowers and paddlers. Of course both the Tideway happens above Putney . have their own terms to describe their equipment and processes and the Code aims to use the It’s no coincidence that the content of this Code is most suitable generic language. Within this Code skewed towards the upper section of the river between the following terms are used: Putney and Teddington, since it is by far the busiest section for both rowing and paddling and thus requires Small boat the most attention . Any small man-powered rowing or paddled boat. This concentration of small boats can lead to potential Outing problems since they have to share the same navigation Any training, journey or trip on the river. patterns . Issues can be compounded by differences in Steers relative speed and manoeuvrability between different Any person steering the small boat whether types of small boat and by rowers and paddlers often a coxswain, crew member or paddler. facing in opposite ways, despite travelling in the same direction! Crew People propelling a multi-person boat (+ coxes). Therefore all small boat users must pay particular attention to their lookout (p .52) as well as understand Inbound the relative nature of each others’ vessels (see Moving up-river/inland. opposite page) . Outbound The same applies below Putney of course but in this Moving down-river/seawards. section of the river there are far fewer small boats . There are occasions where the detail is specific Between Putney and The Thames Barrier the issues or relevant to only rowers or paddlers. Where are more about dealing with large, commercial vessels this occurs a small symbol identifying the and the additional danger that comes with them, relevant group is shown either alongside the particularly through the very busy Heart of London heading, as a bullet point or on a diagram: (pp .106–109) . Rowing-specific Paddling-specific 11 Ebb tide, flood tide and the tidal stream

The Thames below 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 7m and the flow as the ‘tidal stream’ . can reach 4knots (more around bridge, piers, moorings Knowing the tide direction is critical and tables etc .) so attention must be paid to both the direction and of predicted tide times are available online at – the strength of the tide and the stream . On the Tideway the tidepredictions.pla.co.uk/ or on the PLA smart

TIDE & STREAM tide will always turn first downriver (i .e . at the estuary) . phone app (p .16) . Various other websites and apps also provide this information . Both rowers and paddlers (including coaches and group leaders) need to be especially aware of the tide direction Apart from tide tables, which only give predicted with regard to working the slacks against the tide and how tide times, there are several practical ways to this affects navigation within the Tideway Code Areas check the tidal stream direction, although you (pp .59–62) . must always allow for the strength and direction of the wind: It is therefore vital for safe navigation that the tidal stream conditions and tidal sets (p .14) are understood and • Look at boats moored only at one end, they situational awareness is maintained at all times . will hang downstream from their mooring . • See what direction floating objects drift in . What is ‘the stream’? • Look at which direction the water is flowing The visible flow on the surface of the river is referred to past a bridge buttress or buoy (see below) . by many Thames boaters as ‘the stream’ . Although they almost always flow in the same direction, the stream’s direction can occasionally differ from that of the tide: A less common effect, known as swelling, happens during periods of prolonged, heavy rainfall when there is a visible outbound flow even though there is an inbound/flood tide . Swelling usually occurs during the winter months and steers above Putney should always navigate according to DIRECTION OF TIDAL STREAM the visible stream direction and not the predicted tide . 12 TIDE & STREAM 13 73). The flood tide The ebb tide tide ebb The When the tidal stream is When the tidal stream flowing inbound and the water level is rising. Above Putney the flood tide 4.5hrstakes approximately low water to come in from to high water. When the tidal stream is is stream the tidal When the and outbound flowing is falling. water level the ebb tide Above Putney 8.5hrstakes approximately high water from to run out to low water. tide of the ? Turn or At the top (high water) of the bottom (low water) from tide, as it is changing other, to the one direction of up to is a period there 10minutes ‘slack called is no there water’ where Slack water tidal stream. to extra care requires navigate on (p. at LW HW at – 25mins – 40mins Woolwich at LW HW at

– 20mins –15mins

Greenwich Pier GreenwichPier

HW at (0 mins) LW at LW London Bridge (0 mins) at LW Chelsea Bridge +45 mins HW at Chelsea Bridge +15mins at LW Putney Bridge +1hr 40mins HW at Putney Bridge +30mins

half-tide lock) lock (n/a due to Richmond at Teddington LW +1hr Lock HW at Teddington

Bridge HW at Kew +50mins These diagrams show approximate time differences between Woolwich Woolwich between time differences approximate These diagrams show tide tables are Bridge). Predicted (based on London and Teddington tidepredictions.pla.co.uk/ available online – at LW +2hrs 45mins

Low water (LW) – time differences Low water (LW) time differences time – (HW) water High 14 TIDE & STREAM can cause similar effects to swelling(p. On rare occasionsa particularly weak,flooding neaptide Neap tides(weakwith asmalltidalrange) as KewBridgeandsometimes beyond. effect ontheriver flowandlowwaterleveldownasfar level, whichismuchlower thanusual.Thisalsohasan for maintenance.Thisallowstherivertodrain toitsnatural half-tide barrieratRichmond isleftopenduringlowwater The draw-off usuallylastsforfour weeks andiswhenthe Draw-offs (normallyOctober–November) Col Regs(p. not really feature atall.Ifindoubt,navigatetostarboard/ direction thetidalstream isflowingandthefloodtidemay (similar toswelling,p. have a noticeable andconfusingeffect onthetidalstream When theThamesBarrierisclosed(seeopposite)itwill Thames Barrierclosures wind willaffect theriverdifferently alongitscourse. so itisimportantwhenplanningatriptoremember that tidal stream direction .TheTidewaymeandersconsiderably very strong windcanevengiveafalseimpression ofthe difficult conditions,especiallyathightide.Sometimesa will ‘chop-up’thetopofwaterandcanmakeforvery the tidalstream .Ifitisagainstthetide(wind-over-tide), it wind isinthesamedirection asthetideitwillspeedup The windcanhaveaconsiderableeffect on theriver Wind Factors affecting thetidalstream 58) sincethere willbenoslackstoworkin! 12) .Itmaybehard totellinwhich 12) . .Ifthe into danger) bythetidal set. boat beingpushed outofposition(and possibly on thestarboard navigational lineandavoidtheir pro-actively adjusttheircourse tocorrectly remain of thebend.Steersmustbeaware oftheneedto set willnaturallypushboats towards theoutside towards theinsideofbend.Howevertidal is tostayonthestarboard sideoftheFairway, the bendonanebbtide, correct navigation In theexampleabove,headingoutboundaround navigational course. of thetidalstream maynotfollowthecorrect outside ofabend.However, thenaturalcourse will always‘set’toitsnaturalcoursearound the tidal set.Thisiscausedbythestream which Small boatsinparticularneedtobeaware ofthe Tidal ‘set’

KEY Tidal set Tidal

Navigation line TIDE & STREAM 15

Notices-to-Mariners www.pla.co.uk/Safety/Regulations-and-Guidance/Notices-to-Mariners/ draw-offs are available via the PLA website, Notices to Mariners page – available via the PLA website, Notices to Mariners page are draw-offs Other information regarding scheduled Thames Barrier closures and Barrier closures scheduled Thames Other information regarding crews are sufficiently experienced for the prevailing ebb tide conditions . sufficiently experienced for the prevailing are crews use the advice provided to judge if their boat choices are suitable and if their boat choices are to judge use the advice provided All small and boats using the Upper Tideway should monitor this system installed on their own websites . This widget is freely available to all Tideway clubs and should also be This widget is freely used by the Environment Agency above Teddington but on the Tideway but on the Agency above Teddington used by the Environment and www.pla.co.uk homepages – www.boatingonthethames.co.uk It is similar to the red and yellow board system and yellow board red . It is similar to the and Putney Teddington the ebb tide. it only applies to on the following daily and displayed (as a widget) The system is updated help indicate the speed of the fluvial flow to small boat users between of the fluvial flow to small boat help indicate the speed The PLA provide an ‘Ebb tide flag warning’ system which is in place to place in is ‘Ebb tide flag warning’ an system which The PLA provide ‘Ebb tide flag warning’ system (see pictures, right) ‘Ebb tide flag warning’ (see pictures, system dangerous – which is why a warning – which is . system has been put in place dangerous it can make the river more difficult to navigate on – and in some cases difficult to navigate on – and in some more it can make the river When combined with an ebb tide with an ebb speed . When combined in to increase stream outbound After heavy rainfall, the fluvial flow will increase causing the causing flow will increase rainfall, the fluvial . After heavy flood tide the reason that the river fills up very quickly when it meets the inbound it meets the inbound up very quickly when that the river fills the reason There is always water flowing outbound and is flowing outbound is always water Thames . There the non-tidal Fluvial flow is the amount of water flowing outbound (down-river) from from outbound (down-river) of water flowing is the amount Fluvial flow warning’ system Fluvial flow and the ‘Ebb tide flag flag tide ‘Ebb and the flow Fluvial Topical information What to check and assess It is the responsibility of everyone whether afloat solo, as a crew/ All recreational river users should group member or as a coach/group leader to ensure that they have be aware of the information and assessed all the following factors which may affect their outing . guidance available regarding the Do not proceed if the outcome of these checks shows up a Thames Tideway. problem with your equipment, knowledge, experience or fitness. Notices to Mariners (NtMs) The novice/inexperienced rower/paddler should not allow NtMs are posted on the PLA themselves to be coerced by peer-pressure, or a coach, into going website but can also be emailed afloat if they are not comfortable with any aspect of the planned trip . on request. Sign-up via the PLA website – www.pla.co.uk Who is afloat? Clubs and centres are advised to keep a log or sign-out board PLA online events calendar of who/which boats are afloat and when they expect to return . Members should also know what to do if a boat fails to return or PLANNING AN OUTING Shows all recreational events planned on the Thames Tideway – is overdue – this information should be part of a club’s standard www.pla.co.uk/Events/Annual- operating procedures and displayed near the signing-out board . Events-Calendar In addition to signing-out, or in non-club situations, paddlers are advised to inform London VTS (p .34) prior to going afloat and again PLA smart phone app on their return . All of the above and more is available via this app. Communications (p .34) To communicate with London VTS, the emergency services, or their Social media clubs, the following should carry either a mobile phone (in a buoyant, Twitter is particularly topical: waterproof case) or a personal VHF radio set (Channel 14): @LondonPortAuth @ChiswickRNLI Rowing coaches, single scullers and coxless boats (particularly @AlanBarrierEA @TowerRNLI in the dark) . @BritishCanoeing @ocukcoach Paddle group leaders, small groups and soloists below @Thames_rrc @Thames21 Richmond Lock . @MrSafeT_Tideway @ThamesPoo • Event organisers . 16 Weather conditions PLANNING AN OUTING Weather conditions on the tidal Thames can have a Temperature significant effect on the safety and handling of small boats . Hot temperatures can be as physically demanding The river is often exposed and the weather can create big as cold ones so consideration should be made to waves and very choppy water, especially when combined both when deciding on the duration of an outing with washes from motor vessels . Conditions can become and what kit to wear . awkward and physically demanding in a matter of minutes . Visibility Wind As well as rain causing reduced visibility, the tidal Because of their low weight and minimal freeboard, all Thames is prone to fog . Do not attempt to go small boats must take the effect of the wind into account afloat if the visibility is less than 200m . when planning an outing . A good guide is that if the opposite bank cannot • Wind-over-tide (i .e . wind blowing against the tidal be seen clearly then do not go afloat . For example: stream) is a serious consideration as it can create the river is 300m wide at Greenwich, 200m wide steep, standing waves and ‘choppy’ conditions . at Putney and Hammersmith Bridges but narrower • Wind speeds can vary and noticeably increase through than 200m above Hammersmith . and around bridge arches as well as in areas with tall If reduced visibility is encountered during an buildings . There can also be [sudden] changes of wind outing then a safe haven should be sought . Fog direction since the river meanders considerably . is often a more serious hazard than darkness and, • The wind can have an extra chilling effect on the body although large motor vessels may have radar, which will lower the level at which cold is felt and can small boats do not show-up on radar . lead to exposure and even exhaustion, especially if wet . Correctly lighting your boat is also essential in reduced visibility, such as fog (pp .28–33) . Rain Rain can very much affect the perceived temperature Lightning and it will feel much colder if a rower or paddler is wet, Lightning is potentially fatal and if experienced in particularly if it’s also windy . your vicinity, get off the river as soon as possible . Rain can also seriously reduce visibility, particularly the No boat should go afloat unless 30 minutes ability for large motor vessels to spot small boats . have elapsed since the last visible lightning. 17 18 PLANNING AN OUTING Tidal andwaterconditions relatively slow Towards theendofanebbtidestream willbe tide meansflatterwaterbut shallowsandlessspace. High tidemeans‘lumpier’waterbutmore space.Low How highisthetide? changing tides? Will theintendedcoursebeaffected bytidal setsor predicted tochange?–tidepredictions.pla.co.uk/ What isthedirection ofthetideandwhenisit and tidalsets. river, especiallyregarding thestateoftide can affect waterconditionsondifferent partsofthe along itscourse,itisimportanttounderstandhowthis Since theThamesTidewaymeandersconsiderably from theriver are . planning anouting, findoutwhere the safeexits and inplaces there are fewegress points .When Bridge), asthere islittle ornoexposedforeshore tide canbedifficult(particularly belowPutney Getting off therivertwohourseither sideofhigh around thechangeoftide. with thetideasmuchpossible.Planreturn trips For paddlers:longtripsare bestarrangedtogo withthetide. work/pieces aspects againstthetideandtorow back,doing far asispracticable,torow outandcovertechnical For rowers: thegenerallyacceptedpracticeis,as . (pp . 12–15) Accreditation and Qualifications Equipment andClothing Rowing and Paddlingatnight forthequietestconditions (p. mornings onweekend transit CentralLondonbefore 10.00am The PLAtherefore encouragessmallboats toonly . sightseeing tripsstilloperate, from around 10.00am less frequent atweekendsaboveChelseaBridgebut so inthesummermonths.Commuterservicesare Central Londonisalmostalwaysbusybutevenmore is alotofrowing activity particularly busyontheUpperTideway, where there Weekend and summereveningsare mornings often directions sectionsforspecifiicdetails(from p. both SUPsandrowing boats.SeetheTideway There are sometimerestrictions whichapplyto Time ofday water? Forexample: Apart from theweather, willanythingelseaffect the • • • • Is there an eventtakingplaceorariverclosure? Is there a Draw-off atRichmondLockandWeir? or aneaptide? excessive rainfall,theThamesBarrierbeingshut, Is anythinglikelytocause‘Swelling’suchas adversly affect fluvialflow? flag’andwillit What colouristhe‘Ebbtidewarning . (pp . 20–27) (pp . 104) . (pp. 28–33) 38–45) 74) . PLANNING AN OUTING 19 69) also p . (also

68) . 58–59) 70) 66) management group Paddle Rowing floatillas

Positioning (pp . (p . abreast Proceding Stopping (p . Overtaking (p . • • • • When going out for coaching purposes, any rowing coaching purposes, any rowing When going out for must still comply with the flotilla (and its coaches) to: particular regard Tideway Code, paying A paddle group should consist of no more than 10–15 than 10–15 no more of should consist group A paddle consider then participants more are . If there boats a suitably each with groups, into smaller splitting them leader group qualified qualifications, leaders having suitable As well as ratio of leaders should have a sufficient groups the depending on which will vary to participants on the river they where and group experience of the should produce paddling . Clubs and organisations are must for this although SUP groups their own guidelines ratio of leaders to paddlers . have a minimum 1:4 Rowing more than two abreast in the Fairway for the in the Fairway than two abreast Rowing more forbidden and purposes of ‘a competitive piece’ is Zone . in-line astern in the Inshore boats should remain determined by The ratio of coaches to boats will be will a coach the clubs own guidelines but realistically struggle to oversee and/or control maintain proper than 2 foursover more or eights or 4 pairs or singles . . 41) .

For the inexperienced consider using larger or using larger consider For the inexperienced accompanied by coaches/ stable boats more leaders/steers the Tideway familiar with Long distance outings may not be suitable for not be suitable for outings may Long distance . the inexperienced Leaders have the necessary or coaches must experience to take a group qualifications and (p . out on the Tideway London must not be Central Outings through inexperienced in unstable undertaken by the Putney should be boats . The Tideway below water’ and those using it as ‘exposed treated suitable knowledge and experience for require . the potentially demanding conditions

•

• • . situations becoming separated and emergency relevant information regarding group management, management, group information regarding relevant points detailed in this section and also include any points detailed in this section and also The briefing should cover all of the of the outing . The briefing should cover all of the coach or leader on what to expect and the purpose coach or leader on what to expect all steers or paddlers are briefed beforehand by the briefed beforehand all steers or paddlers are Group briefings Group that outings it is important For coached and group

water and weather conditions: water and taken into account, particularly with regard to the with regard account, particularly taken into or as members of a crew/group) members or as solo should be The experience of all rowersexperience The (whether and paddlers Previous experience Previous Personal floatation devices (PFDs) Anyone afloat in a small boat on the Tideway should be able to swim

Paddling Rowing Paddlers should wear a PFD at all times while All launch occupants and coxes must wear a PFD at afloat on the Tideway (see p .25 for exceptions) . all times while afloat on the Tideway, without exception. The most suitable The most suitable type of type of PFD for paddle PFD for non-rowers is a sports is a Buoyancy Life Jacket, which are Aid (BA) . Conditions necessary as these people on the Tideway can are generally wearing more vary considerably and heavier clothing and and should always footwear than the athletes . be taken into account It is accepted practice for

EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING when choosing the athletes not to wear a PFD most suitable PFD but all club members must to use . prove their ability The main benefit of buoyancy aids over other before going afloat . Athletes who are weak swimmers or types of PFD is that they are ‘inherently buoyant’ who have a medical condition that requires it, must wear (i .e . they don’t need to be inflated for them to do a suitable PFD . Rowing-compatible PFDs are available . their job) . Therefore, pouch or ‘bum-bag’ style Self-inflating (automatic) life jackets, with crotch straps PFDs are discouraged for use on the Tideway as and a minimum 150N rating are advised. The exception they would be very difficult to don and operate is for coxes in bow-loaded boats where manually-inflated once already in the water . jackets should be used because automatic jackets run the Paddlers who are weak swimmers or who have risk of inflating with the coxswain still in the boat, trapping a medical condition that may require it, should them under the bow canvas . It is recommended that clubs consider a higher-rated PFD or manually-inflating use alternate coloured jackets to differentiate between self life jacket . and manual inflating jackets . 20 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING 21 Further information is available the following websites: from – www.rya.org.uk/knowledge- RYA advice/safe-boating/look-after- yourself/Pages/buoyancy-aids- lifejackets.aspx RNLI – rnli.org/safety/what-we- can-do-for-you BR – www.britishrowing.org/wp- content/uploads/2015/09/Safety- Alert-February-2015-Lifejackets.pdf . .

The PFD should allow the wearer to swim easily in water and keep to swim easily in water and the wearer The PFD should allow water their face above the . light attached to PFDs is also recommended Having a whistle and The PFD should be wornThe PFD must other clothing and on top of all the crotch including times while afloat, done-up at all remain . strap, if fitted and adjust . to put on, take off It should be easy to be a snug but not tight . It should let the wearer The fitting should the waist . arms and allow them to bend at move their freely always could come off in an emergency so Loose-fitting PFDs ensurebefore proper adjustment going afloat. Check PFDs on a regular basis for things such as rips or stitching Check PFDs on a regular buckles and zips or missing ties . If you coming undone, broken about any aspect of a PFD, do not go afloat with it and unsure are for further advice . retailer or an approved contact the manufacturer supplier according serviced by an approved Have PFDs regularly instructions . to the manufacturers’ PFDs . Do not machine wash or tumble dry When dry, store in a cool dry place ideally out of direct sunlight and sunlight in a cool dry place ideally out of direct store When dry, heat . direct away from After use, rinse in clean water, hang it up and allow to dry naturally hang it up and allow to dry After use, rinse in clean water,

• • • • • • • •

• • Fitting the weight of the wearer, taking their clothing into account. their clothing taking of the wearer, the weight All PFDs should have an EN/ISO number and be rated to support rated and be number an EN/ISO have should All PFDs

Maintenance Storage Personal clothing, footwear and equipment

• Going barefoot is not recommended on the Tideway. Suitable High visability clothing (hi-vis) water sports shoes/boots for getting on and off the water . Tideway It is recommended that all small users may need to walk on an uneven foreshore or boating hard boat crew members wear bright- with the risk of rocks, rubbish and sharp objects . coloured or hi-vis clothing to • Rowers and paddlers must ensure that they are wearing suitable improve their visibility to each clothing for the (forecast) conditions . A combination of water/wind other and other vessels . proof outer items and lightweight man-made fibre sports clothing with This is especially important in the thermal, quick-drying properties are particularly suitable . dark or reduced visibility, where • Peaked hats and sunglasses for protection in hot, sunny weather . reflective trim is also a very useful • Wind, rain and cold temperatures will require additional layers . feature . • Pogies to keep hands warm in very cold conditions . Hi-vis hats in particular are recommended below Putney where Consider wetsuits and perhaps even dry suits in the winter . they are especially helpful to the EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING helm of large commercial vessels Other items that should be considered, depending on the conditions: for identifing small boats . • Mobile phone (in a buoyant, waterproof case), especially for unaccompanied or solo outings and essential in the dark . • Suitable and effective boat lights if afloat in the dark or in poor visibility (pp .29–33) . • Whistle (ideally attached to a PFD) . • Drinking water and snacks . Paddle leash and/or spare paddle(s) . Spare clothes (in a dry bag) . Pump . Gloves . Rigger jigger . 22 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING 23 Kill cords Kill always must drivers Launch kill cord use a suitable between themselves attached the whenever and the engine running. engine is serves only one, The kill cord to stop the very vital purpose: driver moves engine when the the controls. away from puts cord to wear a kill Failure others at the occupants and breach risk and is a serious Such a serious of safety. necessitate contravention may authorities. intervention by the should always kill cord A spare be carried in the launch. . 20)

) and/orphone a mobile line/tow• Throw line. • Torch/SOS light. • Laminated map. † ) . †

clothing (and/or foil vests). • Knife.

Mobile phone (in a buoyant, waterproof case) and/or case) waterproof (in a buoyant, Mobile phone a personal set (ChannelVHF* radio 14 Personal VHF* radio set (ChannelPersonal VHF* radio 14 To be worn or carried by paddling group leaders (and assistants) be worn group or carried by paddling To Lock below Richmond case of breakdown). Paddle (in ring. Perry buoy or life kill cord. • Spare First aid kit (+ qualification). or foil vests. clothing Emergency • Knife. • Torch. . case) (in a buoyant, waterproof Whistle attached to the PFD) . (ideally line/towSpare line. paddle. Spare Spare First aid kit (+ qualification) . To be worn or carried by rowing coaches coaches be worn by rowing or carried To

Bridge and it is recommended that all small boats to keep a listening that all small Bridge and it is recommended vessel activity below Putney watch on Channel 14 for commercial For more details about using VHF radio see page 34 . For more VHF may have limited range, particularly upriver and/orVHF may have limited range, particularly low water. at

• •

• • • •

• • •

• •

* carry VHF radio below Putney SUP leaders and solo paddlers must wear suitable Life Jackets Life Jackets(p . wear suitable occupants must All launch

† Additional equipment equipment Additional 24 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING • • and Coastguard Agencythus: categorised bytheMaritime aware thatthetidalThamesis Rowers andpaddlersmustbe Wave height waves of over 2.0m inheight. waves ofover2.0m Category Dwaters–expect Below : inheight. waves ofupto1.2m Category Cwaters–expect Above Gravesend:

shells are much more susceptible toswamping . Fully openboats suchasCanadiancanoes andolder(wooden)rowing rowing shellsshouldremain rowable evenwhenpartiallyswamped . by limitingthe volumeofwaterthatcan comeaboard .Inthisway, modern rowingThe integraldecksinmost modern shells also help avoid swamping boats willhelpenormously inthisregard . without takinganyonboard (swamping).Spraydecksfittedtopaddled The integraldecksonaclosed boatallowwatertopassoverthe Decking particularly windagainsttidalstream, canalsocauseveryrough water from thesideorunexpectedlyfrom behind.Certainweatherconditions, and draw-off from motorvesselscanbedifficulttohandleifitiscoming Sufficient freeboard isavitalconsiderationonthetidalThamesas wash than fineboatsbutare alsousuallyopenboats(seebuoyancy, opposite). shells suchastouringboats,gigsandskiffs havealittlemore freeboard this verymuchaffects theirabilitytocopewithrough water All smallboatshaveminimalfreeboard incomparisontomotorvesselsand Freeboard: Boat suitability:fortheprevailing conditions :

is theboat‘open’or‘closed’?

the amountofhullabovewaterline.

.Larger rowing . EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING

Buoyancy: a boat’s ability to remain afloat even if swamped. Recommendations In addition to a PFD, the boat itself can also act as a useful aid • All open boats should be retro-fitted with in remaining afloat in an emergency situation – but only if the additional, suitable buoyancy bags sufficient boat is itself buoyant . to ensure they remain manoeuverable even if swamped . Paddleboards have inherent (built-in) buoyancy . Most modern kayaks and Conditions are often demanding outrigger canoes are also inherently below and only the more buoyant due to their decks – but only experienced paddlers should venture below if any hatches are correctly done-up . this point using a suitable kayak or canoe . Some older paddled boats, most It is recommended that dragon boats, open canoes and dragon boats, may SUPs and particularly inflatable boats require additional buoyancy bags to remain above Putney Bridge where water be retro-fitted for safe Tideway use . conditions are less demanding . If a club or an experienced adult individual Since rowers don’t usually wear determines that their boat is an adequate PFDs, all rowing boats afloat on the substitute for a PFD when paddling above Tideway must be fitted with inherent Richmond Lock, where the river is more buoyancy (i .e . waterproof hatches) or benign and semi-tidal, a careful risk be retro-fitted with suitable buoyancy assessment should be carried out . bags . All buoyancy must be sufficient to allow the boat to keep the whole In rough conditions, rowers should consider crew afloat in the event of a capsize . using larger boats or limiting the scope of their outing to more sheltered areas . Conclusion Note: All rowing boats must also have Open boats (canoes or dragon boats), very narrow racing-style suitable, functioning heel restraints and paddled boats, single sculls and smaller rowing boats are not bow balls fitted before going afloat . Both well suited to rough water or big waves . Neither are SUPs, due of these pieces of safety equipment are to their almost non-existent freeboard . essential and potentially life-saving . 25 Port of London Thames Rowing boat identification (ID) Byelaws 2012 – Byelaw 53 Vessel identification All rowing and coaching boats using the tidal Thames, including those and marking visiting the Tideway for Head races or training and foreign crews, must A vessel to which this byelaw display a six-character ID code comprising a three letter club code plus applies must exhibit its name three unique numbers . All ID codes must be registered with the club they painted in letters (or numbers) relate to . of a length not less than 0.1 Contact British Rowing for club codes . Tideway club codes can be found metres and of proportionate on pages126–127 . breadth on each side of and in ID codes can also be registered with the Environment Agency (EA) allowing a colour contrasting with that them be used off-Tideway, without requiring a separate EA boating of the hull or superstructure, licence . The cost of registering a boat’s ID with the EA is approximately provided that, if the vessel half the cost of purchasing a separate boating licence . is of less than 20 metres in length and compliance with Rowing boat ID code, specification: the foregoing requirements Size: 50mm minimum cap height, preferably 60mm . EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING is impracticable, the name or Typeface: Ariel, Helvetica or similar ‘sans serif’ style font . number must be otherwise exhibited in one or more Colour: Any but must contrast with the colour of the shell and positions as prominently be easily legible from 30m in daylight . and clearly as practicable. Position: Ideally at the forward (bow) end of the sax board and on both sides of the boat .

26 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING 27 36) and being able to Why boat ID boat Why is necessary and names Club ID codes easily to be more allow boats or, in an emergency identified returned if found unattended, to their owner. is than one group If more particularly out on the river, using the in , ID code as a call-sign boat’s distinguish assists vessels to and to between the groups VHF. make contact via also Boat ID codes are reporting useful for incident (p. or identify a specific group boat can help with incident investigation. . 128) . 40mm height . minimum cap ‘sans serif’ style font . Ariel, Helvetica or similar legible with the hull colour and be easily Any but must contrast 30mfrom option is to place the ID . A recommended in daylight visibility SOLAS tape, for increased on retro-reflective on both sides of the boat, ideally on the place on both sides of the boat, ideally on In a prominent the waterline . most vertical surface possible above

Paddled boat identification (ID) identification boat Paddled

Size: Paddled boat ID code, specification: Paddled boat ID Typeface: Colour: ID sticker found in the RNLI’s Kayaking Safety Pack . Kayaking Safety the RNLI’s ID sticker found in are also advised to display contact information on their boats, such as the to display contact information on also advised are . Owners to do so (see panel right) encouraged but are character club ID code please contact the PLA (p . contact the PLA code please display a five- to required not specifically . They are Byelaw 53, opposite) To register a club a club register club code . To letter by a three number followed two digit with a name (see to be marked required are by individuals Boats owned comprising a unique ID code comprising five-character must display a Such boats and private boats Personal Boats that belong to clubs or commercial outfits commercial clubs or to that belong Boats

Position: Afloat in the dark and reduced visibility

Going afloat in the dark or in reduced visibility is evidently much more hazardous than in daylight so requires additional equipment and different clothing – as well as more thorough planning and risk assessment . • All boats must be correctly lit (see opposite and overleaf) . • As far as possible, wear high visibility clothing and hats (white or bright colours) preferably with reflective trim . • It is essential that someone knows who is afloat . Use a sign-out board and/or inform London VTS (p .34) . • Always carry means of communication: mobile phone or VHF handset (Channel 14) or other means of attracting attention such as a torch and/or whistle . • Use of reflective tape on boats and/or oars/paddles is a very EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING effective way of improving a boat’s visibility in the dark . On paddles boats the ID should ideally be applied over a reflective base (p .27) . It is recommended that rowing boats are accompanied by a launch All small boats must inform after dark and that single scullers go out in a minimum London VTS (p.34) if they are out of two boats together . in the dark below Wandsworth Solo paddling is not recommended in the dark (p .69) and it is Bridge, either by phone or VHF preferable for paddlers to proceed in a group, as a group can be radio (Channel 14). more easily seen (see opposite) . SUPs may not paddle after • Consider limiting the range of outings to areas of the river that are dark below Chelsea Bridge. well lit from the bank . • Sunrise and sunset times are displayed on both the Met office and BBC weather forecasts .

28 BEFOREEQUIPMENT YOU & GO CLOTHING AFLOAT 29 exhibit the lights prescribed lights prescribed exhibit the for in this Rule but if she does not, vessels, at hand have ready she shall lighted or an electric torch lantern light showing a white in which shall be exhibited prevent sufficient time to collision. Col Reg Rule 25 25 Rule Reg Col underway vessels Sailing oars under vessels and under oars may d (ii) A vessel Col Reg Rule 20 Application (Lights and Shapes) by these The lights prescribed rules shall, if carried, also sunrise to be exhibited from visibility sunset in restricted and may be exhibited in all when it other circumstances is deemed necessary. For the purposes of this rule paddled boats are also considered to be ‘under oars’. 31) . 32–33) . ) and coaching launches (p . 30) and coaching launches

Rowing boats (p . . Paddled boats (pp

increasesReflective tape and a large group vastly visibility

If in doubt, use lights. . If in doubt, use For details see: delay may be encountered lights must be taken as daylight can fade very quickly or an unexpected as daylight can fade very quickly lights must be taken If an evening outing is planned, even if the intention is to return in daylight, is to return is planned, even if the intention If an evening outing . sunrise or after sunset Darkness is defined as before morning night or in the early course at is defined as before . Darkness at all times of reduced visibility such as mist, fog, rain or snow and of or snow and of as mist, fog, rain visibility such of reduced at all times Small boats need to be as visible as possible, so lights must be displayed so lights must visible as possible, need to be as Small boats Master of the vessel is breaking the law. breaking the vessel is Master of If boats do not have the correct lights when afloat then the when afloat lights correct do not have the If boats By law, boats must correctly lit in darkness and reduced visibility. visibility. reduced and in darkness lit correctly must boats By law, Boat lighting lighting Boat 30 EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING light (i.enotflashing) On thestern:aconstantwhite (to determinedirection oftravel). On thebow:aflashingwhitelight firmly fixedtotheboat: The followinglightsshouldbe rowing boats • • • • • a boat’s visibility recommended tohelpimprove Reflective tape ontheoaris the boworcox, maybeused. sticks, attachedtotheback of additional lightsorwhiteLED be carriedatalltimesand At leastonespare lightshould permitted astheyare notsafe. Unidirectional lightsare not other riverusers. diffused soasnotto‘dazzle’ batteries, bewaterproof and Lights musthavegood should neverbeused. Red orothercoloured lights lighting visiblethrough 360°. boat musteffectively have 800m andthrough 180°–the Each lightmustbevisiblefor

Lighting . BEFOREEQUIPMENT YOU & GO CLOTHING AFLOAT 31 A power-driven vessel vessel A power-driven shall exhibit: underway light forward; a masthead a stern light. of less than 12 metres of in length may in lieu in the lights prescribed Rule paragraph (a) of this white exhibit an all-round light and sidelights; vessel of (ii) a power driven in length less than 7 metres whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights in paragraph (a) prescribed of this Rule exhibit an all- white light and shall, round if practicable, also exhibit sidelights. Col Reg Rule 23 23 Rule Reg Col Vessels Power-driven Underway and (Lights Shapes) (a) (i) (iii) sidelights; and (iv) vessel (d) (i) A power driven A back-up torch should always be carried . should always torch . A back-up

Lighting coaching launches launches coaching Lighting

breaking the law so you do not go afloat. the law so you do not breaking If you do not have the correct lights you are lights you are correct If you do not have the side lights below side lights starboard This should be least 300mmThis should and driver with port the head of the above visible through 360° and for 800m. 360° and white light, visible through stable masthead constant, At times of reduced visibility and in the dark launches must display a display a must launches in the dark and visibility of reduced At times A cheap and effective way to Lighting paddled boats arrange suitable boat lights for both rowing and paddled As far as possible, the following lights should be firmly fixed to the boat . boats is as follows: On SUPs kayaks and canoes low to the water, lights may have to be or Take a small polythene food fixed to the chest and back of the paddler rather than the boat . container, a basic LED bike a constant (not flashing) white light . light, some self-adhesive On the bow: duel-lock tape (or heavy-duty On the stern: a constant (not flashing) white light . Velcro/magnetic tape). Use Note: In the Tideway Code Areas a flashing white light is required on the the tape to first fix the light bows of rowing boats to help determine their direction of travel. It is not inside the container and then required by, and should not be used by, paddled boats. the container to the boat. • Each light must be visible for 800m and through 180° – the boat must effectively have white lighting visible through 360° . • Red or other coloured lights should never be used .

EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING • Lights must have good batteries, be waterproof and diffused, so as not to ‘dazzle’ other river users or members of your group . • Unidirectional lights are not permitted as they are not safe . At least one spare light should be carried and additional lights such as head torches can be used to warn approaching vessels of your presence, but can also ‘dazzle’ other river users if used inconsiderately . • White LED sticks, attached to the paddler, may be used and reflective tape on paddles is recommended to improve visibility . • When paddling as a group, all boats in the group must carry lights. Lights with multiple LEDs and It is not sufficient to have a single set of lights to cover the whole group . either AA or AAA batteries are best. Single LEDs and button If you do not have the correct lights you are batteries are not sufficiently breaking the law so you do not go afloat. powerful for Tideway use. 32 BEFOREEQUIPMENT YOU & GO CLOTHING AFLOAT 33 34 COMMUNICATION & REPORTING for small boats. your location. Thisisrecommended pre-defined distress signal,including Calling (DSC) buttonwhichwillsenda the optionofaDigitalSelective VHFsetsalsoinclude Many modern of theirintentions. able tomakeotherriverusers aware licence meanssmallboatsare also licence tobroadcast. Havingsucha on VHFbutdoneedtheappropriate Users donotneedalicencetolisten below PutneyBridge. VHF information. SUPsmustcarry other vesselsortoreceive critical listening watchontheintentionsof it canbeinvaluableforkeepinga busy commercial trafficareas where A personalVHFhandsetisadvisedin that mayberequired ontheriver. coordinate anyemergencyresponse work closelytogetherandwillalso and LondonCoastguard. Theyall commercial andcommutervessels and otherpertinentinformation), broadcast NoticestoMariners between LondonVTS(whoregularly There is constantVHFcommunication VHF Radio When tocontactLondonVTS particularly inCentralLondonwhere rivertrafficisverybusy involved inthiscommunicationnetworkisextremely beneficial, close contactwiththeemergency services.Forsmallboats,being works, arch closures andtrafficmovementsaswellbeingin Control and haveagreat dealofinformationtohandsuchasriver 365 daysayear safety andnavigationacross thewholeoftidalThames,24/7, London VTSisadivisionofthePLAwhichoverseesday-to-day 4toSeaward Limit Sea Reach 4 Crayfordness toSeaReach Teddington toCrayfordness River section London Vessel Traffic Services(VTS) • • • • from their clubhouse. Garden alsoadvised to flya‘Rower OnTheRiverFlag’ Pier)are Rowing boats intheLowerTidewayCode Area (BelowCherry about tostartandagainonce theeventhasfinished. Events organisers mustinformLondonVTSthatthe eventis afloat inthedarkbelow . All smallboatsmust informLondonVTSwhen they are (Central London). navigating betweenChelseaBridgeandCherryGarden Pier All smallboatsmustinformLondonVTSbefore navigating belowWandsworth Bridge. All smallboatsare advisedtoinformLondonVTSbefore .Theyare theshippingequivalentofAirTraffic

01474 560311 01474 560311 01474 2607711 0203 Phone

Channel 69 Channel 68 Channel 14 VHF . COMMUNICATION & REPORTING 35 mobile

Carry the kit the kit Carry below Richmond that It is recommended coaches,small boats, particularly Lock, all carry a leaders and soloists group phone (in a buoyant, waterproof case) or a case) or a buoyant, waterproof phone (in help inVHF handset to summon personal . emergencies should be carried where Phones or radios (on a lanyard accessible readily they are not tucked-away in a for example) and hatch or bag . solo paddlers must SUP leaders and Putney Bridge. carry VHF below service police, fire that the RNLI, Be aware to incidents to respond or PLA may need by flashing blue lights at speed, signified and/or for wash and . Be prepared sirens give them space in which to work . .

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

• •

• You should immediately report the following if: should immediately report You that someone else has already reported it . reported that someone else has already services may depend on you to report an incident – don’t presume presume – don’t an incident services may depend on you to report River users are the best eyes and ears on the river and emergency the best eyes and ears on the river and emergency River users are If in doubt, report it If in doubt, report waving or flashing a light . You may also be able to attract attention by may also be able to attract attention . You further than a shout A whistle is very effective for doing this as it carries effective . A whistle is very on the shore attempt to attract attention from other vessels nearby or people attention from attempt to attract If you are unable to communicate by either phone or VHF then communicate by either phone or VHF unable to If you are Secondary emergency option: Secondary emergency names to detail that position . names to detail that Use landmarks and bridge of the tide . Use landmarks and the river and the direction In all cases callers will need to provide details of their location on will need to provide In all cases callers may be able to offer even more immediate assistance . more even may be able to offer appropriate emergency service, or other vessels in the vicinity who service, or other vessels in emergency appropriate London VTS will either alert the Coastguard, who will task the Coastguard, will either alert London VTS See listings opposite for appropriate channels. appropriate opposite for VHF: See listings . response the appropriate coordinate who will the Coastguard and ask for Phone: 999 or 112 Primary emergency option: option: emergency Primary Emergencies: where there is immediate or potential threat to life to threat or potential immediate is there where Emergencies: Non-emergency incident reporting

All incidents on the Tideway must be reported:

Paddlers: to the PLA www.pla.co.uk/incidentreport Rowers: to BR www.incidentreporting.britishrowing.org Any incident should also be reported to your club/organisation’s captain or safety advisor/officer, particularly if it involves damage to a boat or personal injury . This is the case for all boats using the tidal Thames whether or not they are based on the river . • Incidents should be reported as soon as possible and within 7 days. • Any incident where the RNLI is called must be reported within 24hrs.

The sorts of incidents that must be reported are: • Capsizes caused by a third party or requiring the emergency services . • Collisions – with other boats or vessels . • Contact – with stationary objects (submerged obstructions, bridges, piers etc) that results in personal injury, substantial damage or shipwreck . • Near misses and poor or unsafe navigation . COMMUNICATION & REPORTING COMMUNICATION • Personal injury . • Inappropriate or inconsiderate behaviour (see below) . Simple capsizes – rowing boats only . No life jacket or no kill cord – coaching launches only .

Behaviour of motor vessels The PLA encourages small boats to report any navigational incidents, near misses etc, as soon as possible to London VTS, to ensure that proactive compliance action can be undertaken (see p .34 for contact details) . 36 The Tideway Code Panel Port of London Thames Byelaws 2012 – Byelaw 8 COMMUNICATION & REPORTING Reporting accidents and incidents Although the PLA is responsible for controlling 8.1 Where any vessel has, whilst in the Thames: Tideway navigation, the rowing community is a) sunk or is in danger of sinking; expected to self-regulate its member’s adherence b) been abandoned; to the Tideway Code . This is done using the British c) become derelict; Rowing reporting system . The system is essentially d) been in collision with another vessel, shore facility, informative and educational and clubs should use the river embankment, a structure including any reports to assess their safety performance . The part of a bridge or a berthed or moored vessel or reports also help inform the Thames Regional object; Rowing Council (TRRC) on any trends affecting e) been damaged or caused damage to anything safety and will be shared with the PLA . (including a vessel); Reports are assessed by the Tideway Code Panel f) been or is on fire or has suffered an explosion; – composed of experienced people from a range g) taken the ground or stranded (not being a vessel of Tideway clubs – who peer-review the reported which has intentionally taken the ground); incidents . In all cases, clubs have the opportunity h) run into, fouled or damaged any light, buoy, to respond to any report relating to their crews . beacon or other aid to navigation; The Panel assesses each report and make i) suffered any person falling overboard except recommendations to the Chairman, who decides in relation to a recoverable capsize of a sailing on appropriate advice or sanctions . Assessments or a vessel propelled by paddles or oars; are graded according to the severity of the Code j) suffered any other accident normally required to infringement, which should help clubs to improve be reported to the Marine Accident Investigation their safety . Branch or the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, or Clubs which repeatedly flout the Tideway Code both. or fail to improve their safety, may be subject to 8.2 A written report must be submitted by the intervention by the TRRC – in extreme cases, vessel master to the harbourmaster, as soon as exclusion from Tideway events, or temporary practicable after the submission of the verbal loss of BR affiliation . Serious incidents will trigger report, required by Byelaw 8.1 above. The written intervention by the PLA . report must give the full details of the occurrence, For more details – tidewaysafety.thames-rrc.org in a form prescribed by the Harbourmaster. 37 Information Thames Regional Rowing Council (TRRC)

distribution The TRRC is one of 10 regional councils whose representatives sit on All clubs organisations and British Rowing’s National Committees . It is responsible for the resourcing providers are responsible and development of rowing in the Thames region including safety and for informing their members navigation on the Tideway, the busiest rowing river in the country . The or clients of any information TRRC also provides a link/buffer between clubs and the PLA via the relevant to navigation and Regional Rowing Safety Advisor (RRSA) . safety on the Thames Tideway. This can be done via club Rowing clubs’ responsibilities notice boards, websites, Authorised Steers Accreditation email and social media. The PLA require all Tideway clubs to have an Authorised Steers This information could be any Accreditation System in place . Any coach, cox or steers must have or all of the following issued by completed an appropriate steering and navigation test to prove their the PLA, TRRC, British Rowing understanding and knowledge of the Tideway Code . or British Canoeing: For accreditation, they must prove their competence to steer and show an • The Tideway Code understanding that the Tideway is often fast flowing with strong tidal sets . ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Notices to Mariners (NtMs) Accreditation must be given by a suitably qualified person and clubs must • Safety bulletins keep an up-to-date record of accredited steers . • Ebb tide flag warnings More information about club steers accreditation can be found on the • Advice from the Club Safety TRRC website – www.thames-rrc.org/safety/steers-certification Advisor/Officer Rowing Safety Advisor • Advice from your sport’s governing body All clubs must have a nominated Rowing Safety Advisor (RSA) The RSA’s role it is to advise the club committee and captaincy on all For details about the aspects of water safety and pass on topical advice in a suitable and timely responsibilities of visiting, manor . However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the club Captain non-Tideway coxes, steers and other club officers to ensure that any advice and club policies are and coaches, see p.47. implemented and adhered to . 38 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES British Canoeing (BC) Commercial providers British Canoeing is the national governing body (NGB) for canoeing . It is responsible for setting the overall framework for the National Associations; Any club, individual or representing canoeing interests such as coaching and competition at UK company which offers paid and international level . It also formulates standards for training programmes ‘tour guide’ style trips on with certification levels and administers a range of personal performance the tidal Thames requires and coaching awards for; canoeing, sea kayaking, touring, stand-up permission from the , rafting and racing to name but a few . For full details visit – PLA Harbourmaster. www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk Detailed Passage Plans, Risk Assessments and Safety Responsibilities of clubs, organisations Management Systems are required for operations such and paddle sport providers as this and these need to All such responsible groups should all have measures in place for: be approved by the PLA. Kayaks, canoes and stand- • Generic risk assessments . up paddleboards used for • Standard operating procedures including identifying usable egress points . commercial trips must also • Up-to-date Health and Safety policies . be licensed by the PLA. • Appointing coaches/group leaders and an appointed Safety Officer . A leader of any such • Other conditions required for affiliation to an NGB such as British . commercial outfit is required Canoeing or if operating as a commercial provider (see panel, right) . to hold a Thames Local Experience (also p .41) Knowledge Endorsement Associate clubs, organisations or providers should consider producing (LKE) when operating between their own guidelines based on British Canoeing Coaching and Personal Putney and Margaretness. Performance (Leadership and Star) Awards . These guidelines should take More details on the LKE into account the level of competence required of paddlers and group can be found on the PLA leaders, as well what part of the river is being used and the expected website or by contacting the conditions . It is recommended that clubs or individuals not associated Harbourmaster (p.128). with British Canoeing are guided by these award principles . 39 40 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES endorsements. appropriate authorisation and the drivermust alsoholdthe to coachinglaunches, where Master ofthe Vessel alsoapplies authorisation. until theyhavecompleted their coach or[paddling]group leader [rowing] authorised/qualified must beaccompaniedbyasuitably New steersgainingexperience organisation totakeaboatafloat: suitably authorisedbytheirclubor Therefore, allsteersshouldbe or group leader. where accompaniedbyacoach those undertheageof18)even This appliestoallsteers(including safety andbehaviourofthecrew. responsible forthenavigation, As such,thesteersislegally “Master oftheVessel”. person) isdeemedtobethe (paddler, coxswainorsteers and localregulations, thesteers In thecontextofinternational thevessel of Master

p. 38

p. 41 It isrecommended thatgroup leaders holdaFirst Aidqualification . Knowledge (TSK) endorsementbefore takinggroups afloat SUP group leadersshould havegainedtheirLevel 2ThamesSkilland Canoeing CoachorLeadership Award intheirspecificdiscipline . risk assessthetrip.Leadersare encouragedtohavegainedaBritish are sufficientto be abletomaketherightdecisionsanddynamically have adutyofcare toensure theirexperience and‘localknowledge’ are putintoaposition oftrustbytheothergroup members,sothey Whilst individualsare ultimatelyresponsible forthemselves,leaders and route ofthegroup inlinewiththeguidancethisCode. charge’ andtakeanactiverole tomaintainthesize,shape,position groups onthetidalThames.Groups shouldappointapersonto‘take As mentionedinotherpartsofthisCode,it’s advisabletopaddlein organisation orprovider rules, regulations andemergency procedures setoutbytheirclub, They shouldunderstandthisCodeofPracticeandbefamiliarwith plus theirownabilityandexperience. and equipmentalsoforassessingtheenvironmental conditions checking theboatsthattheyare abouttogo afloatin,theirclothing Individual rowing crew membersorpaddlersare responsible for Personal responsibility PaddlersshouldbeabletoswimandmustwearasuitablePFD .

RowersshouldbeabletoswimorwearasuitablePFDifnot. Paddle Group Leaders’responsibilities . ( see table).

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES 41 Coaching and Canoeing Personal Performance Awards (Leadership and Star) for determining required levels of ability and experience Previous paddling Previous experience* on the tidal Thames is recommended Previous paddling Previous experience* on ‘exposed water’ is recommended *Be guided by the British All other paddle sports All other 39). TSK Level 2 (3 minimum) 1 Lead a group of Lead a group As part of group As part of group a minimum of 3 outings (1:4 ratio) previous Tideway previous paddlers who have Solo (daytime only) No restriction At night (as member of a group) At night (as member of Not solo TSK Level 1 (3 minimum) 1 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 Stand-up SUP is not permitted below Tower Bridge SUP is not permitted below Tower

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

100–109) Paddling qualifications: experience and restrictions and experience qualifications: Paddling 11.00–18.00

76–99) th

Below Tower Bridge Below Tower (pp.110–125) (pp.104–125) No SUP between Good Friday and September 30 Below Chelsea Bridge Below Putney (pp. No SUP 3 hours before and 2 hours after high water (at London Bridge) SUP must carry VHF radio (Channel 14) Above Putney Above Putney (p. apply Restrictions pages) (see Directions endorsement. Contact the PLA HarbourmasterTSK: Thames Skills and Knowledge (Upper) for details on courses.

All commercial paddle sport leaders must have a LKE to operate on the Tideway (p. must have a LKE to operate on the Tideway All commercial paddle sport leaders All paddlers on the tidal Thames should have a thorough knowledge of this Paddling Code of Practice. Code Paddling of this knowledge a thorough have should Thames on the tidal All paddlers 1 42 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES is £5,000. at timeofpublication(2019) maximumfine The statutory conviction onindictmenttoafine]. [the statutorymaximumandon liable toafinenotexceeding shall beguiltyofanoffence and (b) inamannerliabletoinjure (a) withoutduecare andattention; on theThames: A masterwhonavigateshisvessel General rulesfornavigation (as amended)–Section108 Port ofLondonAct1968 in orbesidetheThames; or anystructure orinstallation below meanhighwaterlevel) Thames (whetheraboveor vessels, thebanksof or endangerpersons,other or professionals orvolunteers: These followingappliestoallrowing coaches, whethertheyare • • • • • • • • • • times whenafloatinalaunch(pp. Coaches mustwearasuitablelifejacketandusekillcord atall Coaches must not use a megaphone before 07.00hrs (p. Coaches must notuseamegaphone before 07.00hrs minimum washandnotobstructing theirsafepassage(p. forotherriverusers,causing Coaches mustalwaysshow concern sake ofanyworkorexercises . Coaches shouldneveroverrule asteers’correct navigationforthe andsteers. crews teach theprinciples,knowledgeandskillsofnavigation totheir As wellascoachingtechnique,itisacoach’s responsibility to . ‘in locoparentis’ Coaches ofjuniorcrews, steersandcoxesare perceived asacting their instruction. significant responsibilityforthesafeactionsofcrews under crews, steersandcoxeshavea Coaches ofjunior/novice under 18orinexperienced,toactasMasteroftheVessel (p. assessment mustbetodeterminethesuitabilityofthose whoare conditions before theyallowtheircrews toboat.Partofthatrisk Coaches mustmakeafullriskassessmentofequipmentand a thorough knowledgeofthisTidewayCode(p. Coaches mustbesteersaccredited atthehighestlevelandhave It isrecommended that coachesholdaFirstAid qualification. RowingCoaches’responsibilities 20–23) . 38) . 44) . 48) . 40) . ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES 43 Powerboat Level 2 Costal RYA qualification accreditation level of steers The highest club. within their and experience Evidence of knowledge is vouched for by of the Tideway which qualified member a senior and suitably or another club. of their, • • • The Tideway Coaching Endorsement Endorsement Coaching Tideway The the following requires Scheme to be met: conditions Endorsement is not club-specific, but Endorsement is not who can carry that applies to the coach, them if they move to endorsement with between clubs. another club or work of endorsed coaches and is kept A register of access to this register the PLA has right in an to check whether a coach involved incident is endorsed. if The endorsement can be rescinded not maintained. are acceptable standards scheme Applications for the endorsement the should be made to the Registrar using on-line form – www.thames-rrc.org/homepage/news/217- faq-tideway-coach-s-endorsement-scheme-2

.

to ensure that everyone coaching on the Tideway that everyone to ensure of safety basic standards understands the same and navigation . to raise the quality of the coaching on the Tideway; to raise the quality as a teacher, even if not specifically employed as a as a teacher, activities . coach, but as part of their teaching Drives a launch when coaching as part of their activities Drives a launch when coaching as part as a coach and drives a launch as part Is employed as a coach and drives whether full or part-time . of that employment, Volunteer coaches should have suitable instruction in Volunteer Level 2 Costal Powerboat launch driving and the RYA . qualification is preferred There is currently no requirement for volunteer coaches no requirement is currently There . to have the endorsement but it is recommended

• •

• • • • Tideway Coaching Endorsement Coaching Tideway

increasingly busy Tideway, particularly above Putney above particularly busy Tideway, increasingly the same way as all other professionals working on an working on professionals way as all other the same in to be registered coaches rowing for professional aims: has two basic Scheme, which Endorsement appropriate and it is reasonable that PLA consider The Coaching the Tideway through This is achieved applies to anyone who: applies to anyone The Tideway Coaching Endorsement Scheme currently Endorsement Scheme currently The Tideway Coaching Professional rowing coaches rowing Professional Volunteer rowing coaches rowing Volunteer 44 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES and keepaproper lookoutatalltimes(p. the crew beingcoached.Ifalone,acoachmustmaintainfullcontrol A coach’s firstpriorityisthesafenavigationoftheirlaunchandnot Launch positioning 4 5 3 1 6 2 Avoid positioningthelaunchto‘inside’ ofthecrew crew tohelpencouragetherowing boattostayonthecorrect line. Coaches shouldgenerallypositiontheirlaunchtothe ‘outside’oftheir Be ontheoppositesideofrivertotheircrew other usersbybeingpositionedabreast oftheircrew, otherwise. withtheircrewBe in-lineastern soastonotobstructthechannelfor coaching acrew Launches shouldnotopperateintheInshore Zone unlessdirectly minimum washandnototherwiseobstructingtheirsafepassage. forotherriverusers,causing Coaches mustalwaysshowconcern CoachingLaunches .Forcrews intheInshore Zonecoachesmusteither: 1 6 52) . 2 . . 5 the speedlimitbehindaits. with extreme cautionandwithin Similarly coachesmustproceed a crew when attemptingtocatch-upwith and theymustnotexceed8knots becomes separatedfrom theircrew The speedlimitappliesifacoach starboard sideofthechannel. and shouldnavigatetothe launches are limitedto8knots At allothertimescoaching when directly coachingacrew. to exceedthespeedlimitbutonly special dispensationfrom thePLA Rowing coachinglauncheshavea Speed limits . 4 3

Port of London Thames Byelaws 2012 - Byelaw 16 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Speed Limits Passengers and wash 16.1 The master of a power-driven vessel navigating in a part of Launches should not exceed their the Thames to which this byelaw applies must ensure that it maximum load capacity . In most does not exceed a speed of 8 knots through, on or over the coaching launches this is usually water, provided that this byelaw does not apply: two people, although launches may (b) where a vessel, having for the purpose of this byelaw been be wash-tested by the PLA and approved by a harbourmaster as one which may exceed a approved for carrying more than speed of 8 knots through the water, is engaged in escorting two people . a rowing boat in training; Coaching launches carrying more (d) where the vessel has been approved by the harbourmaster to exceed a speed of through the water, in than two people, must remain below 8 knots connection with a river event that is subject to the the speed limit at all times, even if requirements of byelaw 9, and if it does so in accordance they have been wash tested, to avoid with such approval. creating excessive wash . Contact the PLA (p.128) for more 16.2 The parts of the Thames to which byelaw 16.1 applies are details regarding wash testing. (a) the Thames above Wandsworth Bridge; (b–g) All creeks below Tower Bridge 16.3 The master of a power-driven vessel navigating between Wandsworth Bridge and Margaretness Limit must ensure Note: A ‘tin-fish’ style coaching that it does not exceed a speed of 12 knots through, on or launch should not be considered a over the water, provided that this byelaw does not apply: ‘rescue’ vessel . Cases of coaches if the vessel falls within the exceptions described in byelaw ‘going to the rescue’ only to add to 16.1 a), or the problem due to the unsuitability where a vessel, having for the purpose of this byelaw been of their launch are not uncommon . approved by the harbourmaster as one which may exceed Coaches should always carry the a speed of 12 knots through the water, is engaged in: means to summon appropriate • escorting a rowing boat in training; emergency assistance (p .35) . • escorting a boat race or regatta. 45 46 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES river events Boat races,regattas, processions andother Port ofLondonThamesByelaws2012–Byelaw9 9.4 Anypersonwhoproposes toorganise 9.3 Everypersonnavigatingavesselinor 9.2 Anypersonwhoproposes toorganise[an 9.1 Apersonmustnotorganiseorpromote [aboat low as reasonably practicable. safety orboth ismitigatedandmaintained as to ensure anyrisktopersons ornavigational other riskcontrol measures tobeimplemented and anysuitableprocedures, precautions and assessment mustidentify therelevant hazards in respect oftheeventinquestion. Therisk a result oftheconsultationunder byelaw9.2 comprehensive riskassessmentrequested as the harbourmasterfindingsofany or promote [anevent]mustprovide to relating toit. with theinstructionsofaharbourmaster connection withsuchaneventmustcomply weeks’ noticeoftheproposed event. event andgivetheharbourmasteratleastfour and safetyissuesarisingfrom theproposed with theharbourmasteronnavigational event] onorovertheThames,mustconsult of theharbourmaster. on orovertheThamesexceptwithconsent firework display, airraceorotherriverevent] race, regatta, stunt,procession, exhibition, considered (p. The environmental impact ofaneventmustalso be finished . event isabout tostartandagainoncethe eventhas Event organisers shouldinformLondonVTSthatthe The organisermustprovide: minimum offourweek’s notice. which requires aNoticetoMariners(NtM)and it necessary, wouldnormallyhaveafullriverclosure, water atanyonetime,oriftheHarbourmasterdeems Any eventthatinvolvesmore than99boatsonthe at leastfourweeksbeforehand . the Harbourmasterasfarinadvancepossibleand with mediainterest .Theeventorganiser mustadvise mass paddles(30+paddlers),races,stuntsoranything This includesHeadraces,regattas, privatematches, other thannormaltrainingorrecreational purposes. An ‘event’isclassedasuseoftheriverforanything Events’ responsibilities • • • • • for visitingnon-Tidewayclubs . Information onhowtoaccess theTidewayCode for hire orreward . Details ofanyboatsinvolved intheeventworking costs orclaimsarisingasaresult oftheevent. containing anindemnityforthePLAagainstany A LetterofConsentfrom theHarbourmaster Proof ofpublicliabilityinsurance. A riskassessmentandeventplan. 48) . ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Advice on event documentation Visiting the Tideway An event can only run upon production of a satisfactory safety plan Non-Tideway clubs visiting the and risk assessment for the event to the relevant Authority (PLA/ Tideway for racing and training Regional Safety Adviser/British Canoeing) . The published event do not have to have a steers date is only provisional and the event will not be sanctioned to take accreditation system – but it is place unless the requirements of these documents are satisfied and recommended for regular a Competition Safety Checklist completed . visitors to the Tideway. The preferred timetable is listed below . Visiting clubs must therefore 3 months prior to the event: ensure that their coxes, steers and coaches are fully conversant • Event Safety Advisor appointed . with the Tideway Code before • Drafts/updates of safety documentation . going afloat. It is the visiting • Advice and input to event organisation committee . club’s responsibility to seek 2 months prior to the event: advice from their hosts, the • Event Safety Advisor consults with the Authority for validation . event organisers or the TRRC if they are unsure. • Authority advises on “self-certification” or “full documentation” . • Documentation finalised by Event Safety Advisor . Tideway clubs that host visiting 1 month prior to the event: clubs for training outings or provide boating for Tideway • Documentation sent to the Authority . Head races are expected to • Self-certification completed and returned to the Authority . provide basic advice on Tideway 3 weeks prior to the event: navigation to their visitors • The Authority confirms receipt of documentation . if requested. • Clearance for event to run . Ignorance of the Tideway Code is not an acceptable defence For further information regarding running events on the Tideway visit – in the event of an incident and www.pla.co.uk/Safety/Event-Organiser-Guidance the same sanctions will be www. thames-rrc.org/events/regattas-a-heads/organiser-information applied to visitors. 47 Pollution and health

Litter: Bin it, for a cleaner Thames! Do not drop in the river, or leave it where it will be taken or 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 . If organising an event, where litter is likely to collect with spectators, plan your event to minimise the litter generated and ensure 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 (Channel 14) . 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 (usually at the top of the tide) . Avoid boating in or near those events as far as possible . ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Noise pollution Please be considerate towards those who live on and near the river . Avoid abusive language, playing loud music or shouting during unsociable hours . Megaphones must not be used before 07.00hrs and should at all times be at the minimum effective volume . Failure to comply with this may result in compliance action (including fines) by the Port Health Authority. Health 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 an outing and before eating . If you become ill after being on the river, seek medical advice immediately . 48 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Environmental responsibilities Further reading

Environment PLA publication: Make every effort to be considerate to the river environment, including www.pla.co.uk/Environment/ the foreshore . Take care not to disturb wildlife or damage habitat while Environmental-guidance on the water and avoid approaching seals on the banks of the river . www.pla.co.uk/assets/thamesmarinemammalsleaflet.pdf British Canoeing publication: You, your canoe and the marine Invasive non-native species (INNS) and bio-security environment Take steps to minimise the risk or prevent the movement of invasive non-native species which can be introduced and spread by all British Canoeing Website: waterway users, often unknowingly via contaminated equipment and www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/ clothing left in damp conditions . Visitors should check their gear is guidance-resources/waterways- clean before bringing it to the Thames from other waterways to prevent environment/ Invasive non-native species contamination . Please remember: Thames 21 website: Check your equipment and clothing for live www.thames21.org.uk organisms, plant fragments, etc, particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect . RNLI publication: Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothing Kayaking Safety Pack thoroughly . Boats, blades and paddles should be rinsed down with a hosepipe after every outing . British Rowing, RowSafe: Soaking small items of kit at 45°C for 15 minutes www.britishrowing.org/about-us/ has been show to have caused a 99% mortality rate policies-guidance/rowsafe/ across all species . If you do find any organisms, leave them at the body of water in which they were found . British Canoeing safety training: www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/ Dry all equipment and clothing including PFDs . Some courses/foundation-safety-and- species can live for up to 16 days in moist conditions . rescue-training Ensure you don’t transfer water anywhere . 49 50 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION vessel’s direction oftravel. right. Theyare alwaysusedinthe navigation, ratherthanleftand the conventionsusedtodescribe light to on their display a[forward facing] red light In thedark,motor vesselswill side left-hand Port of this seaway.international Because tidal Thamesisclassedasan Below Teddington Lock,the

Port and Starboard. Port side andagreen Starboard are Starboard right-hand side

and green tape –bowside/starboard . It helpsthatmostoarsare markedwithred tape–strokeside/port left andrightisavoidedasitcaneasilycauseconfusion. In coxlessboatsthesteersisfacingbackwards whichiswhyusing understand thisterminology, whichisusedthroughout thisCode. in theUKbutitisimportantthatrowers and inparticular, steers Port andStarboard are nottermsgenerallyusedbyrowing crews BOWSIDE STARBOARD PortandStarboard Direction oftravel STROKESIDE PORT Direction oftravel STARBOARD BOWSIDE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 51 Going afloat afloat Going If the boat does accidentally get pulled If the boat does accidentally get pulled it might be safer by the stream round to go with the unplanned turn than to try and fight against it . a good lookout is maintained Ensure of other in front and do not push off of wash and boats . Also be very aware the foreshore of water being drawn-off by passing motor vessels . When boating on the Tideway, always always on the Tideway, boating When the tidal bows pointing into have the . stream will the tidal stream that Be aware the bows out (very quickly try to pull will actively and the crew sometimes) this . have to prevent . 74) .

Pontoons and piers are privately owned . Pontoons and piers are

Accessing the river the Accessing

Take care not to damage any rudders or skegs the boat may have or skegs the damage any rudders not to care Take enter the river stern– it may be best to first, with caution . on knees until comfortable SUP should remain . or in a safe area especially on steps or ramps . hazard of the slipping Be aware and is flowing (see panel right) the tidal stream Know which way . of the launch site obstructions downstream no are there ensure entering the main flow of the river traffic before Lookout for other . of wash and be aware experienced are there afloat, make sure When getting novices to accompany/manage afloat paddlers already them .

Bridge but very few below There are a fair number of draw docks above Putney are points . There egress permission or in an emergency and should only be used to exit with as there is little or no foreshore exposed and in places there are few are exposed and in places there is little or no foreshore as there • • • • • the river two hours either side of high tide can be difficult, Getting off from p . section diagrams (from also noted in the Tideway direction • ‘Recreational Users Guide’ or PLA charts . Principal draw docks are waiting to go afloat . waiting to as well as on the available at – www.boatingonthethames.co.uk Avoid obstructing the tow path with boats the tow path with obstructing be utilised . Avoid which can interactive map . Access points can be found on the procedures are often eddies or sheltered areas of slack water around such areas areas such of slack water around areas eddies or sheltered often are should be guided by the club’s be included in the outing plan, which There footing . There a firmer provide as these or foreshore dock, slipway should always points access and egress Location of recommended River access for paddled boats is considered safest from a draw a draw from safest is considered boats for paddled access River Col Reg Rule 5 Lookout Lookout Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by Keeping a proper lookout is the single most essential sight as well as by hearing as feature of safe navigation – on any part of the river well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing Failure to keep a proper lookout is, by some margin, the biggest circumstances and conditions contributory factor in collisions and near-misses, both with other so as to make a full appraisal vessels and with fixed objects in the river. of the situation and of the risk Listening for other boats, shouted warnings, sound signals and VHF of collision. transmissions from larger vessels are all considered an important part of the lookout process . This is known as Lookout by Hearing (pp .54–55) . Always when in heavy traffic, reduced visibility, at the turn of the tide or navigating in the vicinity of bridges, piers, etc. a more proactive lookout should be employed – every stroke if necessary. Lookout also applies to larger vessels of course but small boats should note that just because they can easily see a larger vessel, it is not necessarily the case that the larger vessel can see them, especially if both craft are in close proximity . Small boats should always make themselves as visible as possible and should never assume that they have been seen . BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION

52 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 53 10) . Rowers will often make Paddled boats Paddled 54) . Lookout easily so can travel of direction the in face Paddlers also be very but they must hazards see oncoming may be approaching vessels that of quicker aware the it may be that . For paddlers behind from behind come from is as likely to biggest risk in front. them as from that paddlers also essential It is therefore intervals . It is at frequent check behind them have one or two that paddle groups recommended of each group at the rear experienced paddlers it is to keep a lookout behind . role whose specific behind or of wash from aware This includes being wave can cause irregular walls which off reflected patterns . and may even Motor vessels can be easily heard give a sound signal on their horn . Rowing boats much smaller and quieter and very however are their from often the steers person is facing away of travel (p . direction known by means of a shouted their presence warning (p . 44) .

Rowing boats boats Rowing

will necessitate intervention by the authorities . will necessitate intervention by the dangerous and considered a serious contravention which a serious contravention and considered dangerous This practice is extremely do it! This practice is extremely another boat – so don’t to simultaneously keep a good lookout and video to simultaneously keep a good lookout responsible for steering the launch. It is impossible for steering the launch. responsible is strictly forbidden if the coach is alone and thus is strictly forbidden if the coach is use of a camera or phone to video rowing crews crews rowing Note: use of a camera or phone to video impede other river users (p . Coaches must not coached . Coaches must not being and not the crew A coach’s first priority is the safe navigation of their launch first priority is the A coach’s Coaches try to check this whenever possible . try to check this whenever dead ahead is restricted by the crew so they should also by the crew dead ahead is restricted A cox’s vision vision quickest or racing line . A cox’s and not the best, The cox’s first priority is the safe navigation of the boat first priority is the The cox’s Coxed . often) is recommended (or more strokes check every three In busier situations or in reduced visibility a visibility situations or in reduced often) . In busier more (or alternatingtheir shoulders, strokes sides, every five as far as 100mas far as check over . Steers should in five strokes A travelling with the tidal stream could travel could the tidal stream four travelling with A coxless Coxless Lookout Lookout Lookout: shouted warnings (calling) Lookout: sound signals

If it is felt that a risk of collision is developing do not Motor vessels, especially the larger commercial and assume that the other boat is aware of it, so call-out passenger vessels are much more likely to use sound in good time to warn them . Calls may need repeating, signals than they are to shout . Therefore small boat perhaps several times, before they are effective . crews must be aware of the meaning of sound signals, The conventional calls for rowers and paddlers are: usually given via a horn or whistle: • “Take a look” – potential risk of collision • Above Putney sound signals are most likely to be used by Class V passenger vessels . • “Look ahead” – imminent risk of collision • Below Putney use of sound signals will be very • “Hold it up” – precautionary stop common amongst the busy commercial traffic . • “Hold it hard!” – emergency stop • Emergency vessels such as the lifeboat and police • “Stop, stop, stop!” – emergency stop will use their siren . Any of these warnings can be made more specific by In addition to sound signals, paddlers are advised also calling the type/class of boat . For example: to carry VHF radio and keep a listening watch on “Ahead four” or “Canoe, take a look” . Channel 14. Paddlers should attach a whistle to their PFD, for attracting attention in an emergency . When hearing such a call in their vicinity all steers should take a good look, including behind, to The most important sound signals for small boat crews ascertain whether it pertains to them or not . 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 . Coaches are often in a better position to lookout and should also take responsibility for shouting warnings where appropriate . A coach’s call is often more effective since they usually carry a megaphone . 54 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 55 56 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION in transit . is howtheInshore Zones are usedbysmallboats The onlyreal difference withregards tonavigation Tideway Code Areas are detailedonpages60–61. allowed toworktheslacks againstthetide.These two sectionsoftheTideway, where smallboatsare The navigationrulesonlydiffer from ColRegsinthe position yourselfwhere youcanbeseenbythem. river trafficflows are (particularlymotorvessels)and side oftheriver(orFairway).Observewhere themain both agoodlookoutandnavigateonthestarboard All alongthetidalThames,itisvitalthatsteerskeep either sidecalledInshore Zones. channel calledtheFairwayandtwonarrower channels three (unmarked)channels,withadeepercentral Effectively therivercouldbesaidtodivided into channel, soastopassport-to-port. should navigatetothestarboard sideofany Col Reg(Rule9a)essentiallystatesthatallvessels Collision Regulations(ColRegs) known asColRegs. Thankfully theyare more generally for Preventing CollisionsatSea Regulations The International applicable navigationrulesare: is connectedtotheseathat It isbecausethetidalThames on page72. More detailsregarding avoidingcollisionscan befound a dutyofcare toavoid acollision(ColRegs,Rule 2). Notwithstanding theabove points,allvesselshave paddled boatsare considered to bepowered vessels. With regard totherulesofriver, bothrowing and Rights ofWay • • • • • • the sailingboatiscrossing theFairway Small boatsmustgivewaytosailing boats,unless change direction (preferably tostarboard) . take acoupleofstrokes topositivelyandobviously When encounteringalarger vessel,don’t panic; the river(seepicture right). shallow draughtalsoallowsthemtousemore of manoeuvrable thanmostlarger vesselsandtheir Small boatsare alsogenerallymuchmore vessels’ abilitytodeviateveryfarfrom theircourse. Fairway draught duetotheavailabledepthandwidthof Fairway larger vesselsmayberestricted bytheir not tobeonthestarboardside.Inanarrow in theFairway–evenifthatvesselappears Small boatsmustgivewaytolarger motorvessels in theFairwaywhencrossing,. overtakingorturning Boats intheInshore Zonesmustgivewaytoboats (including man-powered boats). All vesselsintheFairwayhaveRightofWay .Thisrestricted limitslarge channelinturn .

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 57 length; or Port of London Thames Thames London of Port 27 – Byelaw 2012 Byelaws above navigating Vessels Pier (Cherry Cherry Garden is downstream Pier ) and above of Tower Bridge Westminster 27.1 40mA vessel of less than above in length navigating and a Pier, Cherry Garden above sailing vessel navigating must not Pier Cherry Garden of: impede the passage (a) a vessel of 40m in or more in towing. (b) a vessel engaged 27.2 In addition to their obligations under byelaw 27.1, a vessel of in length less than 20 metres navigating above and a sailing vessel navigating above Westminster Bridge must not impede the passage of a vessel of 20 in length. or more metres vessel not under command in her or a vessel restricted shall, ability to manoeuvre of the if the circumstances case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught. Col Reg Rule 9 Rule Reg Col Channels Narrow vessel proceeding (a) A course of a narrow along the or Fairway shall keep channel the outer limit of as near to or Fairway which the channel is side as starboard lies to her safe and practicable. Col Reg Rule 18 Between Responsibilities Vessels 9, 10 and rules Except where 13 otherwise require: 18 other than a (d) (i) Any vessel For the purposes of Byelaw 27 Byelaw of purposes the For and 18, Rules 9 Col Reg and boats paddled and rowing as power-driven must act keep out and must vessels of of all the types of the way also They must vessels listed. to vessels such give priority V limited to) Class as (but not tugs and Passenger vessels, barges and tows, large Dutch the sailing sailing boats (unless fairway). boat is crossing the Positioning on the river: Col Regs/the starboard side rule

Along its entire length the tidal Thames can be roughly divided into three *Note: In places along the tidal channels, which remain in place whether the water level is high or low . Thames the Fairway is not always in the centre of the river . Notable The middle channel* is the main navigation channel and is called the examples of this above Putney are Fairway . It is a deeper channel for larger boats and is not generally at Chiswick Bridge, Corney Reach marked . Large vessels have more draught (hull below the waterline) and Reach . so will usually be nearer the centre of the river, in the Fairway . In these examples, large vessels The channels either side of the Fairway (i .e . between the Fairway and the can appear to be in the ‘wrong’ banks) are known as Inshore Zones or IZ for short . place on the river, especially at Except in the Tideway Code Areas (pp .60–61), all small boats are lower tides . At such times, small encouraged to navigate outside the Fairway, in their starboard Inshore boats should always give way Zone and as close to the starboard bank as is safe and practicable – at all (since they have less draught) and times . That is because paddled boats have minimal draught and are able show their intentions early and to use the shallow water outside the Fairway . clearly . All boats going in opposite directions should normally pass port-to-port . BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION

Section through river 58 Positioning on the river: working the slacks BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION

On the Thames Tideway there are only two areas where working the slacks Small boats going with the tidal is permitted . They are known as the Tideway Code Areas (pp .60– 61) . stream should not use the Inshore Zones as per Col Regs, as Upper Tideway Code Area: between Syon Reach and – here described opposite . Instead . . both rowers and paddlers are obliged to work the slacks against the tide . Lower Tideway Code Area: between Cherry Garden Pier and Royal Wharf When going with the tidal stream all Pier – here only rowers are obliged to work the slacks against the tide . small boats must be in the Fairway positioned on the starboard side as Within these Tideway Code Areas, small boats working the slacks when per Col Reg (Rule 9a) . going against the tidal stream must use the Inshore Zones . When using the Within the Tideway Code Areas, Inshore Zone, small boats should be positioned as close to the bank as think of the Fairway as a river safe and practicable, however high the water is . within a river . Within both Tideway Code Areas the Inshore Zone is only used when going against the tidal stream.

In the busier Upper Tideway Code Area the edges of the Fairway are occasionally marked with buoys in important areas (and at Crossing Zone, p .62) . Green buoys are always on the or north edge of the Fairway . Red buoys are always on the or south edge of the Fairway . 59 60 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION

the tidal stream, whicheverdirection that isflowing. easier water inside ofthebends mustchangesides to remain inthe bends .Therefore smallboats working theslackson Note howthefasterwaterisround theoutside ofthe N .Thisonlyapplies whentravellingagainst Inshore Zone(slackwater) LocalCrossing CrossingZone FastWater KEY Upper TidewayCodeArea at lower water yellow marker boards ontheshore thatmay bevisible buoys –except atPutney(p. designated In theUpperTidewayCodeArea there are four Crossing Zones (p . . 90) .Additionallythere are 62) which are defined by BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 61 existing in both Code areas existing in both Code areas Additional Local Crossings to access the Fairway in order to cross to allow crews the Inshore boathouses on the opposite bank from must only be used for this Zone . Local crossings not for general navigation . purpose and are Lower Tideway Code Area Code Tideway Lower are defined by defined are which 62) 110) .

KEY Crossing Zones (p . Zones Crossing Fast Water Crossing Zone Local Crossing Inshore Zone (slack water) Inshore

N

from p . for details (from diagrams landmarks . See Lower Tideway directions designated there are four are there In the Lower Tideway Code Area 62 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION How nottodo it! driven vessels. boats mustactaspower- rule rowingandpaddled For thepurposesofthis (a) avesselmustnotcross Crossing at Sea(ColRegs)– Preventing Collisions Regulations for the International Modifications of Byelaws 2012–Byelaw24 Port ofLondonThames along thefairway. vessel proceeding as toobstructanother or enteraFairwayso vessels intheFairwayandnotblockInshore Zoneifwaitingtocross . boathouses theyserveandcrews usingthemmustgivewaytoallother the oppositebank.Localcrossings are definedbytheirproximity tothe for crews navigatingbetweentheInshore Zoneandtheirboathouseon In addition,there are LocalCrossings where crossing theFairwayispermitted must cross atadesignatedCrossing Zone. for elsewhere ontheriver(seeopposite)exceptthatboatsworkingslacks The rulesforcrossing intheTidewayCodeAreas are basicallythesameas by buoys(plusyellowmarkerboards onthebank,from p . landmarks only(from p . Zones .IntheLowerTidewayCodeArea, Crossing Zonesare definedby Crossing betweenInshore Zones shouldbedoneatdesignatedCrossing the Inshore Zone switchestotheinsideofabendonothersideriver obliged toworktheslacks,theyare alsoobligedtocross the Fairwaywhen Within theTidewayCodeAreas (seeprevious page),where smallboatsare Crossing theriver:TidewayCodeAreas 110) .IntheUpperTidewayCodeArea theyare defined Crossing Zone 82) . . BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 63 2 4 2 for more details about turning details about .) 67 for more Never cross near a bridge or other large or other a bridge near cross Never (i.e. within 75m). obstruction in Fairway strung-out the should not cross Groups in close formation cross in should instead, single file a time . or one at take place as quickly as is safely should Crossing . route shortest possible possible and by the which will push boats the tidal stream Be aware . sideways as they cross Boats may turn of the Fairway at any into and out and near bridges or Zones point except at Crossing . lookout is restricted where obstructions other large (See p . • • • • 4 2 3 1 . . 3

Cross where vessels can clearly see each other vessels where Cross have Right of Way. Fairway have Right of Way. Any boats in the of oncoming traffic and be in front Do not cross to wait if necessary to have prepared only take place if the Fairway is should Crossing traffic . completely clear of river and the crossing the Any intention to cross clear and obvious to other itself should be made river users .

• • following in order to effect a safe crossing: a safe to effect in order following always consider the always consider a good lookout, Beyond keeping return journey in the opposite Inshore Zone . return journey Inshore in the opposite in order to commence their to commence the Fairway in order have to cross Inshore Zone will Zone Inshore the starboard boats in point At some Crossing the river: Col Regs Col river: the Crossing 1 64 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION (b) bynight,three red (a) byday, three red 36.1 Whenthearch – Rule36Bridges Thames Byelaws2012 Port ofLondon by day. discs displayed positions tothe lights insimilar base horizontal;and downwards andthe with theapex equilateral triangle the pointsofan in diameterat discs 0.6metres harbourmaster: agreed withthe or inaposition that arch orspan, as practicableof close tothecentre display atoras of thebridgemust person incontrol to navigation,the bridge isclosed or spanofa ‘Surrey’ arch forthesouthern-most . Above Putney, rowers arch traditionallyuse‘Middlesex’forthenorthern-most and Arches (thatspantheriver)are numbered from thenorthbankstartingwithArch #1. Bridge arch numberingandmarking • • • • Small boatsshouldkeepwellclearofallbridges except whentransiting: avoid navigatingclose-intothem,particularlythrough CentralLondon. manoeuvre .Smallboatsshouldavoidlarger vesselsclosetoabridgeandshould bridge buttresses andpierswhere large vesselscanverylimitedintheirabilityto and moorings.Thevisibilityofsmallboatscanbeveryeasilyobstructedby Always keepanespeciallygoodlookoutaround bridges,piers,buoys banks .Forspecificdetails,seetheTidewaydirections (from p. unless where shallowsoccuratlowtide,undertheinshore arches closesttothe Tower Bridge.Theheightandwidthofbridgesare tosmallboats, oflittleconcern The tidalThameshas29bridgesoverthemainriverbetweenTeddington Lockand Bridges TheFairwayismarkedwith twoamberlightsabovethearch . Do not baulk (obstruct) faster or larger vessels under or near (<75m) abridge. Do notbaulk(obstruct)fasterorlarger vesselsunderornear(<75m) abridge. Do notcross, overtakeorpaddleabreast turn, underornear(<75m) ataboathouse/drawdock. – unlessinanemergencyorgoingashore ofabridge. Do notstopunderornear(<75m) the firstavailablearch whichisfurthestto starboard (nearest thebank). Unless workingtheslacksinUpperArea orotherwisedirected, alwaysuse

impede their passage whiletheytransit theindicatedarch . vessels approaching orusingthearch .Thesevessels haveRightofWay sonot White Isophasesignallights (4secondsofveryquickflashes)indicatealarge Closures are announced viaan NtM.Never navigate through aclosedarch. Closed arches are markedwith aninvertedtriangleof three red lightsordisks. 74) .

Piers, buoys and moorings BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION

Similar dangers to bridges are also presented by the many piers, buoys and moorings along the Tideway . Small boats should apply the same precautions for bridges, to all similarly large obstacles and to the vessels manoeuvring around them. Specific exceptions to the following points regarding navigating bridges, piers and moorings are detailed in the Tideway directions sections (from p .74) . Groups should remain tightly spaced rather than spread out in a long line . A compact group is easier for larger vessels to see than a line of small boats . 1 Whenever possible or appropriate small boats are advised to navigate behind (or under) a pier . This is mostly to avoid the passenger vessels and work boats that are using the outside of the pier . 2 Whenever possible or appropriate small boats should navigate on the starboard/inshore side any moorings positioned on the edge of the fairway . • The current flows much faster around bridges and piers, drawing small boats towards them and affecting the steers ability to control their boat . 2 Small boats should also be aware of the dangers of being pushed onto any man-made obstructions by the tidal stream . Once trapped on the upstream side of a fixed obstruction, it can be almost 1 impossible to get free and there is a real risk of being pushed under by the force of the water . 65 Stopping (aka easy-ing)

In the Inshore Zones – against In the Fairway – with the In both the Fairway and the the tidal stream tidal stream Inshore Zones Pull in as close as is safe and Stop as close as possible to the Do not stop abreast (along-side) 1 4 6 practicable to the bank, so as starboard edge of the Fairway . of any other vessels including not to block the channel . If it will not obstruct oncoming coaching launches . Groups traffic or increase risk of collision, should always stop in line astern . No stopping in the vicinity 2 pull out of the Fairway entirely . of Crossing Zones – unless Coaches wishing to talk to a No stopping in the vicinity of 7 waiting down-stream in the 2 stationary crew must ensure Inshore Zone for the Fairway Crossing Zones . their launch is not blocking the to clear before crossing . Do not stop in front of or baulk channel and should move out of 5 any vessels . Large power-driven the way of approaching vessels No stopping abreast of 3 vessels proceeding with the tidal navigation buoys (Upper Area Do not stop close (<75m) to or stream are severely limited in 8 only) especially at low water . underneath any bridge or pier . their ability to stop .

Avoid stopping close-upstream of fixed, man-made objects so as to not be swept onto them by the tidal stream

2

7 Crossing Zone

FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION FURTHER 2 5 6 8 3 4

1 66 FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 67 1 62–63) . 1 . Do not turn close (<75m) a bridge or at to is similarly obstructed . the lookout points where either well . Turn Do not turn Zone in a Crossing . crossing or well after the before 1 2 Turning into the Fairway into the Turning Zone the Inshore When turning from into the Fairway clear and then turn the Fairway is wait until out of the of side (starboard) the correct and onto Zone Inshore the Fairway Other considerations Fairway see the the If a turn also involves crossing river (pp . the rules for crossing 2

. .

and Inshore Zone are clear Zone are and Inshore starboard side of the Fairway until both the Fairway side of the starboard Otherwise boats must wait on the . Otherwise boats it is clear to do so Right of Way if Zone – but only Inshore of the Fairway and into the Inshore Zone have Inshore in the impeded . Boats already not are turnport side of the Fairway if they immediately out ensure that there is enough space and that other vessels space and that is enough that there ensure may briefly move over to the Note: In this case, steers Fairway, theFairway, from Zone When turning into the Inshore Turning out of the Fairway Turning always involve moving into another channel. moving into always involve Boats should never ‘spin’ on the spot. Turning should should Turning the spot. on never ‘spin’ should Boats

Avoid turning close-upstream of fixed, man-made objects so as to not be swept onto them by the tidal stream objects so as to not be swept of fixed, man-made turningAvoid close-upstream Turning (aka spinning) (aka Turning Port of London Thames Proceeding abreast (aka side-by-side) Byelaws 2012 – Byelaw 24 Modifications of the In the Inshore Zone In the Fairway International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at 1• Rowing boats should not 3• A maximum of two rowing Sea (Col Regs) proceed abreast (side-by-side) boats may proceed abreast in in the Inshore Zone . the Fairway but only if there (c) a power-driven vessel is sufficient room to do so 2• Rowing boats in the Inshore must not proceed abreast and both boats remain on the Zone should proceed in-line of another power-driven starboard side of the Fairway . astern . Particularly important vessel except for the This is a concession to rowers at low water when the Inshore purposes of overtaking that of Byelaw 24, do not abuse it! other vessel; and Zone can be very narrow . 4• Two rowing boats may not (d) a vessel in a fairway above Note: The rules for proceeding proceed abreast in the Fairway Tilburyness must not abreast both in the Fairway and if they obstruct boats coming in overtake a vessel which is in the Inshore Zone also apply the other direction . They must itself overtaking another to coaching launches. proceed in-line astern instead . vessel. Basically, do not spread out across the river! For the purposes of this rule rowing and paddled boats must act as power-driven vessels. 4

FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION FURTHER 3

1

1 2 68 FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION Paddle group management Solo paddling Paddling alone inherently Thames Byelaw 24 does not allow boats to proceed abreast (side-by-side) carries more risk than when but it is accepted that paddled boats are an exception to this rule as their paddling in a group, which visibility to other vessels is vastly improved as a group . Group formation can rely on safety in numbers also allows for easier communication . both in terms of being seen by However, it is important that paddle groups stay close together and are of other vessels and by having a size and formation that does not baulk or impede the safe and correct assistance on hand to cope navigation of other, usually faster, river users, in particular rowing boats . with a problem. • Group paddling does not give paddlers carte blanche to spread out Solo paddling should only across the river and groups must always consider the amount of space be undertaken by paddlers they take up . The group leader must take responsibility for maintaining experienced in Tideway a suitable group size and shape in any given situation . navigation and conditions. • As well as the leader, paddle groups should ideally have one or two Soloists should carry at least experienced paddlers at the rear whose specific role it is to keep a one method of communication lookout behind and inform, direct or control the group as necessary . and to make sure someone knows they are afloat and what Basically, do not spread out across the river! their intended plan is, including anticipated return time. That information could be left with London VTS, another club member or a friend. Every effort should be made to be as visible as possible to other river users by means of hi-vis clothing or lights where necessary. Solo paddling in the dark is not recommended. 69 General Directions for Overtaking Navigation in the Port of London 2011 (as amended) It is unlikely that paddled boats will be fast enough to overtake other vessels Direction 24 but they may have to go around stationary boats and should follow the same Overtaking Manoeuvres rules as rowing boats:

(1) Overtaking manoeuvrings 1 The overtaking crew does not have Right of Way. Overtaking shall shall only be undertaken not take place if it puts the overtaking boat into the path of oncoming so that the vessels traffic – if it’s not clear then steers must wait . involved do not prejudice 2 Overtaking should not take place close to bridges (<75m) or in other their ability to navigate areas of restricted visibility or manouvreability . safely, particularly in areas Overtaking should ideally be on the ‘outside’ (i .e . in the faster tidal stream) . of additional constraint 3 Boats may ‘undertake’ if the boat being passed is a long way out of such as river bends and 4 bridges. position and it is safe to do so (i .e . not into the Inshore Zone ) . Advise the steers of the boat being overtaken on which side you intend to pass . They Col Reg Rule 13 should maintain course and constant speed as baulking an overtaking Overtaking vessel is dangerous and not permitted . (a) any vessel overtaking any other shall keep In the Fairway out of the way of the 5 A single boat may overtake two boats abreast, only if the Fairway is clear . vessel being overtaken. Two boats abreast may overtake one boat, only if the Fairway is clear . 6 Port of London Thames Otherwise one boat must drop back and overtake in single file . Byelaws 2012 - Byelaw 24 7 Under no circumstances should two boats abreast overtake two Modifications of the boats abreast. FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION FURTHER International Rules In the Inshore Zone (d) a vessel in a fairway A boat should not overtake a boat that is itself overtaking another above Tilburyness must 8 not overtake a vessel boat – only one boat at a time may overtake in the Inshore Zone. which is itself overtaking Boats may ‘undertake’ if the boat being passed is a long way off the bank, another vessel. 9 thus making an outside overtake hazardous (i .e . into the Fairway) . 70 FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 71 2 7 9 6 4 8 1 The overtaking crew does not have Right of Way not have Right of Way The overtaking crew does Right of Way crew does not have The overtaking 3 5 Avoiding collisions: head-on situations

Early avoidance is always the best option. By keeping 2 When two vessels are on a head-on course and a good lookout and making obvious course alterations a collision is unavoidable without immediate in ample time, collision situations should be avoided. action, both boats should preferably steer to All boats should try to make their intentions obvious by starboard (and thus pass port-to-port) . means of a significant change of direction . If necessary 3 There are times however, when steering to (and there is time), stop and then move-off again on an starboard may put boats into the path of obviously different course . other oncoming vessels (in the Inshore Zone Motor vessels may use a sound signal to communicate for example) . In such situations avoiding a their intentions and small boats may shout a warning (p .54) . collision by whatever action necessary is better than allowing a collision to occur . This 1 Because of the relatively slow speed of paddled boats, does not excuse poor navigation or positioning the most likely danger of collision is, in fact, from faster leading-up to an incident however and all near vessels approaching from behind . In these situations misses or collisions must be reported (p .36) . paddlers should ideally steer to starboard and thus leave the passage clear for the faster moving vessel to After any near miss, boats should always then overtake on their port side – but be aware of boats in return immediately and safely to the correct the Inshore Zone (IZ) . station before continuing .

2 3 1 FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION FURTHER

72 FURTHER PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION 73 . vessels are meeting vessels are or nearly on reciprocal courses so reciprocal risk of as to involve each shall alter collision her course to starboard pass so that each shall the on the port side of other. doubt as to whether such a situation exists that she shall assume act it does exist and accordingly. Notwithstanding the above points and other advice on this page, all vessels have a duty of to avoid a collision care (Col Reg, Rule 2). Col Reg Rule 14 14 Rule Reg Col situation Head-on power driven two (a) When is in any (c) When a vessel For the purposes of this regulation, rowing and paddled boats must act as vessels power-driven side of on the starboard Navigate of can be sure the Fairway until you . the tide direction are crews Observe how other with navigating and communicate of the tide – it them about the state now you are where may be different . come from they have just to where to your Only make changes navigation pattern are once you tide has turned the . completely sure racing or doing pieces when Avoid . of the tide direction unsure you are KEEP A GOOD LOOKOUT for how to check the tidal for how to See page 12 if in doubt: . However direction stream • • • • •

.

leads to collisions or near misses so requires extra consideration. misses so requires collisions or near leads to Navigating on the turn on Navigating quite often and confusing tide is notoriously of the stream to the other stream navigation pattern from one tidal navigation pattern from steers will need to change their tide and is a good indicator that tide and is a good moves at the head of the turningmoves at the head This slack water zone continually This slack water zone . known as slack water of still water, turning there is an obvious zone is an obvious turning there At the point where the tide is the At the point where . as it approaches tidal stream could easily meet the changing could easily meet When travelling against it, boats When travelling against overtake the changing tide . overtake the changing tidal stream rowing boats can easily boats can easily rowing tidal stream moving, so when travelling with the when travelling moving, so travel faster than the tidal stream is stream than the tidal travel faster It is possible for a rowing boat to for a rowing It is possible Avoiding collisions: the turn the collisions: tide of the Avoiding 74 TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS direction ofthetide,inorder of: Tideway CodeAreas inparticular also includethe expectedofsmallboats.The navigation patterns tosmallboats,eachsection describesthe concern As wellashighlightingspecific areas ofnavigational • • Lower Tideway • • Central London • • • Upper Tideway downriver: section oftheriver, startingatTeddington andworking specific navigationalinformationthatpertainstoeach three TidewayDirections sections,whichprovide more The followingsectionoftheCodeasbeensplitinto Tideway directions Floodtide. Ebbtide. Greenwich toThamesBarrier Tower BridgetoGreenwich . Chelsea BridgetoTower Bridge(HeartofLondon). Putney BridgetoChelsea. Chiswick BridgetoPutney. Syon toChiswickBridge. Teddington toSyon. . UPPER TIDEWAY UPPER

TEDDINGTON LOCK Lock &Weir Teddington Upper TidewayCodeArea 8 KNOTS Putney Bridge TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 75 Thames Barrier HIGH SPEED ZONE (CoC vessels only) Lower Tideway Code Area Lower Tideway Cherry Garden Pier

LOWER TIDEWAY TOWER BRIDGE TOWER Tower Bridge

12 KNOTS BRIDGE LAMBETH Heart of London Heart of

Bridge Chelsea (CoC vessels only) HIGH SPEED ZONE WANDSWORTH BRIDGE WANDSWORTH CENTRAL LONDON CENTRAL 8 KNOTS Reduced upriver depths The Upper Tideway Mariners are reminded that depths in the upper reaches of the tidal The Upper Tideway refers to the part of the river between Thames are greatly affected over the Teddington Lock and Putney Pier. low water period by the amount of Although the Upper Tideway runs through the suburbs of west land water flowing over Teddington London, it has much more green space and wildlife than the river Weir. below it . There are fewer walls and wharves on the river’s edge and much less commercial traffic in this section so as a result the water The area particularly affected lies is generally calmer . between and Richmond half–tide lock. Because of this, the Upper Tideway is very busy with recreational users including paddlers, sailors and motor cruisers but by far the Under low flow conditions water most common recreational sport in this part of the river is rowing . levels in the above area will remain The Upper Tideway involves two different navigation patterns for at or less than chart datum between small boats (see diagram, right): three hours before and one hour after the time of predicted low water at Col Regs (p .58) Richmond Lock. Low water levels of Col Regs apply to all vessels above Syon Crossing . 0.5m below Chart Datum are to be expected. Upper Tideway Code Area (p .59) UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS UPPER TIDEWAY Working the slacks applies to rowing and paddled boats . During such periods of reduced depths, Masters of vessels navigating upriver of Putney should only do so with caution and should also make every effort to avoid impeding the passage of commercial vessels, which are very constrained in their ability to manoeuvre in such conditions. Small boats should check the status of the ebb tide flag warning (p.15) 76 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 77

41).

.

Only SUP paddlers with a minimum of TSK L1 may paddle at night above Putney Bridge (p.

and Col Regs (Rule 9a) apply Small boats should use the Fairway When navigating with the tidal stream: . Zones Inshore Small boats should work the slacks in theSmall boats should the tidal stream: against the tidal stream: When navigating Putney Crossing Syon Crossing to Area: Upper Tideway Code Col Regs: Lock to Syon Crossing Teddington of what the tide is doing: Regardless side of the river Navigate to the starboard as close to when travelling in either direction bank as is safe and practicable the starboard closest to the shore using bridge arches whenever possible .

N Teddington Lock to Syon Crossing

This part of the river is outside the Upper Tideway Code Area and can get very busy with recreational boats . In this stretch there are: Richmond canoe club and EPIC SUP . and Richmond Bridge Rowing clubs . Twickenham and Richmond Yacht clubs . RNLI Lifeboat station at Teddington Lock . • A public boat hire business . • Commercial boat yards . • Houseboats at , Richmond, Marble Hill and A mass start to a kayak race above . Richmond Bridge Scheduled stopping point for commercial sight-seeing/ passenger vessels at Richmond . D Draw docks giving public access to the river . UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS UPPER TIDEWAY In the vicinity of Richmond bridge/quay the river is narrow and can get very busy, with hired rowing boats and pleasure cruisers, especially at weekends and in the summer . This area above Richmond Bridge is used extensively by racing kayaks and canoes from Richmond Canoe Club for training and racing . During races, race organisers should ensure the river is clear of transiting vessels and should consider having ‘spotters’ above and below the race course . The draw-off (p .14) allows the river to drain to its natural level, Very low water exposed shoals above which is much lower than usual, almost to the point of drying Richmond Weir due to the draw-off out completely in places . 78 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 79 SURREY MIDDLESEX Outbound navigation

Inbound navigation

N

Be aware that on the Be aware corner at the EBB tidal set will push small boats across the the Fairway towards Pink Lodge and into the path of inbound vessels on the Middlesex/north bank . Steers must be in staying to pro-active on the Surrey/starboard (see right) . all vessels. to apply 9a) (Rule Regs Col navigate should all vessels tide direction, of the Regardless at all of travel, their direction in of the river, side starboard to the and in be out of the Fairway should aim to times. Small boats bank as is safe and as close to the Zone, Inshore the starboard . practicable the water out of may also use small boats allow, If water levels when particularly aits and islands, channel, behind the the main (upriver) . travelling inbound Richmond Lock and Weir DOWNRIVER The lock and weir at Richmond is a half-tide lock . This means that for approximately 2hrs either side of high water arches #2 and #3 are normally open to navigation . Severe dry weather and very low tides can reduce this 4hr window when the weirs are raised. Predicted high tidepredictions.pla.co.uk/ water times can be found at – Outbound At all other times those arches are closed due to weirs being lowered into the river to maintain the water level above the lock . Be aware that the weirs are lowered without much notice so particular attention must be paid to lookout in this vicinity . There is an Exclusion Zone which extend from either end of Lock Island in a line across the river to the Middlesex shore (see diagram, right) . No vessel should enter this zone whilst:

UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS UPPER TIDEWAY • the weirs are in the lowered position; • the weirs are being operated . The only exceptions to this are: • vessels manoeuvring on or to the Lock Island berths; • vessels engaged in emergency operations; • small boats utilising the boat rollers in #1 arch . Only when the weir gates are fully raised and the Closed

Arch Signs have been removed are vessels permitted to Inbound transit the Exclusion Zone and arches #2 or #3 . Note: Richmond Lock and Weir is covered by CCTV . UPRIVER 80 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

SOUTH / SURREY MIDDLESEX / NORTH

Arch #5 Arch #4 Arch #3 Arch #2 Arch#1 (Lock) (Closed) (Outbound) (Inbound) (Boat rollers)

Above: Looking upriver from below the weir, showing the barriers down

NORTH / MIDDLESEX SURREY / SOUTH

Arch #1 Arch #2 Arch #3 Arch#4 Arch #5 (Boat rollers) (Inbound) (Outbound) (Closed) (Lock)

Above: Looking downriver from above the weir, showing the barriers down 81 82 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS the slacksinUpperTidewayCodeArea . changesfromnavigation pattern ColRegstoworking The SyonReachBuoy, isthepointatwhich Syon Crossing toChiswickBridgeCrossing Looking across/upriver fromtheSurreybank Looking across/upriver Looking across/upriver from theMiddlesex bank Looking across/upriver Chiswick BridgeCrossingZone Syon CrossingZone

Downriver Brewery” “Stag Bulls AlleyBuoy

Starboard side

COL REGS

Upriver ” “The

Ship InnBuoy CODE AREA UPPER TIDEWAY

Syon ReachBuoy Downriver Upriver

navigation buoys: Fairway andtheCrossing Zonesare markedwith the onlypartofTideway where theedgesof Because itissobusy, UpperTidewayCodeArea is

evenings .Inthisstretch there are: boats, especiallyattheweekendsandonsummer Tideway CodeArea andisverybusywithrecreational This partoftheriverformstophalfUpper

• • D

TheSyonandChiswickBridge CrossingZones. ScheduledstoppingpointforPassengervessels

Local crossingsatULandChiswickMarina . on the Middlesex/north side . Green buoys onthe Middlesex/north Outrigger andDragonboatclubatUL. Canoe, kayakandSUPclubsatKewStoneBridge. 5 boathouseswithover21different rowing clubs. Draw docksgivingpublicaccesstotheriver Houseboats atKewPier Commercial boatyards atBrentford . A sailingclubatKewRailBridge. of hightide). Lock andChiswickMarina(2hourseitherside Boats enteringandleavingtheriveratBrentford on the Surrey/south side . Red buoysontheSurrey/south the Fairway). at KewPier(whichrequire spacemanoeuvre in . .

UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 83 Local crossing: UL boathouses is veryThe main channel narrow here Local crossing: Chiswick boathouses

N 84 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS Syon toChiswickBridge both rowing andpaddledboats: Area, workingtheslacksapplies to As thisistheUpperTidewayCode GoingwiththeEBB GoingagainsttheEBB use theInshore Zone use the starboard oftheFairway EBBtidenavigation tide:

tide: N UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 85

flood tide. inbound on the inbound on particularly when particularly behind all the aits, behind all of the main channel, of the main may also use the water out use the water out may also small boats allow, levels If water

FLOOD tide: FLOOD tide:

FLOOD tide navigation tide FLOOD Inshore Zone use the Inshore of the Fairway use the starboard Going with the Going against the

As this is the Upper Tideway Code working the slacks applies to Area, and paddled boats: both rowing Syon to Chiswick Bridge Bridge Chiswick to Syon 86 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS Middlesex/north Surrey/south Middlesex/north are unsightedbecauseofthebend. into thepathofvesselsinboundbelowbridgewho side oftheFairwayatKewStoneBridgeandpotentially This tidalsetcontinuestopushsmallboatsontotheport Middlesex/north Surrey/south bank. across the Fairwaytowards theMiddlesex/north Aitandwillalwayspushsmallboatstowards The tidalsetisparticularlystrong ontheebbtideat Navigational hazards Looking downriveratKewStoneBridge LookingupriverfromKewStoneBridge EBBtidalsetaround Kewbend pushed overtoport bythetidalset . of theFairway (closetothered buoys)andnotbe pro-active instayingtothestarboard Around Kewbendontheebb tide,steersmustbe side UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 87 Looking downriver at Chiswick Bridge from the Surrey Bank Looking downriver at Chiswick Bridge Harbour Master Pontoon from the Surrey bank Pontoon from Harbour Master The ebb tidal set continues around the bend and below and below bend the around set continues ebb tidal The to push small it continues Bridge where Kew Stone Harbourmasters line, towards starboard the boats off Ait . and Oliver’s Pontoon tidal set encourages steers to ‘cut the After Kew Rail the corner’ pushing them to port side down Reach, inbound vessels . of the Fairway and into the path of Navigational hazards: Kew bridges This pier, just below Kew Stone bridge, is a scheduled stopping Between the bridges at Kew is a notorious hot spot for incidents, point for Class V passenger particularly at low water where the river gets very narrow . Small boats vessels, which operate mostly should transit both bridges as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible . in the summer months. Between the red buoys either side of both bridges and in both the These large vessels are likely to Fairway and the Inshore Zone . Small boats should keep an extra good turn around in the Fairway below lookout and must not: the bridge, alongside of Kew Pier • stop, spin or turn • proceed abreast or overtake and small boats must always give • baulk or impede other vessels • do technical exercises way to a Class V vessel as it is limited in its ability to manoeuvre by the river depth. This is particularly hard to see when approaching with the ebb tide from above the bridge so extra good lookout is necessary including listening for any sound

UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS UPPER TIDEWAY signals (p.55) which would indicate manoeuvring by a Class V vessel.

Taking the centre arch is not advised.

The recommendation is to turn Class V manoeuving at Kew Pier here if arch #3 of Kew Stone Bridge is impassable. 88 Kew Stone (road) Bridge Kew Rail Bridge UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

• The inshore/Surrey arch (#3) can get extremely • The inshore inshore/Surrey arch (#5) often dries out shallow at low water and all small boats using the completely at low water and all small boats using Inshore Zone must take extra care here . the Inshore Zone must take extra care here . • Visibility through the bridge is very poor so using • Visibility through the bridge is good so boats going the centre arch (#2) inbound against the ebb tide is inbound against the ebb tide in the Inshore Zone not advised . Instead the recommendation is to turn may very carefully navigate through #4 arch around before Harbourmasters Buoy if arch #3 of instead – but only if the Fairway is clear . Boats in Kew Stone Bridge is impassable . the Inshore Zone must always give way to those in • If the centre arch (#2) absolutely must be use then the Fairway and once clear of the bridge buttress only do so with EXTREME CAUTION, ensuring the must move back in the Inshore Zone immediately . Fairway above the bridge is entirely clear before Rowing boats: Doubt about the water depth at proceeding, staying tight to the Surrey buttress . Kew Rail will indicate the same at Kew Stone . If in Rowing boats: To even consider attempting this doubt, turn around here or below the Harbourmaster manoeuvre, all crews must have an accompanying buoy and continue the puting downriver, rather than coach to spot upstream through the bridge for them . risk transiting the centre arch of Kew Stone Bridge .

Stay as tight to the Stay as tight to the buttress as possible (#3) buttress as possible (#2) (#5) (#4) (#3)

Alternative line only if #5 arch is shallow or dry Normal Inshore Zone Alternative line only if The Fairway must line through the #3 arch is shallow or dry be clear Surrey arch Normal (#3) Not advised and only use Inshore Zone with EXTREME CAUTION line through the The Fairway must be clear Surrey arch (#5) 89 90 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS Tideway CodeArea toColRegs. changesfrompattern workingtheslacksinUpper The PutneyCrossingZoneiswhere thenavigation Chiswick BridgeCrossing toPutneyBridgeCrossing boat Last moored Putney BridgeCrossingZone Chiswick StepsCrossingZone Looking downriverfromtheMiddlesexside Looking atBishop’s Park steps fromthe Surreybank LEP Buoy UPPER TIDEWAY Chiswick

CODE AREA Pier

Upriver Downriver

Steps Buoy Downriver Upriver Downriver Chiswick steps Starboard side COL REGS Putney Pier

evenings .Inthisstretch there are: boats, especiallyattheweekendsandonsummer Tideway CodeArea andisverybusywithrecreational This partoftheriverformsbottomhalfUpper

navigation buoys: Fairway andtheCrossing Zonesare markedwith the onlypartofTideway where theedgesof Because itissobusy, UpperTidewayCodeArea is

• • D

RNLILifeboatstationatChiswickPier

Scheduled stoppingpointforPassengervessels Local CrossingsatHammersmith. The ChiswickStepsandPutneyCrossingZones. on the Middlesex/north side . Green buoys onthe Middlesex/north Barn Elms. Barn Canoe clubsatChiswickPier, FulhamReachand 18 boathouseswithover30different rowing clubs. Draw docksgivingpublicaccesstotheriver Sailing clubs at Hammersmith, Barn Elms&Putney Sailing clubsatHammersmith,Barn Houseboats atChiswickandDovePiers. Commercial boatyard andmooringsatPutney on the Surrey/south side . Red buoysontheSurrey/south siteatPutneyPier(until2021). in theFairway). at PutneyPier(whichrequire spacemanoeuvre . . . . UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 91 FUL boathouse Local crossing: crossings: Local Hammersmith boathouses

N Chiswick Bridge to Putney EBB tide navigation

N UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS UPPER TIDEWAY

As this is the Upper Tideway Going against the EBB tide: Code Area, working the use the Inshore Zone slacks applies to both Going with the EBB tide: rowing and paddled boats: use the starboard of the Fairway 92 Chiswick Bridge to Putney FLOOD tide navigation UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

N If water levels allow, small boats may also use the water out of the main channel, behind the eyot or over flats, particularly when inbound on the flood tide.

As this is the Upper Tideway Going against the FLOOD tide: Code Area, working the use the Inshore Zone slacks applies to both Going with the FLOOD tide: rowing and paddled boats: use the starboard of the Fairway 93 94 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS into thepathofinboundvessels. side oftheFairwayaround bendputtingthem Barnes tide are ontheport often temptedto‘cutthecorner’ After ChiswickBridge,steersoutboundontheebb Navigational hazards: bendandbridge Barnes boats behindthebridgebuttress . approaching Bridgetoseeoutbound belowBarnes port stationmeansit’s impossibleforinboundvessels This isparticularlyhazardous asbeingonthe(wrong) Looking downriverat BarnesBridge fromtheFairway Looking downriverfromChiswickBridge – thisis whyyoudon’t cutthecorner! Looking upriver atBarnesBridgefrom Terrace tidal set. Ye WhiteHartbytheflood BridgeandtowardsBarnes across the fairwaythrough take care nottobepushed Inbound onthefloodtide, UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 95 .

Zone in the Inshore tricky for boats . It is especially downriver from shoals on Surrey looking Extensive Barnes Bridge Looking downriver from Chiswick Pier starboard side of the starboard Rowing boats must stick to the or take the to ‘stay in the ‘stream’ Fairway and not try is racing line . This line is only allowed when the river shut for Head races . The Surrey/southThe low water, at is extensive foreshore Chiswick around the river narrows where particularly Pier at low water care extra ebb tide . Take against the N Corney and Chiswick reaches Corney reaches Chiswick and Navigational hazards: Dove Pier FLOOD Tide If you find yourself between and the bank Upriver of on the Middlesex/north check and correct immediately . bank Dove Pier has been the scene of several very serious (rowing) incidents on the flood tide . The flood tide is very fast and inattentive navigation can develop very quickly into a dangerous situation . Inbound boats on the starboard side of the Fairway are very easily pushed out of the Fairway towards Dove Pier by the set of the flood tide potentially causing a collision with the large barges on the pier . The green Dove Pier Buoy has been positioned on the edge of the Fairway downriver of Dove Pier as a guide to help steers, who should stay to port side of this buoy . To help avoid this situation occurring, steers inbound on the flood should should not completely cut the corner (see picture bottom right) but should aim to pass under the word “BRIDGE” on Hammersmith Bridge . UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS UPPER TIDEWAY

Dove Pier Dove Pier Buoy

Looking upriver at Hammersmith Bridge Looking upriver from Hammersmith Bridge 96 Navigational hazards: Hammersmith Bridge EBB Tide UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

The inshore/Surrey span (#3) of Hammersmsith Bridge often dries out completely at low water and all small boats using the Inshore Zone must take extra care . Visibility is reasonably good here so boats going inbound against the ebb tide, in the Inshore Zone, may very carefully navigate through the main span – but only if the Fairway is clear . Boats in the Inshore Zone must always wait and give way to those in the Fairway . There are yellow markers under the bridge and steers making this manoeuvre must stay between these markers and the bridge buttress . Once clear of the bridge buttress they must move back in the Inshore Zone immediately .

Stay between the buttress and the yellow marker

(#3) (#2)

Normal Inshore Zone line through the Alternative line Surrey arch (#3) only if #3 arch is shallow or dry Yellow markers under Hammersmith Bridge 97 Navigational hazards: Putney Bridge and crossing

Putney is something of a critical point Navigating and turning safely and correctly at Putney requires a bit of as far as navigation goes as it’s where explaining, particularly on the ebb tide. the Upper Tideway Code Area ends and Boats should approach the crossing zone on the starboard side of Col Regs navigation through Central the Fairway, close to the line of moored boats . To turn and go back London begins . inbound up the Surrey Inshore Zone there are three options: Putney Embankment is hub for recreational boats with a lot of rowing 1 Turn around the last moored boat and into the gap between that clubs in particular but also paddling and boat and Putney Pier . This does run the risk of getting swept sailing clubs, as well as public access to onto the pier so any turning manoeuvre should start before the river and fixed moorings . reaching the last moored boat . Commuter and pleasure boat services 2 Continue through Putney Bridge, turn onto the Middlesex bank run from Putney Pier and there are also and return through the #2 arch, then cross over the river back to major works at the Thames Tunnel site, Surrey using the Putney Crossing Zone . Whenever crossing the including heavy barge movements for river always give way to boats in the Fairway . 2hrs either side of high water . These 3 Continue through Putney Bridge, turn onto the Surrey bank and works are in place until approximately return through the #5 arch and behind Putney Pier . This is the

UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS UPPER TIDEWAY 2021 . safest option but will only work if there is sufficient water under Putney Pier . This will only be an option once the Thames Tunnel works have been removed in approximatley 2021.

4 Under no circumstances should boats continue through Putney bridge, turn towards the Surrey bank, return through arch #4 and then go outside Putney Pier . This manoeuvre is extremely dangerous and has caused several serious collisions. Note: Under no circumstances should small boats or Looking downriver from launches go straight through the moored boats opposite Putney Embankment the embankment. This manoeuvre is extremely dangerous! 98 UPPER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 99 MIDDLESEX MIDDLESEX 2 4 SURREY SURREY MIDDLESEX MIDDLESEX 3 1 SURREY SURREY 100 CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS www.boatingonthethames.co.uk leisure users website– can befoundonthePLA this sectionoftheriverand are planningtonavigatein rowers andpaddlerswho It isrecommend forboth central London”. called “Rowingthrough instructional videoavailable The PLAhaveanexcellent requirements andrestrictions applywhichare detailedinthissection. requireLondon butjourneys muchmore stringentplanning–somespecific Small boatsare, however, notbannedfrom navigatingthrough Central in thissection. style kayakswithclosedcockpitsare bestsuitedtocopingwiththewater particularly infine rowing boat,allopenboatsandSUPs.Seaortouring Central Londonisnotespeciallywellsuitedtorecreational activities, countless piers,mooringsandwharvestonegotiate.Forthosereasons As wellasbeingbusywithchoppywater, there are also20bridgesand water isgenerallyrougher andthere are fewerplacestogetoutoftheriver river’s edgeisalsoalmostentirely wallsandwharvesasaresult the of passengerandcommutertrafficaswellworkboatsbarges .The Westminster Bridge(HeartofLondon)where there are muchhighervolumes The riverisverymuchmore commercial inthissectionespeciallybelow and Tower Bridge. Central Londonrefers tothepartofriverbetweenPutneyBridge Central London . CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS 101 41) . HEART OF LONDON – pages 104–109 – pages LONDON OF HEART In Central London, small boats should continually assess In Central London, small boats should prior to plan developed the situation and have a robust . This plan will assist in deciding on navigating in this area Central London and the safest time to navigate through . The following the safest places to be positioned are where pages contain further detail . for SUPs in Central London. restrictions are There listed overleaf (also p . These are

N vessels. vessels. to all 9a) apply (Rule Col Regs all of the tide direction, Regardless the starboard navigate to vessels should of direction in their river, side of the all times. travel, at aim to be out of the Small boats should Inshore starboard Fairway and in the the bank as is safe Zone, as close to and practicable . Slacker water is found . closer to the bank 102 CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS in thedarkbelowWandsworth Bridge. Rowing boatsmustinformLondonVTSifgoingafloat been pre-approved bytheClubRowingSafetyAdvisor Bridge, regardless oftide,unlesstheoutingplanhas Rowing boatsshouldnotproceed belowWandsworth after hightide. before and2hrs Fulham Railwaybridgefor3hrs freight facilities,rowers mustnotproceed below Due tocommercial barge trafficmovementsatvarious Putney BridgetoChelsea T without havingtocontactLondonVTS. agreed thattheymayproceed asfarChelseaBridge they gobelowWandsworth Bridgebutithasbeen Rowing boatsare advisedtoinformLondonVTSif his isaconcession,don’t abuseit! Chelsea Bridge

Rowing .

Bridges: SUP restrictions betweenPutneyandChelsea afloat inthedarkbelow Wandsworth Bridge. All paddledboatsmustinformLondonVTSifgoing (between ChelseaBridgeandCherryGarden Pier). intend topaddleintoorthrough theHeartof London Paddled boatsmustinformLondonVTSifthey • • • • • •

*Some experience:means havepaddledonthe *Some occasions. previous tidal Thames on atleastthree No solopaddlingatnight. and paddleasagroup ofatleastthree boats. At night,paddlersmusthold aminimumofTSKL1 Solo paddlersmusthaveaTSKL2. at aratioof1:4. experience musthaveleaderswithaTSKL2 Unless theyholdaTSKL1,SUPswith*some vessels movements. high wateratLondonBridge,duetolarge freight Do notpaddle3hoursbefore and2hoursafter 14). (Channel At leastonepersonmustcarryaVHFradio are theonly paddlingclubs inthissection . Kayaking London &EPICCICatCremone Wharf

Paddling CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS 103 . The area to the north of the Fairway to the north The area and Wharf between Cremone Bridge is not used by the vessels at Nine freight commercial Elms, Cringle Dock and this area power station . Therefore could be used by paddlers, when paddling with either tide, to keep out of the way of other traffic if the need arises and water levels allow There is a 100mThere Exclusion Zone the above around Battersea Rail Bridge . Small boats but for safety may transit this area must not stop in it . reasons,

N 107–109) .

Draw Dock Inbound navigation Passenger vessel stop Passenger vessel berth freight Commercial KEY Outbound navigation

Thames Tunnel site Thames Tunnel

D

advice says otherwise (pp . advice says otherwise pass inside/under all piers except where specific all piers except where pass inside/under closest to the shore, unless it is closed and always unless it is closed the shore, closest to When water levels allow, always use the bridge arch arch use the bridge always levels allow, When water safe and practicable . safe and Inshore Zone, as close to the bank as is as close to the Zone, Inshore the starboard whenever possible, navigate out of the Fairway and in out of the Fairway possible, navigate whenever small boats should, boats should, small tide direction, of the Regardless vessels. vessels. to all 9a) apply (Rule Col Regs Chelsea Bridge to Tower Bridge (Heart of London)

Rowing Paddling Rowing below Chelsea bridge and into the Heart of Paddling open boats below Chelsea bridge and into London is discouraged, particularly in fine boats . the Heart of London is discouraged but all open boats Wider rowing boats with more freeboard are more should be fitted with sufficient buoyancy . Sea or suitable but open boats should be fitted with sufficient touring style kayaks with closed cockpits are the most buoyancy . Using coxed boats is also advised . suitable type of paddle boat for the conditions in this It is recommended that all rowing excursions into part of the river . or through central London are restricted to the All paddled boats must inform London VTS if they weekends before 10.00am when the river is less intend to paddle below Chelsea Bridge and into or busy with commercial traffic . through the Heart of London (pp .106–109) .

For Upper Area-based clubs: SUP restrictions between Chelsea and Tower Bridges: • All rowing boats must inform London VTS if they In addition to the requirements on page 102: intend to row into or through the Heart of London • No paddling 11 .00hrs–18 .00hrs between Good (i .e . below Chelsea Bridge) . Friday and September 30th . For Lower Area-based clubs: • SUPs require a minimum of TSK L2 and must • Rowing boats must inform London VTS if they paddle as a group of at least 3 boats . No solo CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS intend to row into or through the Heart of London paddling . (i .e . above Cherry Garden Pier) . • No paddling at night . • If going above Cherry Garden Pier rowers should Note: Commercial groups may paddle in this area cross at Surrey Entrance Crossing and use the without a TSK endorsement, provided they meet the north bank (p .117) . requirements set out on page 41. • If returning downriver, rowers should stay on the Westminster Boating Base on reach is south bank and turn before Cherry Garden Pier the only paddling club in this section . (p .117) .

104 CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS N

There are Exclusion Zones in front of MI6 at and Westminster Palace . Small boats should not enter these areas .

The area to the north of the Col Regs (Rule 9a) apply to all vessels. Fairway between Cremone Wharf and Vauxhall Bridge Regardless of the tide direction, small boats could be used by paddlers, should, whenever possible, navigate out of the when paddling with either Fairway and in the starboard Inshore Zone, as tide, to keep out of the way close to the bank as is safe and practicable . of other traffic if the need When water levels allow, always use the bridge arises and water levels allow . arch closest to the shore, unless it is closed and always pass inside/under all piers unless specific advice says otherwise (pp .106–109) . KEY Inbound navigation Outbound navigation Passenger vessel stop Commercial freight berth Thames Tunnel site D Draw Dock 105 Heart of London Navigational hazards: Piers

For the purposes of this code, the Heart of London Navigational hazards are ever present in the Heart of is the section between Chelsea Bridge and Cherry London and too numerous to list in detail . Garden Pier. This by far the busiest part of the However, when navigating around the numerous piers it Tideway, especially in the summer months . is important to pass inside/under them whenever water Commuter services (such as Clippers) run less levels and width allows . Do so as a tight group and frequently at weekends above Chelsea Bridge but ensure that the helm of any vessel can see the group, sightseeing trips still operate, from around 10 .00am . before returning to the starboard edge of the river . Therefore, the PLA encourage small boats to only Exceptions to this procedure are detailed on the transit this section before 10.00am on weekend following pages, starting with Westminster opposite. mornings .

General advice for navigating small boats in the Heart of London: • Only the most experienced and qualified Tideway steers should attempt to navigate this section outside advised above . • Keep a very good, proactive lookout and proceed with extreme caution at all times. CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS • Use of a personal VHF (Channel 14) to help understand traffic movements is recommended . • Expect high waves and rough water and be aware of wash from behind as well as in front . • Make your intentions clear and try to make eye contact with the helm of motor vessels . • Clipper services rarely spend long at a pier . Let them leave the pier rather than attempt to go Looking downriver at Waterloo Pier and Charing around them while they are stopped . Cross Rail Bridge 106 CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS 107 Inbound navigation Passenger vessel stop KEY Outbound navigation Thames Tunnel site Thames Tunnel

N . Steers should wait until . Steers should wait

Rowing boats should always Pier go outside Westminster Westminster Pier Westminster Waterloo Pier Waterloo

3 2

1 this pier is also very busy but with extreme caution as outside but with extreme paddlers or leaders . If in doubt go considered by the most experienced considered Westminster Pier should only be Pier should only be Westminster A decision whether or not to go inside of the tidal set on the ebb tide . for the Fairway to clear also be aware for the Fairway to clear also be aware immediately once past . When waiting immediately once around the outside then tuck back in the outside around Waterloo Pier Waterloo it is safe to go certain that they are from going inside or under the very busy going inside or from to prevent vessels to prevent barriers are There

Never go inside Embankment Pier require particular caution: particular require There are three piers in this section that piers in this three are There . water conditions rough often causing busy with tourist and commuter traffic tourist and commuter busy with Rail Bridges is extremely extremely Rail Bridges is Charing Cross The river between Westminster and Westminster river between The Westminster and Embankment Embankment and Westminster 108 CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS boats shouldnotgoinsideBanksidePier. go inside.Inexperiencedpaddlersandrowing and extreme care shouldbetakenifchoosingto Going outsideBanksidePierisrecommended Bankside Piersoisespeciallyhazardous . flow orthebank,river‘funnels’behind Due tothepiernotbeinginlinewithriver Bankside Pier •

RememberthatClipperserviceswillnot Anearlydecisionshouldbemadeonwhich Ifchoosingtogooutsideavesselstopped front ofthem from behindthepier chance ofseeing youasreappear in passenger vessels mayhaveevenless If choosingto gobehindBanksidePier, south bank. they haveseenyoubefore returningtothe eye contactwiththehelm to ensure that well pastthebowsand,if possible, make across herbowsoncepassed.Continue on BanksidePier, don’t cut-inclosely may beapproaching from behind. be madeverycleartoothervessels–which the ebbtide.Navigationalintentionsshould line thegroup shouldtake,especiallyon best towaitforthem. stop atthepierforlongsoitisgenerally . waveheight. can alsoincrease which here, instrength increases tidal stream the Bridge andLondonBridge. Asaresult The rivernarrowsalittlebetween Blackfriars CENTRAL LONDON DIRECTIONS 109 . If . More visible to other river traffic . More easily avoids moorings below More Bridge . Tower Less wash and less traffic . . to shore Easier to recover • • • • the water level allows, small boats should the water level allows, go behind/under Pier Tower The Upper pool pool Upper The Bridge London between Upper Pool, The busy another particularly Bridge is and Tower and commuter a lot of tourist section with rough water often causing river traffic judgement and good . It requires conditions outbound . navigate, especially caution to Pier Tower busy pier and a lot of This is an extremely the river between cross vessels commercial Bridge City Pier Pier and London Tower HMS Belfast all small boats go that It is recommended levels allowing inside HMS Belfast, water and cons: pros are – but there Outside HMS Belfast? Inside HMS Belfast? Make an early decision, especially on the Make an early decision, especially ebb tide and clearly show your intentions to other vessels .

N

Inbound navigation Outbound navigation effect the Bridge below London Just on the bridge foundations of the old height, can cause large wave river bed ebb tide. on the last of the particularly

Passenger vessel stop

Commercial freight berth freight Commercial

KEY 110 LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS distance ahead. a goodlookout forsome river anditiseasytokeep is quitelightinthispartof the Fortunately recreational use theyarepattern following. rowers, whichnavigation other riverusers,particularly must makeitveryobviousto to worktheslacksthenthey don’t. Shouldpaddlerschoose is recommended thatthey but toavoidcomplication,it permitted toworktheslacks In fact,paddledboatsare and RoyalWharfPier: between CherryGarden Pier Lower TidewayCodeArea – withinthe navigation patterns small boatsfollowdifferent complicated bythefactthat The LowerTidewayis times. follow ColRegsatall Paddled boatsshould the slacksagainsttide. Rowing boatsmustwork Working the slacksappliestorowing boatsonly. Lower TidewayCodeArea (p. Col RegsapplytoallvesselsbelowTower Bridgeexceptrowing boats. Col Regs(p. are twodifferent forsmallboats(seediagramright). navigationpatterns more considerationmustbemadetotheprobable conditionsandthere Other paddledandrowing boatsare abletousetheLowerTidewaybut particularly inopenboatsandSUP’s maynotpaddleonthissectionatall . few andfarbetween.Thissectionislesssuitedtorecreational activities, more open.Thewatercangetveryrough andplacesto getoutare still wharves (ahintoftheindustrialpast)andriverisnowmuchwider commuter servicesdostillrun.Theriver’s edgeismostlywallsand The riverislesscommercially orientatedabovetheBarrierbutregular below theThamesBarrier). to theestuary(althoughinpracticaltermssmallboatsrarely venture far The LowerTidewayrefers tothepartofriverbelowTower Bridgeout Lower Tideway 58) 59)

LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 111 Col Regs Col to Cherry Bridge Garden Tower Pier below Royal Wharf Pier and of what the tide Regardless boats should all small is doing, side of to the starboard navigate be as at all times, Aim to the river as is bank close to the starboard – travelling safe and practicable water . Where in either direction always levels and width allows, all piers . pass inside/under On the Lower Tideway, small On the Lower Tideway, boats should continually assess the situation and have a robust plan developed prior to navigating which will assist in in this area the safest places deciding where . The following to be positioned are pages contain further detail .

. Rowers must work the slacks in the Inshore Zones . in the Inshore work the slacks Rowers must It is recommended that paddlers navigate according navigate according that paddlers It is recommended . than work the slacks (Rule 9a) rather to Col Regs should use the Fairway and and paddlers Both rowers Col Regs (Rule 9a) apply Col Regs (Rule 9a)

• SUP is not permitted below Tower Bridge SUP is not permitted below Tower Area Code Tideway Lower Cherry Pier Wharf to Royal Pier Garden stream: against the tidal When navigating the tidal stream: with the tidal stream: When navigating

N Tower Bridge to Greenwich: Col Regs N

Paddlers interacting with rowing boats (p .10) .

When paddling with the tidal stream Within the Lower Tideway Code Area, paddlers should

LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS LOWER TIDEWAY be aware of rowers ‘working the slacks’ in the opposite direction (pink areas shown in the diagrams) . Group shape should be adjusted accordingly and rowers given sufficient room to pass on the inside ‘to starboard’ .

When paddling against the tidal stream Within the Lower Tideway Code Area Paddlers may utilise the slack water alongside the river walls but must be aware that rowers are obliged to ‘work the slacks’ against the tide . Therefore paddlers need to be conscious of rowers overtaking from behind on their port side in the Inshore Zones (shown in pink in the diagram) . 112 Greenwich to the Thames Barrier: Col Regs LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

All vessels must obtain permission from London VTS in order to transit the Thames Barrier . London VTS will advise which span to use .

KEY Below the Thames Barrier, the Tideway Inbound navigation is rarely used by small boats . The estuary is particularly unsuitable due Outbound navigation to the volume of large freight shipping D Draw dock and small boats must make London Rowing Inshore Zone VTS aware that they are afloat and of Rowing Crossing Zone their intentions below the Barrier . Passenger vessel stop At all times, navigate according to Commercial freight berth Col Regs/starboard side of the river Vessel entering the river and be as close to the starboard bank as is safe and practicable . 113 Tower Bridge to Greenwich Tideway Code Area For the most part, this section of the river forms the Surrey Entrance Crossing top half of Lower Tideway Code Area where rowing

Old Surrey Tunnel boats are obliged to work the slacks . Rowing boats Entrance Ventilation Shaft advised to inform London VTS prior to going afloat on King & Queen Wharf the Lower Area and fly a Rower‘ On The River Flag’ from their clubhouse .

SOUTH BANK Upriver Hazards include:

Shadwell Basin Moorings Busy commercial traffic movements particularly at Cherry Garden, , Hilton, Greenland and Masthouse Terrace Piers . NORTH Looking upriver from basin entrance BANK • Extensive shallows at low water on the south bank around Nelson Dock (Hilton) Pier and on the north The Surrey Entrance Crossing Zone is where the bank around the . navigation pattern changes from Col Regs to working the slacks in the Lower Tideway Code Area . • Multiple piers, moorings and wharves . Motor vessels accessing the river at ,

LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS LOWER TIDEWAY Chalkstones Crossing St . Katharine’s Dock and South Dock Marinas . Small boats accessing the river at Shadwell Basin, Nelson Dock West India Docklands and Ahoy Activity Centres . Surrey (Hilton) Pier Pier (Seacons) Docks A Local Crossing at Ahoy Boating Centre . Farm The Surrey Entrance and Chalkstones Crossings. A strong tidal set around Isle of Dogs and Downriver Topmost Cuckhold’s Point . This applies in particular to Looking acrossChalkstones at Bishop’s Park steps from and Greenwich Ship Tier . the Surrey bank. Mooring Greenwich Ship Tier Exclusion Zone . Looking upriver from Chalkstones Moorings 114 LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 115

N Local crossing 34) (Hilton) Pier Nelson Dock West India Pier West (Seacons) Pier

Canary Wharf

Looking downriver from Limehouse Link Looking downriver from Limehouse Tower Bridge to Greenwich to Bridge Tower

All small boats must inform London VTS (p. All small boats must if they intend to proceed above Cherry Garden Pier. Pier. above Cherry Garden if they intend to proceed 116 LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS Tower BridgetoGreenwich

Exclusion Zoneonthe south sideof the Fairway. Greenwich ShipTier Beaware ofthetidalset which willpush boatstowards the... NavigateunderMasthouseTerrace andHiltonPiersifthere

Be aware ofother crews workingtheslacks inboundagainstthe Stay ontheStarboard edge (southside)oftheFairway. Navigate insideChalkstonesMooringsandcross from Stay intheInshore Zone,asclosetothebankissafe. When outboundwiththe EBB When inboundagainsttheEBB piers butstayoutoftheFairway ifpossible. is sufficientwatertodoso.Otherwisegooutsidethese ebb intheInshore Zone around Cuckhold’s Point. the northtosouthbankatChalkstonesCrossing. tide: tide:

EBBtide N LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 117 EBB tide EBB tide tide tide tide .

Crews rowing inbound against the EBB rowing Crews with the EBB outbound rowing Crews EBB the EBB against inbound rowing Crews anywhere before the downriver end of the Barge end of the Barge the downriver before anywhere

Crews who use this Col Regs navigation must not then cross at Cherry Garden Pier and return downriver.

on the south bank (inside the ventilation shaft) . on the south bank (inside the ventilation Zone inbound against the ebb in the Inshore rowing the ventilation shaft – but be aware of other crews of other crews – but be aware the ventilation shaft of the Fairway and outside of the Fairway and edge stay on the starboard possible . staying outside the Fairway where Navigate outside the pier and Barge Moorings then: the pier and Barge Navigate outside follow Col Regs/starboard side along the north bank, Garden Pier: Garden at the Surrey Entrance Crossing and Should cross having turned before (or come from above) Cherry from (or come having turned before Bridge: Tower upriver through intending to proceed described below return downriver with the EBB tide as Moorings and return downriver Turn . Fairway if possible stay out of the outside and Otherwise take care going going take care water to do so . Otherwise sufficient bank, navigating inside the ventilation shaft, if there is if there ventilation shaft, inside the bank, navigating on the south on the south Zone in the Inshore Should remain intending to return downriver: to return intending Turning at Cherry Garden Pier Pier Garden at Cherry Turning 118 LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS oe rdet Greenwich to Tower Bridge Beaware ofthetidalsetwhichwillpushboatstowards Navigateunder MasthouseTerrace and HiltonPiersifthere is

Navigate insideChalkstones Moorings. Stay intheInshore Zone,asclosetothebankissafe, When outboundagainstthe When inboundwiththe navigate outsidethisPier. Canary WharfPieronthenorthbank.Rowersshould stay outofthe Fairwayifpossible. sufficient water todoso.Otherwisego outside thesepiersbut crossing from thesouthto thenorthbankatChalkstonesCrossing. Stay ontheStarboard edge(northside)oftheFairway. FLOODtide: FLOODtide:

FODtide FLOOD N LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 119 FLOOD tide

FLOOD anywhere anywhere FLOOD tide tide FLOOD . Turn . .

then cross at Cherry Garden Pier and return

inbound with the rowing Crews against the outbound rowing Crews with the inbound rowing Crews

Crews who use this Col Regs navigation must not downriver.

of the Fairway starboard side to Col Regs on the starboard navigate according but remain on the north bank and Do not cross but remain intending to proceed upriver through Tower Bridge: Tower upriver through intending to proceed upriver on the port side of the Fairway upriver on described below Cross at the Surrey and continue Entrance Crossing Cross as bank and return on the south Zone the Inshore intending to return downriver: to return intending into moorings barge end of the the downriver before possible . but stay out of the Fairway if but stay out of the outside this obstacle Otherwise go carefully to do so . Otherwise go carefully is sufficient water Navigate inside the ventilation shaft if there ventilation shaft if there as is safe . Navigate inside the , as close to the south bank , as close to the south Zone stay in the Inshore Navigate inside the pier and Barge Moorings then: pier and Barge Navigate inside the Pier: Cherry Garden having turned before (or come from above) from (or come tide having turned before Turning at Cherry Garden Pier Pier Garden at Cherry Turning Greenwich to Thames Barrier Tideway Code Area

For the most part, this section of the river forms the Follyhouse Crossing West India Dock bottom half of Lower Tideway Code Area where Lower (Blue Bridge) rowing boats are obliged to work the slacks . Rowing Delta Wharf Follyhouse Dolphin Barge Roads boats advised to inform London VTS prior to going afloat on the Lower Area and fly a‘Rower On The River Flag’ from their clubhouse . Hazards include: Downriver Busy commercial traffic movements particularly Greenwich and Trinity Jubilee Pier, Victoria Dock Entrance, Thames and Northumberland Wharves . Looking upriver from Point Wharf on the south bank • Extensive shallows at low water on the north bank around the Isle of Dogs and on the south bank around Blackwall point (O2 Arena) . • Multiple piers, moorings and wharves including Blackwall Crossing the dry docks at Bay Wharf . LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS LOWER TIDEWAY North Motor vessels accessing the river at , Thames Victoria Dock Cable Car Greenwich Wharf Entrance Pier East India and West India docks . A strong tidal set around Isle of Dogs and Blackwall Point . The Follyhouse and Blackwall Crossings. Upriver Local crossing for the: Rowing clubs at Yacht clubs on Bugsby’s reach . Looking downriver from on the south bank 120 Greenwich to Thames Barrier LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

N All small boats must inform London VTS (p.34) if they intend to proceed below Royal Wharf Pier and through the Thames Barrier.

Local crossing

Cutty Sark Greenwich Ship Tier

Local crossing

Looking south from towards Greenwich Ship Tier 121 122 LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

Greenwich toThamesBarrier N EBBtide Thames Barrier. Blackwall Crossing iftheyintendtotransit the Small boatsmust informLondonVTSbefore

WhenoutboundwiththeEBB Be aware ofother crews workingtheslacks Stay ontheStarboard edge (southside) Be aware thatcrews rowing outboundonthe Navigate insideLondonYard Moorings. Stay intheInshore Zone, asclosetothebank When inboundagainsttheEBB on thesouthbank. inbound againsttheebbin the Inshore Zone of theFairway. ebb willbeonthesouthedgeofFairway. as issafecrossing atFollyhouseCrossing. tide: tide: LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS 123 EBB tide EBB . tide tide tide . . .

EBB the EBB with outbound rowing Crews Crews rowing outbound with the EBB rowing Crews against the EBB inbound rowing Crews

Crews not then who use this Col Regs navigation must and returncross the river in front of the Barrier upriver.

the Fairway. outbound on the starboard side of the bank as is safe . Be aware of other crews rowing as close to Zone Blackwall point in the Inshore around side of the Fairway and continue on the starboard onto the south bank and proceed onto the south bank and proceed Crossing then cross Crossing Should stay on the south bank at Blackwall Navigate outside the moorings below the Blackwall Navigate outside intending to transit the Thames Barrier: outbound boats on the port side of the Fairway outbound boats on but stay outside the Fairway avoiding any the pier but stay outside the Otherwise go carefully outside do so . Otherwise go carefully sufficient water to of the Fairway on the port side below as described and return is Wharf Pier if there as is safe . Navigate inside Royal and continue downriver Crossing and continue at the Blackwall Cross bank Zone on the north into the Inshore Thames Barrier bank , as close to the north Zone Remain in the Inshore intending to return upriver: to return intending at least 500m Wharf Pier but after Royal the Turn before the Thames Barrier: having turned or come through Turning at the Thames Barrier Barrier Thames at the Turning 124 LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

Greenwich toThamesBarrier N FLOOD tide FLOOD Thames Barrier. Blackwall Crossing iftheyintendtotransit the Small boatsmust informLondonVTSbefore Beaware ofthetidalsetwhichwillpushboats

Navigate insideLondonYard Moorings. Stay intheInshore Zone,asclosetothe Stay ontheStarboard edge(northside) When outboundagainstthe When inboundwiththe towards Trinity JubileePieronthe northbank. Blackwall Crossings. bank asissafe,crossing atFollyhouseand of theFairway. FLOODtide: FLOODtide: Turning at the Thames Barrier FLOOD tide LOWER TIDEWAY DIRECTIONS

Crews rowing outbound against the FLOOD tide intending to return upriver: Cross at Blackwall Crossing, navigate outside the moorings then stay in the Inshore Zone, as close to the north bank as is safe . Navigate inside Royal Wharf Pier if there is sufficient water to do so . Otherwise go carefully outside the pier staying out of the Fairway and give way to any rowing crews inbound on the flood tide . Turn after Royal Wharf Pier but at least 500m before the Thames Barrier onto the starboard side of the Fairway and return as described below .

Crews rowing inbound with the FLOOD tide having turned or come through the Thames Barrier: Stay on the starboard edge of the Fairway . Navigate outside Royal Wharf Pier and be aware of other crews rowing outbound in the Inshore Zone .

Crews rowing outbound against the FLOOD tide intending to transit the Thames Barrier: Do not cross at the Blackwall Crossing but remain on the starboard side of the Fairway and navigate according to Col Regs .

Crews who use this Col Regs navigation must not then cross the river in front of the Barrier and return upriver. 125 Auriol Emanuel School King’s College AKN RC EMA BC KCS School Wimbledon American School London Oratory ASL in London BC ERT LOS School BC Furnivall Sculling Barn Elms RC London Otters RC BAE FSC Club LOT Barnes Bridge Fulham Reach BC London RC BBL Ladies RC FUL LRC London School of Cold Harbour BC Globe RC CDH GLB LSE Economics Chiswick School Godolphin & Latymer Upper CHK BC GLT Latymer School BC LTU School BC Mortlake Anglian Crabtree BC Gravesend RC CRB GRV MAA & Alpha BC HSBC Curlew RC Orion RC CUR HSB Rowing Club ORI ROWING CLUB COLOURS & CODES Imperial College Cygnet RC Parrs Priory RC CYG IMM School of Medicine PAR King’s College Poplar Blackwall Dacre BC DAC KCL London BC PBD & District RC College Imperial College Putney High DUL BC IMP BC PHS School RC 126 ROWING CLUB COLOURS & CODES 127 University of BC Westminster University College College University BC London of East University London BC of University London BC United Hospitals BC RC Vesta Westminster School BC UCL UEL ULO UNH VRC WES WMN Twickenham RC Twickenham Club Tyrian St Paul’s School BC St Paul’s The 1927 BC Club Tortoise Thames RC Scullers Tideway School The 1829 BC Thames RC Tradesmens’ St Paul’s Girl’s Girl’s St Paul’s BC School Keane Team Sculling School TWK TYR TRC TSS TTN TTR SPG SPS TKC TNT TOR St Bart’s & Royal St Bart’s BC London Hospital’s Medical Students BC RC St George’s St George’s Medical School BC Sport Imperial BC Royal Veterinary Royal Veterinary College BC University RC Royal University Quintin BC Queen Mary UL BC Royal Navy RC Putney Town RC Town Putney SON SGH SIP RVC SBA ROE RUM QBC QMC RNY PTR The Port of London Authority (PLA) Thames Regional Rowing Council (TRRC) London River House, Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, www .thames-rrc .org DA12 2BG Head Office: 020 7743 7909 British Rowing Richmond Lock: 020 8940 0634 www .britishrowing .org

CONTACTS www .boatingonthethames co. .uk safety@britishrowing .org www .pla .co .uk

British Canoeing London Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) www .britishcanoeing .org .uk Teddington to Crayfordness: • Phone: 0203 2607711 • VHF: Channel 14 safety@britishcanoeing .org .uk Crayfordness to Sea Reach 4: • Phone: 01747 562215 • VHF: Channel 68 Great Britain Outrigger Canoe Association Sea Reach 4 to Seaward Limit: www .gboca .org • Phone: 01747 562215 • VHF: Channel 69

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) RNLI www .rya .org .uk Emergencies: Phone 999/112 ask for Coastguard Chiswick: www .chiswicklifeboat .org .uk Tower: www .towerrnli .com The Environment Agency Safety www .rnli .org/safety/respect-the-water/ www .gov .uk/check-river-conditions-and-closures/ river-thames

Thames Water www .thameswater .co uk.

128 FIRST EDITION 2019