London Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012
Travelling to London by water is one of Britain’s great recreational boating experiences, and this year’s Olympic Games will make navigating the Thames all the more special.
However, the river will be extremely busy during this period and access to the stretch between Richmond Lock and Gravesend needs to be carefully controlled to ensure navigational safety. Watch this film for some important advice and information -
Leisure boaters planning to travel to the tidal Thames in their own vessels this summer should be aware that:
- for the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games recreational vessels with accommodation will only be allowed access to the river through central London (between Putney and Gravesend) if they can provide evidence they have an existing or booked mooring in that area or are intending to transit the tidal river without stopping.
- vessels wishing to transit the river through London (between Putney and Gravesend) will be allowed passage only if they can prove they have a mooring above Richmond Lock (if inbound) or an intended destination below Gravesend (if outbound).
- vessels heading to their ‘home’ mooring on the river between Putney and Gravesend will similarly be asked for evidence of the home mooring (and that the vessel is actually going to it)
Vessels in transit between Gravesend and Putney will be monitored by our Vessel Traffic Services centres and river patrols throughout their journey.
Mooring and boating facilities are very limited in ports, marinas and inland waterways on or near the River Thames, so booking early is very important. It is vital that leisure boaters pre-book and confirm a mooring before they begin their journey; those who don’t will be directed to seek alternative moorings either downstream of Gravesend or upstream of Putney.
A number of yacht clubs and small marinas along the Thames will be providing moorings during the Olympic Games. Their details are listed on the interactive map on our leisure users' website 'Boatingonthethames.co.uk' - select ‘Visitor Moorings’ from the filter here.
In addition to facilities in place, a number of additional moorings are being planned to accommodate recreational boaters. When details of these facilities have been finalised, the PLA will update this website with further information.
Please PLAN AHEAD – Book early and enjoy the Olympic Games in 2012.
Click here to download a copy of our leaflet for navigators thinking of visiting the Thames during the Olympics.
Click here to download our leaflet for commercial companies interested in opportunities to develop moorings on the Thames for the Olympics.
Links to Olympic Mooring Providers:
Links to other organisations:
Environment Agency - information about the non-tidal River Thames and the Olympic Games
More detailed advice and information specifically for the leisure boater can be found on our Boating on the Thames website.
