Thames Passage From Brentford to Teddington

Thames Passage From Brentford to Teddington

Thames Passage From Brentford to Teddington
Introduction:
The Thames Ring route uses a tidal section of the river Thames between Brentford and Teddington
that requires extra preparation and skill. We hope this guide and plan allows you to enjoy this
rewarding route. The first section outlines Mandatory Rules & Bylaws, the second section Useful
Information. There is also a sheet to fill in your details and a single laminated sheet with essential
information that can be kept to hand.
Mandatory Rules of Passage
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Passage of the tidal Thames is only permitted between Brentford & Teddington. The route
must be done in a single passage – no intentional stopping part way.
You must not attempt the passage before sunrise and you must satisfy yourself that the
passage can be completed and the boat is once again on non-tidal waters well before sunset.
You must ask and accept the advice of the lock keepers at either Brentford or Teddington
regarding the timing of your passage. They will ensure that you get the maximum benefit of
the tides.
VHF Marine Radio is not required on Narrowboats between Brentford & Teddington. If you
do have your own VHF radio & Licence, you should monitor channel 14.
If there is no VHF radio on board, The person in charge of navigation of the vessel must
report to the London Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) at Woolwich by telephone (0208 855
0315) prior to entering the tidal Thames, to obtain clearance to proceed, and to obtain any
navigational advice relevant to the area.
The person in charge of the vessel must also report to VTS by telephone as soon as possible
after leaving the tidal Thames.
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Rules of the River
 The first “rule of the river” is: KEEP TO THE RIGHT
 KEEP A GOOD LOOK-OUT at all times, BEHIND YOU as well as in front (Rule 5).
 At bridges, unless instructed otherwise, always take one of the navigational arches marked
by 2 orange lights side-by-side. If two or more arches are so marked, you should generally
take the right-hand marked arch.
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 If you find yourself approaching another vessel head-on, you should sound one short blast
and KEEP to the RIGHT (STARBOARD)
 When entering the Tidal River from Brentford do not cross in front of another vessel
Useful Information:
 On leaving the Grand Union canal at Brentford for the Thames, both Brentford and Thames
locks have double chambers although only Thames Lock is manned
 Brentford Gauging Lock is CLOSED between 10.00pm and 05.00am. Brentford locks are
electronically controlled and user operated so simply follow the instructions on the control
pedestal.
 Brentford Thames Tidal lock is manned and you must follow the Lock-Keepers instructions
 When planning your transit, please do not overlook the possibility that navigation on the
Thames can be suspended at times of high water following heavy or prolonged rainfall.
Check with your hire company for any additional information.
 Richmond Lock & Half Tide Barrier is the only lock operated by the Port of London
Authority. It is manned 24 hours a day and a fee is payable. However, for 2 hours either side
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of high water, the weir sluice gates are raised, allowing free passage of craft. You should
schedule your transit to pass through the barrier during this time. Two orange lights will be
shown above each navigable arch. (See laminated sheet for example)
When the sluices are down the following signals will be in operation: a triangle (apex down)
made up of 3 red lights will show above each arch, meaning the arch is CLOSED for
navigation; in addition to this, an illuminated sign on the upper end of the lock entrance will
read ‘Weirs are closed please use lock’.
Check List before Passage
NOTE: Lock-keepers at Brentford and Teddington will advise your
departure time.
For your reference: Distance = 4 miles, passage time is approx 1-2 hours.
Date: ________ High water at London Bridge (LBr): ____ (GMT/BST) – check tide tables
Thus High water at Brentford & Richmond Lock = HW@ LBR + 1hour (approx)
We suggest leaving Brentford on a rising tide (ie, no more than half an hour before High Water at
London Bridge). This will allow passage through the open half-tide barrier at Richmond, and mean
you won't have to punch against the tide as you travel upstream.
If you are travelling from Teddington we suggest leaving Teddington at High Water and travelling
on a falling tide to arrive at Brentford one hour later. This should enable a safe turn to LEFT
(PORT) when entering Brentford Creek.
http://www.pla.co.uk/Safety/Tide-Tables choose the Tide Table for Richmond Lock
Route Guide
The following bridge views are shown in the direction from Brentford toTeddington
Have you remembered to obtain clearance to proceed?
Have you obtained clearance to proceed?
Richmond Half-Tide Barrier & Lock viewed travelling upstream from Brentford
Telephone: 020 8940 0634
Take the right-hand, open navigation span (indicated by 2 orange lights side-by-side) of the
Richmond Half-tide Barrier. (If you arrive at the wrong state of the tide, the barrier will be closed,
and you will have to use the lock.)
Twickenham Bridge viewed travelling upstream from Brentford
Take the CENTRAL arches of the remaining bridges, all indicated by two orange lights
(Twickenham Bridge, Richmond Railway Bridge and Richmond Bridge) passing to the left of all
islands en-route: Richmond Ait, Glover’s Ait and Eel Pie Island -- i.e. leave them all to the right
hand side (starboard.)
Richmond Railway Bridge
Richmond Bridge
Teddington
Locks
Lights indicate which lock you should use: usually either the new, large “Barge” Lock on the left, or
the older, smaller “Launch” Lock in the middle. (The “Skiff” or “Coffin” Lock on the right is rarely
used). Be ready to moor-up to the piles while you wait.
Expect to use the “Launch” lock.
Above Teddington
Don't forget to telephone London Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) at Woolwich by (0208 855 0315)
to confirm you have safely left the tidal Thames.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS and VHF CHANNELS
London VTS
(Vessel Traffic Service)
020 8855 0315
VHF Channel 14
“London VTS”
Teddington Locks
020 8940 8723
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Richmond Lock & Weir
020 8940 0634
VHF Channel 80
Thames Locks, Brentford
020 8568 2779
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SIGNS DISPLAYED at BRIDGES
By day or night:
2 orange lights side-by-side
Navigation arch; i.e. you can
go through this arch
By day:
3 red discs arranged in an
upside-down triangle
Arch CLOSED to navigation
By night:
3 red lights arranged in an
upside-down triangle
By day:
A bundle of straw
By night:
1 white light
Headroom of arch reduced
(but arch still open to traffic)
SOUND SIGNALS on the THAMES
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I am altering my course to STARBOARD
I am altering my course to PORT
I am operating ASTERN propulsion
I am turning fully round to STARBOARD
I am turning fully round to PORT
I do not understand your intentions; keep clear
(I doubt whether you are taking sufficient action to avoid a collision )
I am about to get underway / enter the fairway
or: I am approaching a blind bend
I am unable to manoeuvre (not under command)
Emergency Info - Calling for help
In the event of any emergency (engine failure, jammed propeller, man overboard, serious injury,
etc.) CALL FOR HELP as soon as possible:
If you are not in imminent
If you are in imminent danger:
danger:
If you have a VHF radio:
Call London VTS
on channel 14
If you do not have a VHF
radio:
Call London VTS:
020 8855 0315
Put out a MAYDAY
call on channel 16
Call LONDON
COASTGUARD:
999 (or 112)
In the event of an emergency a telephone call is to be made to London
Vessel Traffic Services (Or 999 and ask for Coastguard) as follows:
a. Name of vessel
b. Nature of emergency
c. Current location and intention (e.g. remain anchored, static, steer
to
bank, safe haven etc.)
d. People on Board
e. Assistance required
Note: London VTS and London Coastguard officers sit at neighbouring desks, so if you are in
doubt, it does not matter whom you ask to speak to.
Do not be embarrassed to call for help; while you are in difficulties you are endangering not only
yourself but also other vessels. London VTS, London Coastguard and the RNLI would far rather
you let them know the problem STRAIGHT AWAY.