BOATING SAFELY ON THE UPPER THAMES

There is a speed limit on the river,

8 kph or 5 mph.

But, embedded in that speed restriction is a condition,

CREATE NO WASH.

It erodes the river bank, disturbs wildlife, annoys other river users, and if you're passing moored boats,

smashes them against their moorings, possibly damaging both the boats and the moorings.

You wouldn’t want it happening to your pride and joy.

As a rough guide

to how far you will get allow

5mph + 20 minutes per lock.

But take your time to enjoy, relax, plan, and anticipate potential challenges.

DRIVE ON THE RIGHT

This applies to all river users, boats, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, everything!

Though many don’t know, so be aware.

GIVE WAY

On restricted areas of the river, eg, through bridges and narrow sections:

The vessel traveling downstream has priority.

(They have less ability to manoeuvre, going with the current)

So, if you are travelling towards London, you have river priority.

If you are travelling towards Lechlade,

you give way to others.

TRAVELLING UPSTREAM*

(TO LECHLADE)

Pass a Red buoy with it going down your Left (Port) side.  

Pass a Green buoy with it going down your Right (Starboard) side. 

TRAVELLING DOWNSTREAM* 

(TO LONDON)

Pass a Red buoy with it going down your Right (Starboard) side.  

Pass a Green buoy with it going down your Left (Port) side. 

*Yellow buoys sometimes indicate a wildlife survey or obstruction;

keep clear as best as you can.

ON APPROACH

blue & white lettering with an arrow denotes the direction to the lock

NEAR LOCK GATES

Lock name (b&w)

Self-service (blue & white)

Lockkeeper on duty (white on black)

River condition beyond the lock you are about to pass through:

Red - Caution strong stream

(EA advise no navigation)

Yellow - Beware stream increasing or decreasing

(EA advise navigation by powered boats only with caution)

NAVIGATION LIGHTS

These should be used after dusk or in poor visual conditions.

They help others spot you, others know which way you are heading and turning, and they allow you, if you're confident, experienced and it's not a hire boat, to enjoy the wonders of

'following the silver stream.'

The river is different when traveling at night; build up to it.

HORN SIGNALS

Turning to starboard (right):

1 long blast (2 seconds)

Turning to port (left):

2 short blasts

There are many more, but these 2 are useful on a tight bend, or when other boats are behind you

HAND SIGNALS

As you approach a manned lock you may see the lock keeper signalling you.

Crossed arms:

the lock is full/ insufficient space, wait outside of the main lock channel or moor up in the layby.

Waving you forward towards the lock:

proceed into the lock.

Hand out indicating left or right:

what side the lock keeper wants you to take within the lock.

Generally, it's helpful to acknowledge you understand the signal by simply repeating the left or right gesture followed by a thumbs up,

or just a thumbs up as appropriate.

It saves a lot of unseemly shouting.

Many books have been written about this, but basically;

KEEP ROPES TIDY & SECURE

An end overhanging the boat can be vibrated off into the water and then along side the boat, going under it on a turn.

The first indication you will have is when the engine stalls because the rope has snagged on the prop shaft and wound itself on tight!

If you're very lucky a burst of reverse may slacken it enough to haul it in.

If you're lucky you may get away with a cold swim to cut the line and free the prop.

(Take the ignition keys out of the switch and hide them to prevent someone turning over the engine).

If you're unlucky it may involve a tow, crane/trailer out to remove the rope.

If you have an outboard or stern drive you may be able to tilt these to get access to the prop.

STOPPING YOUR BOAT

Use reverse to bring the boat to a stop and knot the rope round a bollard

(rope burns can hurt for days)

PASSING ROPES

Don't throw ropes to those assisting from the lock side or mooring - pass them.