Seamanship on the Thames - Revision history

Richardphillips: Spelling fixes

2022-01-05T15:57:53Z

Spelling fixes

Richardphillips at 09:00, 25 May 2021

2021-05-25T09:00:09Z

Richardphillips at 08:58, 25 May 2021

2021-05-25T08:58:47Z

Richardphillips at 08:57, 25 May 2021

2021-05-25T08:57:10Z

Richardphillips at 16:55, 27 March 2021

2021-03-27T16:55:08Z

Richardphillips at 16:54, 27 March 2021

2021-03-27T16:54:42Z

Richardphillips: Don't export youtube code with PDF export

2021-02-23T11:29:16Z

Don't export youtube code with PDF export

Richardphillips at 07:45, 23 February 2021

2021-02-23T07:45:55Z

Richardphillips at 07:45, 23 February 2021

2021-02-23T07:45:33Z

Richardphillips: /* PLA Guides */

2021-02-22T11:17:08Z

‎PLA Guides

@@ Line 65: / Line 65: @@
 Usually, traffic is routed through one span in each direction, which will be indicated by green arrows. Spans which are closed to navigation will be indicated by red crosses on the piers of the Barrier.
-Do not navigate through a span which is closed to navigation – the gates may be under the water or rotating to a defence position*.
+Do not navigate through a span which is closed to navigation – the gates may be under the water or rotating to a defense position*.
 Vessels intending to pass through the Barrier should contact London VTS on VHF Channel 14 at either Margaretness Inward bound or Blackwall Point Outward bound. London VTS will then allocate a span which will be indicated as being available by the green arrows.
@@ Line 112: / Line 112: @@
 ==Wash==
-At times the wash, or waveheight, on the Thames can get heavy. The steep river walls reflect, rather than dissipate, the wash so it can be particularly rough at high water during busy traffic periods. The Thames is classified as ‘Category C’ and ‘D’ with waveheights of up to 1.2m and 1.5m, so vessels should be suitable for the conditions.
+At times the wash, or waveheight, on the Thames can get heavy. The steep river walls reflect, rather than dissipate, the wash so it can be particularly rough at high water during busy traffic periods. The Thames is classified as ‘Category C’ and ‘D’ with wave heights of up to 1.2m and 1.5m, so vessels should be suitable for the conditions.
 <bs:uenoexport>
@@ Line 130: / Line 130: @@
 Ensure you have planned your passage; taken into account the tide times; made bookings with any locks; and checked the weather and ‘Fluvial Flow’ guidance. Check the PLA Notices to Mariners page for anything that may affect your journey, such as river closures and bridge maintenance.
-Everyone on board a recreational craft navigating on the tidal Thames should wear a lifejacket. The river is cold and fast flowing and can be harsh and unforgiving.
+Everyone on board a recreational craft navigating on the tidal Thames should wear a life jacket. The river is cold and fast flowing and can be harsh and unforgiving.
 Please also see the PLA Thames recreational users guide [https://boatingonthethames.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/RUG_Inner.pdf for the upper Thames] and the [https://boatingonthethames.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/RUG_Outer.pdf lower Thames - Broadness to Medway]
@@ Line 164: / Line 164: @@
 If there is no VHF radio on board (or is broken),  the person in charge of navigation of the vessel should report to the London Vessel Traffic Service  (VTS) by telephone (0208 855 0315 west of Dagenham, 01474 562215 east of here) prior to entering the tidal Thames.
-It is recomended that fixed VHF radios in Cruisers support DSC. The club group MMSI is: XXXXXXXXXX
+It is recommended that fixed VHF radios in Cruisers support DSC. The club group MMSI is: XXXXXXXXXX
 An RYA ‘Short Range Certificate’ (SRC) is the minimum requirement to use a VHF or VHF DSC radio (unless It is an emergency situation when anyone may use the radio to call for help) as well as appropriate licenses from OfCom. This training is provided at GYC.
@@ Line 178: / Line 178: @@
 We '''recommend''' the following equipment when navigating on the tidal Thames:
-*Lifejackets: approved by MCA or under the Marine Equipment Directive (MED), or should comply with BS EN 396: Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aid of 150N, or BS/EN 399: Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids of 275N
+*Life jackets: approved by MCA or under the Marine Equipment Directive (MED), or should comply with BS EN 396: Life jackets and personal buoyancy aid of 150N, or BS/EN 399: Life jackets and personal buoyancy aids of 275N
 *a VHF set (mandatory for some vessels)
 *mobile phone (in a waterproof pouch)

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:00, 25 May 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	<big>Seamanship on the Thames</big>	+	= <big>Seamanship on the Thames</big> =
	This article is adapted from information provided by the Port of London Authority, all rights acknowledged.		This article is adapted from information provided by the Port of London Authority, all rights acknowledged.

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:58, 25 May 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	=Seamanship on the Thames=	+	<big>Seamanship on the Thames</big>
	This article is adapted from information provided by the Port of London Authority, all rights acknowledged.		This article is adapted from information provided by the Port of London Authority, all rights acknowledged.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 This article is adapted from information provided by the Port of London Authority, all rights acknowledged.
@@ Line 199: / Line 200: @@
 *vessels that are hired or chartered are not considered to be pleasure vessels.
 *a vessel carrying more than 12 passengers is not classed as a pleasure vessel, but would come under the definition of a ‘passenger vessel’. The vessel and the skipper would then require appropriate licences from the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). Contact your local MCA office for further details.

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 {{CustomTOC|limit=3}}
-=Video=
+==Video==
 {{#evt:

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:54, 27 March 2021
Line 2:		Line 2:

	{{CustomTOC\|limit=3}}		{{CustomTOC\|limit=3}}
		+
		+	=Video=
		+
		+	{{#evt:
		+	service=vimeo
		+	\|id=https://vimeo.com/529752436/cb2fa5f0e0
		+	\|dimensions=1200
		+	\|alignment=inline
		+	\|description=Navigating the tidal Thames - barrier to estuary
		+	\|container=frame
		+	\|urlargs=
		+	\|autoresize=
		+	\|valignment=
		+	}}

	==Key rules and regulations==		==Key rules and regulations==

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 The main basic rules are: When navigating in the tidal Thames vessels must keep as near to the starboard side of the fairway at all times, as is safe and practicable, or follow the recommended routes shown on the PLA Recreational Users’ Guide. For the avoidance of doubt, this does not mean that you can cross from one bank to another to tack along the river. If you are crossing the river, it is to get to a set location for a particular purpose (i.e. to leave/get to a mooring) and you must not tack, cross or enter the fairway so as to obstruct another vessel proceeding along the fairway.
-* '''Keep a good look out''' at all times, '''behind you''' as well as in front
+*'''Keep a good look out''' at all times, '''behind you''' as well as in front
-* If you find yourself approaching another vessel head-on, you should sound one short blast and keep to the '''starboard''' (right)
+*If you find yourself approaching another vessel head-on, you should sound one short blast and keep to the '''starboard''' (right)
 When entering the river from a lock, pier or berth do not cross in front of another vessel.
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 The PLA byelaws contain rules which supersede some of the International Collision Regulations. For example
 * a vessel must not cross or enter a fairway so as to obstruct another vessel proceeding along the fairway.
 ==Thames Barrier==
@@ Line 27: / Line 28: @@
 The Thames Barrier has ten spans lettered A to K from south to north:
 * Spans B to G are open to navigation subject to the restrictions described in current General Directions.
-* Spans C, D, E and F are 61m wide with a depth of 5.8m below Chart Datum.
+*Spans B to G are open to navigation subject to the restrictions described in current General Directions.
-* Spans B and G are 31.5m wide with a depth of 1.2m below Chart Datum and have depth boards on Piers 3 and 9.
+*Spans C, D, E and F are 61m wide with a depth of 5.8m below Chart Datum.
-* Spans A, H, J and K are permanently closed to navigation. Under normal circumstances, and subject to the requirements of partial closures, the northern spans E, F and G are used for inward bound traffic and the southern spans B, C, and D are used for outward-bound traffic.
+*Spans B and G are 31.5m wide with a depth of 1.2m below Chart Datum and have depth boards on Piers 3 and 9.
 (The piers of the barrier are numbered 1 to 9, from north to south. There are signs indicating the number of the pier on both east and west sides of the barrier.)
-=== Thames Barrier Control Zone ===
+===Thames Barrier Control Zone===
 {{Portal/ContainerOpen|col=1|class=use-cases}}
@@ Line 54: / Line 56: @@
 Occasionally, all the spans at the Thames Barrier may be closed either for test purposes or because of a predicted tidal surge (the Environment Agency publishes a list of test closures in advance. See either the PLA [http://www.pla.co.uk/Safety/Regulations-and-Guidance/Notices-to-Mariners/Notices-to-Mariners?__hstc=57397045.cf6009e52a3b1d48911ad174a4227bb2.1587979801018.1603110204341.1603112050615.86&__hssc=57397045.8.1603112050615&__hsfp=2124156858 Notice to Mariners] or [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-thames-barrier the EA’s website]). When this is the case, you should remain clear and not enter the Thames Barrier Control Zone due to the unpredictable eddies and currents that are produced.
-=== Spans Open to Navigation ===
+===Spans Open to Navigation===
 '''Light Signals'''
@@ Line 86: / Line 88: @@
 Put simply:
-* A rigorous lookout should be maintained – by sight, sound and any means necessary
+*A rigorous lookout should be maintained – by sight, sound and any means necessary
-* Navigation Lights are operational
+*Navigation Lights are operational
-* Radar, if fitted, is setup appropriately and utilised to assist you in navigating in fog however it should not be solely relied upon but it is an incredibly useful aid to your navigation
+*Radar, if fitted, is setup appropriately and utilised to assist you in navigating in fog however it should not be solely relied upon but it is an incredibly useful aid to your navigation
-* Navigate at a safe speed to ensure effective action can be taken to avoid a collision.
+*Navigate at a safe speed to ensure effective action can be taken to avoid a collision.
-* MGN 369 – Navigation In Restricted Visibility contains further guidance.
+*MGN 369 – Navigation In Restricted Visibility contains further guidance.
 Small vessels can also vastly improve their detectability by using AIS. An AIS transceiver can also assist small vessel crews in the early detection of ships, as well as showing names, call signs, speeds and headings of vessels in the locality to improve situational awareness.
@@ Line 97: / Line 99: @@
 At times the wash, or waveheight, on the Thames can get heavy. The steep river walls reflect, rather than dissipate, the wash so it can be particularly rough at high water during busy traffic periods. The Thames is classified as ‘Category C’ and ‘D’ with waveheights of up to 1.2m and 1.5m, so vessels should be suitable for the conditions.
 ==PLA Guides==
 {| border="0"
 |-
-| style="width: 800px;" |{{#ev:youtube|gQVuimRVeFo|800|center|Navigating the Thames in Central London}}
+| style="width:800px;" |{{#ev:youtube|gQVuimRVeFo|800|center|Navigating the Thames in Central London}}
 |}
 {| border="0"
 |-
-| style="width: 800px;" |{{#ev:youtube|G6yJz2Z2Zj4|800|center|Navigating the Lower Tidal Thames}}
+| style="width:800px;" |{{#ev:youtube|G6yJz2Z2Zj4|800|center|Navigating the Lower Tidal Thames}}
 |}
 ==Before navigating on the tidal Thames==
@@ Line 116: / Line 120: @@
 ===Pre-passage checklist for cruisers===
 * check your engine is running satisfactorily
-* check your bilge pumps operate correctly
+*check your engine is running satisfactorily
-* check the stern gland greaser is topped up and operates correctly
+*check your bilge pumps operate correctly
-* check the horn is working correctly
+*check the stern gland greaser is topped up and operates correctly
-* check the steering is working correctly
+*check the horn is working correctly
-* check your anchor is correctly attached and ready to deploy (See Equipment section below)
+*check the steering is working correctly
 ===Rowing and paddling===
@@ Line 128: / Line 133: @@
 ===Entering the tidal River Thames===
 Contact “London VTS” with:
 * Name of your boat
-* where you are entering the tidal Thames and your destination
+*Name of your boat
-* The time you expect to be on your way
+*where you are entering the tidal Thames and your destination
-* how many people are on board
+*The time you expect to be on your way
-* VTS can pass any pertinent navigational information to you too, such as river closures or bridge arch closures.
+*how many people are on board
 Always be aware of traffic moving up and down the river and enter the tidal Thames only when safe to do so.
@@ Line 157: / Line 163: @@
 We '''recommend''' the following equipment when navigating on the tidal Thames:
-* Lifejackets: approved by MCA or under the Marine Equipment Directive (MED), or should comply with BS EN 396: Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aid of 150N, or BS/EN 399: Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids of 275N
+*Lifejackets: approved by MCA or under the Marine Equipment Directive (MED), or should comply with BS EN 396: Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aid of 150N, or BS/EN 399: Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids of 275N
-* a VHF set (mandatory for some vessels)
+*a VHF set (mandatory for some vessels)
-* mobile phone (in a waterproof pouch)
+*mobile phone (in a waterproof pouch)
-* water resistant torch
+*water resistant torch
-* suitable boat hook
+*suitable boat hook
-* appropriate first aid kit
+*appropriate first aid kit
-* navigation lights if navigating during darkness or reduced visibility
+*navigation lights if navigating during darkness or reduced visibility
-* ropes for mooring the vessel and for towing
+*ropes for mooring the vessel and for towing
-* minimum of one 12kg anchor, attached to a designated strongpoint by 5 metres of 6mm short link chain and 25m of 12mm rope.
+*minimum of one 12kg anchor, attached to a designated strongpoint by 5 metres of 6mm short link chain and 25m of 12mm rope.
 Additional information from the RYA:
-* [https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge-advice/cruising-tips/Pages/hub.aspx Tips for cruisers]
+*[https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge-advice/cruising-tips/Pages/hub.aspx Tips for cruisers]
-* [https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge-advice/cruising-tips/hints-tips/Pages/watch-out-when-at-anchor.aspx Tips for anchoring]
+*[https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge-advice/cruising-tips/hints-tips/Pages/watch-out-when-at-anchor.aspx Tips for anchoring]
-=== Licensing and certification ===
+===Licensing and certification===
 Although there is not a legal requirement for the person in charge of a recreational craft or ‘pleasure vessel’ to have a formal qualification, the tidal Thames is not for novice or inexperienced people. A good degree of boating knowledge and experience is needed before venturing on to this complex and challenging river.
 Note:
-* vessels that are hired or chartered are not considered to be pleasure vessels.
+*vessels that are hired or chartered are not considered to be pleasure vessels.
-* a vessel carrying more than 12 passengers is not classed as a pleasure vessel, but would come under the definition of a ‘passenger vessel’. The vessel and the skipper would then require appropriate licences from the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). Contact your local MCA office for further details.
+*a vessel carrying more than 12 passengers is not classed as a pleasure vessel, but would come under the definition of a ‘passenger vessel’. The vessel and the skipper would then require appropriate licences from the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). Contact your local MCA office for further details.

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:45, 23 February 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	This article is adapted from information ~~proviced~~ by the Port of London Authority, all rights acknowledged.	+	This article is adapted from information provided by the Port of London Authority, all rights acknowledged.

	{{CustomTOC\|limit=3}}		{{CustomTOC\|limit=3}}