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RULES FOR NAVIGATION OF VESSELS UNDER OARS ON THE TIDAL THAMES
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Background
This notice supersedes U15 of 2006 and accompanies the issue of an updated version of the Code of Practice for rowing on the tidal Thames above Putney.
The Code of Practice brings together practical guidance from experienced rowers, the recommendations from risk assessment and the requirements from local and international regulation. Rowers should make themselves fully conversant with the contents of the Code of Practice before rowing and abide by the Code when rowing on the Tidal Thames above Putney.
The main provisions of the revised Code can be summarised as follows:
2. Navigation of Vessels Under Oars (Rowing Boats)
All rowing boats navigating on the tidal River Thames shall comply with the Port of London River Byelaws and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (ColRegs).
A proper lookout shall be maintained at all times (International Regulations - Rule 5).
Other than the Inshore Zone exceptions in paragraph 3 (b) below, rowing boats shall navigate on the starboard side of the main channel. If safe and practicable it is recommend that rowers navigate outside of the main channel. Examples of where this is not safe and practicable can be found in the code of practice.
A rowing boat, which for any reason has to navigate within the main channel or fairway, shall not impede the passage of a vessel which, because of draught or size, can safely navigate only within the main channel or fairway.
A rowing boat proceeding along the course of the main channel or fairway shall also comply with Rule 9(a) of the International Regulations and "keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable".
3. Special Rules for navigation of rowing boats and approved escorting vessels between Syon Reach and Putney Bridge.
It is recognised that there are parts of the River where it may not always be "safe and practicable" for vessels under oars to keep to the starboard side. For such vessels navigating between Syon Reach and Putney, the following applies:
Within the above limits rowing boats and other paddle/oar powered craft:
(a) when proceeding with the tide, are to keep to the starboard side of the main channel and if safe and practicable to the starboard side of the river;
(b) when proceeding against the tide, are to navigate in the Inshore Zone as marked by the red (port hand) and green (starboard hand) navigation buoys, crossing the river as appropriate.
Note: Above the Syon Crossing and below the Putney Crossing, rowers, whether proceeding with or against the tide are reminded that they are to keep as near to the outer limit of the river which lies on their starboard side as is safe and practicable.
(c) Crossing points are established in the following locations (see plan):
(i) Syon Crossing – Syon Reach, opposite the Isleworth Ferry Gate (approximately 200 metres upstream of the PLA driftwood moorings).
(ii) Chiswick Bridge Crossing – opposite the Stag Brewery (approximately 300 metres downstream of Chiswick Bridge).
(iii) Chiswick Steps Crossing - 200 metres upstream of Chiswick Pier.
(iv) Putney Crossing – by Bishop’s Park steps approximately 100 metres upstream of Putney Road Bridge.
Where appropriate, and safe to do so, approved escorting vessels may accompany rowing craft when they are navigating in accordance with paragraph 3 (b) above.
When crossing the river in accordance with the above rules, rowing boats and escorting vessels shall do so as quickly as possible and must avoid obstructing any other vessel proceeding along the fairway (River Byelaw 15(a)).
Rowing boats and escorting vessels shall not stop or turn about in the vicinity of the designated crossing points.
Note: Nothing in these rules precludes rowing boats and escorting vessels from crossing the River at other places when boating from or returning to boat houses provided that they shall do so as quickly as possible and avoid obstructing any other vessel proceeding along the fairway (River Byelaw 15(a)).
4. Kew Road Bridge and Pier
The visibility on the bend in the vicinity of Kew Bridge is particularly restricted and passenger boats regularly manoeuvre on and off Kew Pier. All craft are to navigate with extreme caution in the area.
Power driven vessels are reminded to sound one prolonged blast when approaching the bridge from either direction (International Regulations – Rule 34a) and when leaving Kew Pier (PLA Byelaw - 36). All vessels are to listen carefully for and be guided by the sound signals.
5. River Events
The rules contained in this Notice to Mariners may be modified for river events by agreement with the Harbourmaster.
6. Obtaining copies of the Code of Practice
The “Code of Practice for Rowing on the Tidal Thames above Putney” can be obtained electronically from www.pla.co.uk or www.thames-rrc.org or in printed form from the Harbour Master at hmuenquiry2@pla.co.uk.
