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 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. 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. 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
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 -- Richmond Lock & Weir 020 8940 0634 VHF Channel 80 Thames Locks, Brentford 020 8568 2779 -- 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 By night: 3 red lights arranged in an upside-down triangle By day: A bundle of straw Arch CLOSED to navigation Headroom of arch reduced (but arch still open to traffic) By night: 1 white light
SOUND SIGNALS on the THAMES Emergency Info - Calling for help 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) 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: If you do not have a VHF radio: Call London VTS on channel 14 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.