Introduction
Health and safety is a prime consideration. No-one is allowed to take charge of a Club boat in the Boathouse, on the foreshore, or on the river until the Captain is satisfied that they are competent.
It is strongly recommended, as with any outdoor activity, that you keep up-to-date with Tetanus injections and are aware of the risks present from the micro biological or chemical quality of the water such as Weill's Disease which, though uncommon on the Tideway, is extremely serious. More information on Weill's Disease and other "nasties" is available on the British Rowing website.
Tideway navigation and steering
Always check the times of tides and the weather forecast (particularly wind strength and direction) before an outing.
We recommend that all new members, coxes, bow-steerers, single scullers and launch drivers take a look at and learn British Rowing's Tideway navigation and steering information, which outlines the minimum general navigation knowledge needed to safely control rowing outings on the Tideway.
The latest edition is available at: https://boatingonthethames.co.uk/rowing-boating-on-the-thames-port-of-london-authority.
PLA Flag Warning System
As of 12 February 2014 the PLA operates a flag warning system indicating whether conditions may be difficult on the ebbtide due to high fluvial flows. The flag is diplayed on the PLA home page, our External Links page and here.
| RED | Extreme Caution - EBB TIDE Very Strong Fluvial Flows The Port of London Authority advise all river users that the fluvial flows are very strong and conditions are difficult and dangerous. All man-powered vessels are advised not to go afloat on the Ebb Tide. |
| YELLOW | Caution - EBB TIDE Strong Fluvial Flows The Port of London Authority advise man-powered vessels, in particular; Schools, Novices, Junior crews or those that do not usually navigate on the tidal section of the river Thames not to go afloat on the Ebb Tide. All river users of man-powered vessels should navigate with extreme caution and consider whether it is safe for them to go afloat on the Ebb Tide. |
| GREEN | Average Fluvial Flows The Port of London Authority advise all river users to navigate with caution and maintain a proper look out. |
| BLACK | Caution - Low Fluvial Flows The Port of London Authority advise all river users that the fluvial flow is less than usual and lower than predicted tides may be expected, especially around low water. |
PLA navigation rules
As of 1 May 2002 the navigation rules between Syon Reach and Putney Bridge changed. A summary, only, is shown below.
Greater detail is available from the PLA website notice. The crossover points are also shown on this PLA map.
(a) when proceeding with the tide, keep to the starboard side of the fairway;
(b) when proceeding against the tide, navigate as follows:
(i) between the Syon Crossing and the Chiswick Bridge Crossing, keep as close as is practicable to the Surrey shore;
(ii) between the Chiswick Bridge Crossing and the Chiswick Steps Crossing, keep as close as is practicable to the Middlesex shore;
(iii) between the Chiswick Steps Crossing and the Putney Crossing, keep as close as is practicable to the Surrey shore.
Note: Above the Syon Crossing and below the Putney Crossing rowers proceeding against the tide are reminded that they are to keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on their starboard side as is safe and practicable.
(c) The Crossing points are established in the following locations:
(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 "Ship" public house (approximately 200 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.
Important reminder
British Rowing are anxious that any incidents, dangerous situations, boats been driven dangerously etc. should be reported to the Port of London Authority; the body which oversees safety on the tidal section of the River Thames. Incidents should be reported on a PLA form 209, unless urgent, in which case they should first be telephoned to the PLA. The PLA Form is also available in the Clubhouse. Completed forms should be sent to: PLA, Bakers' Hall 7 Harp Lane, London EC3R 6LB. To avoid any duplication, please first liaise with our Safety Adviser (currently Anthony Briggs).
Night rowing
No Night rowing is permited in club boats.
Launch drivers – petrol
For insurance reasons, petrol must not be left in the launches in the boathouse. Always return petrol tanks to the padlocked store.
Quintin's safety adviser
Currently Adrian Ballardie. Please contact him if you have any queries.
More information
Detailed information on safety can be found on the British Rowing (formerly ARA) website.