Personal Watercraft in the Thames Estuary
The Port of London Authority (PLA), in partnership with its key stakeholders, has developed a Code of Conduct for Personal Watercraft (PWC) users in the Thames Estuary. The Code has been developed to complement similar guidance developed by Kent County Council and the Kent Coastal Forum along the Kent Coast. Personal WatercraftA Personal Watercraft is a small recreational boat propelled and steered by a directionally controlled water jet (Personal Watercraft Partnership, 2003). PWC is the collective term used to describe trade names including Jet Skis (Kawasaki), Waverunners (Yamaha) and Sea Doos (Jets Marivent). Due to their relatively low cost, small size and freedom they afford to owners, PWCs are widely used for recreation. PWCs are far more manoeuvrable than traditional power boats and have different handling characteristics. Code of ConductPersonal Watercraft are permitted in the Thames Estuary but must users must ensure that they act safely and responsibly. Please follow this simple Code……
The Code of Conduct is contained within an informative leaflet and can be downloaded by clicking here. To obtain hard copies of the leaflet please telephone 01474 562269.
Riding ResponsiblyPWC users have a responsibility to other water users, and to themselves, to ride in a safe and responsible manner. It is important to know how to stay safe and how to behave with respect to other users when out on the water. By observing the following guidelines, you can stay safe and not endanger others. The PLA regulates the use of PWCs under its river byelaws. AwarenessWhen out on the water, you should always be on the lookout for other vessels and people in the water. It is important to know where other vessels are and where they are heading before you make a turn or cross a wake. Upstream LimitYou must not use your PWC upstream of Margaretness Point (near Barking Creek). Operating speedAs a general rule, you should not exceed the speed of 8 knots (10 mph) when your craft is within 200m of the shoreline or a port facility. In congested areas, lower your speed accordingly. Speed limits are set by local regulations or byelaws, so know and follow the limits, whether they are posted or not. It is your responsibility to know the local speed limit, and failure to keep to it could end up with you facing a fine or potentially being involved in an accident. Right of WayBoats and other vessels always have the right of way. When you are approaching an oncoming vessel, stay to the right hand side. If you are about to cross paths with another vessel or personal watercraft, the vessel on the right side has the right of way. Do not enter areas where PWCs are prohibited. Safety LanyardNever operate your PWC without the safety lanyard attached to you. The lanyard will cut the engine if you fall from the craft. This safety feature can help to prevent accidents and should be used at all times. Competency TrainingPWC users are encouraged to attend an approved training course. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) holds a one-day competence course which teaches you how to use your PWC safely, responsibly and with confidence, ensuring that you get the best out of your craft. It covers high and low speed riding skills, essential safety information, collision avoidance and orientation at sea. For more information, please visit the website (opens in a new window). Insurance and Safety EquipmentAlways ensure that you have (and carry proof of) adequate public liability insurance before using a PWC. Ensure that you hold a copy of the registration certificate. Always carry the correct safety equipment (see box below), including a waterproof radio and flare pack, and wear suitable safety clothing (Port of London Byelaws state that any individual engaging in PWC use must wear an efficient life-jacket). Wear an approved life jacket and eye protection to prevent water spray from obscuring your vision. Gripped shoes and gloves offer better control of your machine, while a wet suit provides protection from the elements. A whistle attached to your life jacket can be used to summon help in the event of an emergency situation.
Theft PreventionPWC users can help reduce the risk of theft by registering with Datatag. This allows PWC clubs, insurers and Marine Authorities (Police and Harbour Masters) to verify ownership of a craft from Visible ID numbers and the Datatag transponders. Once registered, display your ‘Datatag Visible ID’ clearly and keep your details up to date. For further information on Datatag please visit www.datatag.com or phone 01932 358100. PWC Clubs and Launch locationsWhere possible, join a local PWC club which can offer benefits like the use of private slipways. The map below shows the locations of PWC clubs in the Thames Estuary. Read and observe the rules posted at PWC launch sites; and only launch from authorised launch sites. There are several authorised launch sites in the Thames Estuary: Essex Coast
Kent Coast
Safeguarding the Natural Environment
It is important that you use you personal watercraft with care to prevent damaging the environment, particularly in sensitive areas or where the concentration of PW use is high. This section contains information on how to reduce your impact and provides a brief overview of the designated sites in the Thames Estuary. Further information on the designated sites in the Thames Estuary can be found on the Natural England website (opens in a new window) How to minimise your impactUsing your PWC could cause lasting damage to these sites and the wider environment, through:
In order to minimise your impact on the natural environment, follow these simple rules:
Reporting IncidentsIn an emergency contact the Coastguard by dialling 999 or VHF Channel 16. If you see a PWC user behaving irresponsibly, endangering other water users or breaking the law, please contact the Essex Police Marine Unit on 01621 782121 or the Kent Police on 01622798565. Alternatively, any persons wishing to report observations of irresponsible use of PWC on the Thames can complete a reporting form and return it to the PLA Harbour Master (Lower). The form is available to download in MS Word or PDF formats. Harbour Master (Lower) The Essex Police Marine Unit Kent Police Marine Unit Further Guidance and AdviceFurther guidance and advice can be found by contacting the following organisations (all websites open in a new window): PWC clubs in KentPWC Allhallows Yacht Club (Hoo Peninsular) – 01634 270273 or email PWC clubs in EssexClacton Watercraft Club – email Ports and marine safety advicePort of London Authority - 01474 562200 Wildlife advice and local informationNatural England - 01206 796666 (Essex); 01233 811228 (Kent) or email (website) PWC and water sport bodiesRYA training – 0845 3450326 or website
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The Thames estuary supports some of the most important habitats and species in the country. In recognition of this, many areas have been legally designated for their wildlife value. These range from statutory sites of national or international significance to smaller, non-statutory sites of local importance.