Welcome to The Boaters’ Handbook
source- britishwaterways.co.uk
This gives you all the boating basics - the essential knowledge and techniques
you need to make sure you enjoy yourselves and stay safe. Reading it before
setting off wil help you spot the risks yourself, and help you take simple action
to avoid problems. If you do run into difficulties, this understanding will
help you get out of trouble quickly and safely.
The Boaters' Handbook is designed for newcomers to boating, but we hope it
will also be a handy reminder for more experienced boaters.
In part one, we take you through the nitty-gritty of handling your boat.
And in part two, you'll find important safety rules to help you keep out of
trouble. It's vital stuff. So please - for your own safety - read through carefully.
Part three gives you the basic rules of the road,
and part four is all about respecting the environment, the wildlife and other
waterways users.
Read this handbook before you set off, and keep it nearby for reference. Of
course, you won't become an expert overnight just by reading a book - and it's
impossible to cover every aspect of boating, every type of boat and every eventuality.
Short courses in boat handling are an excellent investment. You'll find details
of these and sources of local information specific to the waterways at the back
of the book.
If you're hiring your boat, the operator will give you instructions. Pay close
attention - and don't cast off until you feel confident!
1
Who’s in charge?
One of the great things about boating is that everyone can muck in together.
But at least one person needs to know the boat-handling basics and to understand
the safety guidelines.
So, once you've chosen a 'skipper', it'll be his or her job to make sure your
crew and passengers have all the information they need to stay safe.
Good boating takes teamwork. So you need competent crew who know how to handle
the boat and how to stop the engine, and who can help with mooring, moving through
locks, navigation and so on. As well as knowing the procedures, your crew should
be aware of the safety risks in each situation and how to avoid them. It's also
a wise precaution to have a stand-in skipper in case you become ill.
Passengers who aren't going to be helping with any of the work still need to
read and understand the basic safety rules - you'll find a handy safety checklist
at the back of this handbook. Please make sure your passengers read it.
These symbols alert you to the most important safety messages. You'll find
them at the start of each part of the Boat-Handling section.
Read the Boating Safety section thoroughly for full information on the risks
and how to avoid them.
Before setting off
Before you set off, take a few simple tips for trouble-free boating.
Check your boat's in good condition and meets Boat Safety Scheme standards (see
'Training' within 'Further Information')
Make sure you and your crew know how to handle the boat - and that you know
how to handle it on the waterway you're using
Get local information from the navigation authority before going onto unfamiliar
waterways. On rivers, get information on stream conditions and any tides
Plan your cruise and allow enough time to complete it without rushing
It's not a good idea to cruise in the dark or when visibility's bad - if you
do, take extra care
Make sure you've got a tank of clean water
And remember - alcohol impairs your judgement and makes accidents more likely
Equipment checklist
Make sure you know where to find these things:
Lifebuoy, lifeline (if supplied), lifejackets or buoyancy aids
Anchor - for rivers - the rope and chain together should be at least six times
as long as the deepest part of the river
Fire extinguisher and fire blanket
Emergency shut-offs for battery, gas and fuel
Bilge pump
Emergency light
Mooring ropes - long enough to stretch from your boat to the bollard and back,
even when you're in a deep lock
Mooring stakes and hammer
Horn
First aid kit
Boat pole or hook
Gangplank
Windlass (see 'Locks' in 'Boat Handling')
Boating jargon
Back = stern
Front = bow
Left = port
Right = starboard
Start the engine and keep it in neutral until you're ready to move off. Untie
the front and back mooring ropes from the bank, but leave them tied to the boat,
coiled and ready for use. On rivers, untie the downstream rope first. Make sure
your ropes can't trail in the water and get caught in the propeller. If you're
using mooring stakes, don't forget to stow those and the hammer too.
Push the boat away from the bank so you can make a clean get away, with your
propeller in deep water. In shallow water, push the back of the boat out, then
reverse away until there's room to straighten up.
When the boat's straight, go into forward gear and accelerate gently to cruising
speed.
On all waterways, you drive on the right. In practice, on most
canals, you'll keep to the centre of the channel - it's shallow near the edges
- unless there's another boat coming towards you. You should slow down when
passing anglers or moored boats to avoid rocking them about.
Boats come in different sizes, shapes and materials - and they all behave differently.
Before you set off, spend some time getting to know your boat.
Check the weedhatch on narrowboats
Make sure your propeller is clear of debris, but take care. Turn the engine
off and take the key out of the ignition. Wear gloves if you can. Always screw
the lid back securely.
Steering a boat with a wheel is like steering a car, but it's more difficult
to judge where your wheel should be for going straight ahead. Get to know the
feel of the wheel and the rudder position before you set off.
Using a tiller to steer is simple - as long as you remember that pushing to
the right will make the boat head left and vice versa.
Your boat pivots from a point about halfway along its length. That means you
need to watch out for the front and the back. If you line up the front only
and then try to turn into a narrow gap - a bridge or lock, for example - you
risk hitting the side with the back of your boat.
Steering with a tiller
You can't steer unless your boat is in gear. Remember - no gear,
no steer
Because boats don't have brakes, you need to give yourself plenty of time to
stop - especially when travelling downstream. Ease off the throttle, move into
neutral and then use short bursts in reverse gear to slow down and come to a
final halt. Remember that it's more difficult to steer when you're in reverse
gear.
Every skipper goes aground at some point - it's not a disaster.
Don't try to force your way over the obstacle or you'll find yourself even more
stuck. Instead, use reverse gear to back away into deeper water.
If you're firmly stuck - or if the water's too shallow for the propeller -
use your crew's weight to tilt the boat by moving them to the side of the boat
that's still floating. Now use the pole to push off. Remember, though, you need
to push against a solid object or the bed of the waterway - if you put the pole
straight down and try to use it as a lever, it'll either break or you'll fall
in. And keep the top of the pole away from your face and body, in case it slips
suddenly.
Special safety tips
Stand inside the hatch on a traditional narrowboat - and watch out for the
swing of the tiller
Always be aware of what’s happening around you - on the boat, in the water
and on the banks
Don’t let passengers stand or sit in the way of the tiller
Think ahead and make sure you’re lined up for bridge and lock entrances
well in advance
Slow down almost to a stop and carry out all your manoeuvres as slowly as possible.
Stop short of where you want to moor with your boat straight and in deep water.
Move forward very slowly, pointing the front of the boat towards the bank, then
use reverse to stop the boat just before the front hits the bank. Put the engine
into neutral.
On rivers, you should always moor with the front of your boat facing upstream
or into a very strong wind. So, if you're heading downstream, you'll need to
pass the mooring and turn your boat around. Allow for the fact that the water
level may rise or fall by as much as 3ft (1m). If it's a tidal river, you should
always moor facing the tide - and avoid mooring to the bank overnight.
Your crew should step ashore - not jump. They can either carry the ropes with
them - making sure there's plenty of slack and that one end is fixed to the
boat - or you can pass them the ropes once they're on land.
To keep your boat secure, you need to tie it to the bank with a rope from both
the front and the back. On rivers, you should fix your upstream rope first.
Many mooring sites have bollards or rings to tie up to - choose ones a short
distance beyond the front and the back of your boat. Run your ropes at about
45º from your boat, loop them back onto the boat and tie securely, but
not too tightly.
To stop your boat moving backwards and forwards in flowing water, you can use
'springs' - see below right.
If there aren't any bollards or rings, use your mooring stakes, but check the
stability of the bank and watch out for signs of underground pipes or cables
before you start hammering. Knock them in to about half their length and make
sure they're firm. Mark them with a piece of light-coloured cloth or a white
carrier bag so that walkers can see them clearly, and don't tie your ropes across
the towpath.
Leave a little slack in your ropes - that's especially important on tidal waterways
or rivers. If the ropes are too tight and the water level drops, your boat could
be left hanging from the bank.
Remember that your anchor should be used if you need added security
or extra help in a strong stream or tide - and you should still use mooring
ropes.
Safety tips
Make sure you know how to use your ropes properly. Keep them coiled, free of
knots - and don’t drop them in the water.
Three useful knots
Locking hitch
Round turn and two half hitches Quick release clove hitch
Can I moor here?
Use signposted visitor moorings wherever possible, and always moor to the towpath
if you can. Double-check that you’re not a hazard to other boats or to
people using the bank. Leave room for other boats to tie up too. On rivers,
only use authorised sites - most riverbanks are private property.
Don’t moor:
In lock entrances or in lock flights
Near swing or lift bridges
Near weirs
Near sharp bends
By blind spots
In or opposite turning points
At junctions
To the bank on a tidal river - you might find yourself hanging from the ropes
when the tide goes out!
In stretches marked out for an angling match
And try to stay 50 feet (15m) away from established angling spots
There's no mystery to using locks - just a series of step-by-step tasks. Know
the procedure, take your time and you'll be on your way with no problem.
A lock is simply a chamber with gates at either end. By emptying or filling
that chamber with water, your boat can move up or down onto a new section of
the waterway.
Although there are many different kinds of locks, they all work on a similar
principle. With the lock gates closed, you open sluices (the paddles) to let
the water in or out. When the water level under your boat is the same as the
level you're moving to, you simply move in or out of the lock.
Some locks you operate yourself and others are operated by lock-keepers. Check
your particular waterway for details. Always obey specific lock
instructions and local information.
Special safety tips
Take your time - and keep an eye out for problems
Always have a competent person on board while the boat's in the lock
Keep your boat well away from the gates and cills
Boats tend to bang about when water flows in and out of a lock - stay alert
Watch out for slippery surfaces when you're pushing the gates open
Work out some clear signals so that the crew and skipper can communicate quickly
- a sign that means "close all the paddles", for example
Working the paddle gear
Paddle gear can be either hydraulic or rack and pinion. On the rack and pinion
type, remember to engage the safety catch before winding up the paddles. This
stops the gears from slipping down. When you've finished winding the paddles
up, check the safety catch is in position and then take off your windlass.
With one crew member at the helm and one at the paddles, you wind the paddle
gear up and down using a windlass or lock key. You should always wind them bit-by-bit
— and keep an eye on the effect of the moving water on your boat.
Always wind the paddles back down - if you let them drop, they could break.
To release the safety catch, wind the paddle up a little further, take the strain
with the windlass, then remove the safety catch and wind the paddle down the
other way.
Special safety tips
Only use a windlass that fits the spindle snugly
Keep a firm grip and don't let go - if the safety catch slips, the windlass
could fly off at high speed
Keep fingers, hair and clothing away from the gears
Always use the safety catch
Navigating unmanned locks
Going uphill
As you approach the lock, send one of your crew to check whether it's full
of water or empty. If it's empty, they can open the gates and you can steer
straight in. Check that the paddles on the far gate are closed before you do,
though - see Working the paddle gear on the previous page.
If it's full, moor up at least 60 ft (18m) back from the lock to avoid being
swept about by the strong currents when the lock's emptied.
Empty the lock by slowly raising the paddles on the gates nearest to you. Then,
open those gates and steer in. Close the gates behind you and lower the paddles.
Open the paddles on the gate at the front of the boat a little at a time to
fill the lock. Keep your boat steady using your engine or with front and back
ropes looped around the bollards - but don't tie up. Take a look at Floating
freely?
When it's full, open the gates and take your boat out. Lower the paddles -
and close the gates behind - unless a boat coming towards you wants to use the
lock.
If the gates don't open or close easily, wait till the water level's absolutely
equal. If there's still a problem, close the gates and paddles, check for trapped
debris and remove it with your boat-hook.
Most broad locks also have ground paddles alongside the gates.
In this sort of lock, you must use the ground paddles first to partly fill the
lock. Wait till the gate paddles are under water before you open them, or you
will swamp your boat. To stop your boat from banging about, loop ropes round
the lockside bollards before you start to fill the lock.
This is what can happen if you open the gate paddles too soon
Going downhill
Check that the far gates and paddles are closed and then fill the lock - if
it's not already full - by opening the paddles at the end nearest to you. When
the lock's full, open the gate and steer in. Close the gates behind you, keeping
the back of your boat well clear of the cill on the top gates - cills stick
out by up to 5ft (1.5m) and you can only see them when the lock's emptying.
Lower the paddles.
Open the paddles in front to empty the lock, using your engine or ropes to keep
the boat as still as possible.
When the water levels are equal, open the bottom gates and take the boat out.
Close the gates and lower the paddles before you move on, unless a boat coming
from the opposite direction wants to use the lock.
Sharing a lock - saving water
Always share a lock if you can. And, if the lock's set against you, check for
boats coming from the other direction. The lock will be ready for them to use
and it'll save unnecessary emptying and filling.
It's sometimes possible to get two short boats end-to-end in a narrow lock,
but check that you both have enough room to avoid the cill and gates. The heavier
boat should always go in first, so that the water flow doesn't pull it into
the lighter boat.
In broad locks, boats should be kept to the side with ropes looped round the
bollards. Open the two paddles equal amounts, at the same time - and slowly.
Floating freely?
As the water level rises or falls, keep a continual check on your boat.
Is your rudder caught on the cill?
Close the bottom gate paddles to stop the water falling further. Slowly open
the top gate paddles to refill the lock. Check for damage
Is the front of your boat caught on the top gate?
Close the top gate paddles to stop the lock filling. Open the bottom gate paddles
to allow the water level to fall
Is the side of your boat caught against the lock wall?
Refill the lock and check for damage
Are your ropes snarled or too tight to let your boat move down freely?
Slacken them off if you can. If not, refill the lock
If you're sharing the lock with another boat, is there a safe distance between
you?
Use ropes looped round the bollards to keep you in position
If someone falls into the lock, act quickly. If there's no lock-keeper to take
charge:
Close all paddles
Throw a lifeline or lifebuoy
Stop the engine and keep the boat still
If there's no ladder - or the person can't climb - you may need to fill the
lock SLOWLY to bring them up to your level.
Manned locks
Many waterways have manned locks, operated by a lock-keeper. Always follow
the lock-keeper's instructions. You can operate some of these yourself out-of-hours,
but check local information for details.
On some waterways - the Thames, for example - you must switch your engine off
in the lock, and use ropes to control your boat.
If the lock has traffic light signals, remember that amber means proceed with
care, but can also mean a manned lock is on user-operation.
Guillotine locks
You'll find guillotine locks on the East Anglian waterways. They have steel
or wooden pointing gates - also known as mitre doors - at one end, and vertical
guillotine gates at the other end. Some are electrically-operated and others
are wound up and down by hand.
When you've finished using the lock, always leave the pointing doors closed
and the vertical gate raised, secured and locked, unless directed otherwise.
Use your fenders to stop your boat getting caught on the safety chains that
run alongside the lock.
Gates open?
Go into the lock slowly and moor up. Make sure the guillotine gate, pointing
doors and paddles (if there are any) are closed.
Depending on which way you're going, open the paddles in the pointing doors
or lift the guillotine gate a few centimetres slowly.
If the water flows in or out of the lock too quickly, close the gate and start
again.
The crew in charge of the mooring lines should keep the ropes taut as water
levels change.
When the water levels are equal, open the pointing doors or guillotine gate
fully - depending on which way you're headed.
Close the paddles in the doors before you leave.
Gates closed?
Moor up at the landing stage and check that all doors, gates and paddles are
closed.
Fill the lock slowly. When the levels are equal, open the doors or gate fully,
steer into the lock and follow the procedure above.
Staircase locks
Sometimes, you'll find two, three, four or even five locks joined in a staircase.
That means the bottom gates of one lock are also the top gates of the next,
and water from one lock fills the lock below. You need to prepare all the locks
before you start through the staircase.
Never empty a lock unless the one below it is already empty. But bear in mind
that locks should never be completely empty - the lowest water level should
still be deep enough to float your boat. Some staircase locks have markers to
show you the level. Once you've prepared the locks, make sure all the paddles
are fully closed.
If the water level isn't right, you could get stuck on the cill between the
locks. If you do, just make sure the paddles below the boat are closed and slowly
let the water into the lock using the ground paddles only.
Stumped by the staircase?
If you're going uphill, the bottom lock should be empty and the rest should
be full. If you're going downhill, the top lock should be full, the others should
be empty.
You'll come across a whole range of bridges on your travels. Some are fixed
and some need to be moved out of the way to let your boat pass. Get information
on what sorts of bridge to expect on your journey from the navigation authority
or by reading a local waterway guide.
Remember that many bridges have low headroom. Weather conditions upstream have
an effect on river water levels - a three foot headroom today might reduce to
one foot tomorrow.
Bridges can be narrow too, which means river water tends to speed up as you
get nearer. This can draw your boat towards the bridge, so stay alert.
Swing and lift bridges
Well before you reach the bridge, land your crew with the windlass or key.
If it's a traffic bridge, check that the road's clear and close the warning
barriers if there are any. Don't forget to open the barriers once the bridge
is back in place.
Manual swing bridges
Let your crew off well before the bridge - it's easier then to get the boat
lined up correctly. Unhook the retaining chain and give the bridge a good -
but controlled - shove. You might need to slow the swing down to stop the bridge
bouncing back across the canal.
When the boat's through, push the bridge firmly into place and put the retaining
chain back on.
Manual lift bridges
Pull the chain hanging from the balance arm. When the bridge is open, sit an
adult on the arm to keep it raised until the boat's clear.
Gently lower the bridge by the chain, taking care not to let it drop.
Mechanised bridges
Mechanised bridges are either opened using the windlass, or are powered and
need a navigation authority facilities key. Always follow the instructions.
With some swing and lift bridges, you can't move the traffic barriers until
you've unlocked the control box. And you can't move the barriers back again
until the bridge is back in its original position.
Windlass-operated bridges need to be unlocked first, but you must make sure
you lock them again before cars are allowed back over.
Some modern bridges use wedges to stop them bouncing when cars drive over.
You should find instructions at the bridge on how to release them. Always make
sure they're back in place, though, or traffic will damage the bridge mechanism.
Bridge trouble?
If a bridge breaks down, don't try to force it. Call the local navigation office
for help. There should be a phone number on the bridge instructions. If not,
call the local navigation authority office.
Safety tips
Don't try to take your boat through until the bridge is fully open
and secure (they can stick at the wrong moment)
Take care with clearance under lift and fixed bridges - keep everyone off the
roof and the front of the boat - stay in the centre of the channel
Only use a windlass that fits the spindle. Keep a firm grip and don't let go
- if the ratchet slips, the windlass could fly off at high speed
Watch out for slippery surfaces when you're pushing swing bridges
Tunnels can be narrow with only room for one-way traffic, or they can be wide
enough for two boats to pass. Check for instructions, entry times or traffic
lights at the tunnel entrance.
Switch on your headlight, navigation lights and some interior lights. Whoever's
steering should also have a waterproof torch. If it's a one-way tunnel, make
sure there's no boat inside. And if you have to wait your turn, stay well clear
of the entrance.
It can be damp in there, so put on your waterproofs.
As you go in, sound one long blast on your horn. Now steer by looking at one
side of the tunnel only and keep to a moderate speed. Move the tiller or wheel
as little as possible - it's a common illusion to feel the boat's being pulled
to the side. Watch out for the changing profile, though - tunnels are rarely
straight.
Keep at least two minutes (at normal cruising speed) or about 30ft (160m) away
from any boat in front of you. If it's two-way traffic, keep a look-out for
oncoming boats and pass slowly on the right.
Special safety tips
Keep your crew and passengers inside the profile of the boat in tunnels and
aqueducts
Make sure you have enough fuel to get you through
If you break down in a tunnel, switch off the engine
Don't smoke or use cookers and heaters. Turn off the gas except
pilot lights
Help the steerer by stopping inside lights from shining on the back of the
boat
Now we've shown you the safe way to do all the main boating things, we'd like
to say a bit more about accidents.
Tranquil waterways, beautiful scenery, fresh air. Boating on our canals and
rivers is a real pleasure - and, most of the time, there's no safer way to travel.
Accidents and injuries are rare, but every year a few people do get hurt - usually
through inexperience or not paying attention. By looking at the accidents people
have had on boats over the past few years, we've found that they fit into a
relatively small number of catergories - see the symbols at the front of the
book. This part of the booklet tells you about these so that you can avoid the
same misfortune.
Don't let small children move around the boat unsupervised. Always know where
they are.
Wherever you are - home, work or on a waterway - the most common accidents are
slips, trips and falls. But when you fall off a boat or from the waterside,
those accidents can be more serious.
Apart from the risk of drowning, you could be dragged or fall into a moving
propeller. You could hit your head, or be crushed between your boat and another
object. There's also a slight risk of infection from the water itself.
Boats and watersides are littered with bollards, rings, ropes and holes. Surfaces
can be uneven or slippery, particularly in wet weather or early morning dew.
So you need to keep your eyes open - and slow down.
Many falls happen during mooring - simply because people aren't sure of the
procedure.
What causes falls?
Trips over ropes, mooring stakes and so on - especially when left untidy
Walking on narrow decks on boats that tend to rock
Jumping off or stepping off in a dangerous place
Slipping on a wet deck
Moving about the boat or waterside at night
Too much to drink
Safety essentials
Watch out for collisions - and if you are going to bump, warn your crew and
passengers
Always use the grab rail
Keep your boat tidy
Don't jump off the boat when mooring
Wear non-slip deck-shoes
Take extra care on towpaths at night. Always use a torch
Don't leave the helm when the engine's running. If someone falls into the water,
they could be injured by a moving propeller. And don't leave the keys in the
ignition unattended.
Should I wear a lifejacket?
Children and non-swimmers should wear lifejackets whenever they're on deck.
And that applies to everyone if you're negotiating strong streams or currents
or if the decks are slippery.
Of course, it's always safer to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy garment - but
check conditions and use your judgement.
True stories
Eyes in the back of your head?
Eleven-year-old Sam was lucky to escape with a broken arm when he fell onto
the deck of a boat as it passed through a lock.
While the rest of his family - relatively experienced holiday boaters - were
busy with the 60ft narrowboat, Sam ran along the lockside, tripped over a bollard
and fell over the edge. Luckily, the lock-keeper was on hand to rescue him.
Collisions - with other boats, banks, bridges or other structures - are another
common cause of injury. The impact can lead to falls, both onto the deck and
into the water. And for people working in the galley, there's a risk of scalds
or burns.
What causes collisions?
Lack of boat-handling skill or experience
Taking your eyes off the waterway
Cruising too fast
Safety essentials
Make sure you know the size of your boat and the dimensions of the waterway
you're cruising on
Check headroom for bridges. Remember bridge shapes vary and water levels rise
Watch out for cross-winds
Be ready for strong flows at locks, weirs and places where water is taken in
or out of the waterway
Sound your horn as you approach blind bridges, bends and junctions
Look out for canoes and dinghies
Watch out for floating tree trunks and other debris
Learn the Rules of the Road
True stories
Blast it!
Neither skipper sounded the warning when a small cruiser and a family on a
first-time boating holiday met at a blind bend.
The collision sent a sunbather flying from the deck of the hire boat. The quick-thinking
helmsman stopped the propellers just in time, and the girl was rescued unharmed.
An elderly woman on the cruiser wasn't so lucky - she'd been making tea in the
galley and was badly scalded.
Waterborne diseases, including Weil's Disease (leptospirosis), are extremely
rare, but it's sensible to take a few precautions.
If you've got any cuts or scratches, keep them covered. If you fall in, take
a shower and treat cuts with antiseptic and a sterile dressing. Wash wet clothing
before you wear it again.
If you develop flu-like symptoms within two weeks, see your doctor and mention
that you fell in the water. Not all doctors will know to look for signs of Weil's
Disease, so do suggest it as a possibility.
If your boat collides with something else, you don't want to be in the way.
Don't put yourself between the boat and a bank, tunnel or bridge, or you could
end up with crushed fingers or legs - or even more serious body injuries.
What causes accidents?
Using your hands or feet to stop a collision or fend off
Not appreciating the momentum or the size of your boat
Safety essentials
Keep your body out of the way
Keep within the boat - that means not having your legs dangling over the side,
your hands over the edge or your head out of the side hatch
Keep off the roof when underway
Don't fend off with your arms, legs or a boat pole — let the fender take
the impact
Make sure anyone in the front cockpit is on the look-out for possible collisions
True stories
Helping hand - broken ankle
A couple, invited along for a canal cruise by their neighbours, were eager to
help. So, approaching a mooring, the husband leapt to the front of the boat
with the mooring rope. Seeing the boat was about to hit the bank, he instinctively
stuck out a foot to fend off. His pleasure trip ended with a broken ankle, crushed
between the boat and the bank.
Boating can involve a lot of physical exercise. Some of the work is heavy and
you'll also be using unfamiliar techniques and tools. Together, the two things
can add up to strained backs and muscles, cuts or worse.
What causes operating injuries?
Overstretching yourself
Using tools or equipment incorrectly
Not paying attention to the job in hand
Safety essentials
Take things easy. Don't strain. Share the work
Let the fittest operate locks and bridges
Make sure you know how to use equipment properly
Watch out for worn paddle gear
Only use a boat-hook or pole when the boat's still
Keep fingers clear of ropes - sudden tension in the rope can trap fingers
Don't wrap ropes around any part of your body
Don't use ropes to stop the boat - use the engine
True stories
Tools that bite back
Take a lesson from this hire boat crew, coming across their first lock. One
of the helpers left the windlass on the spindle and then let go. The ratchet
slipped and spun the handle round, breaking her nose and teeth.
Rope tricks
Crushed fingers and rope burns were the painful end to a holiday for this crew
member. While holding the mooring rope around a bollard,
a sudden tug from the boat pulled the rope - and his fingers - into the bollard.
His fingers were trapped until the skipper brought the boat further in and the
rope slackened off.
Boat fires and explosions are extremely rare - probably because most people
take the same sensible precautions as they do at home. But there are a couple
of extra risks to be aware of.
The bottled gas used for cookers, fridges and heaters is heavier than air and,
if there's a leak, it'll lie in the bottom of the boat. There, it only takes
a spark to ignite.
Petrol vapour is also heavier than air. If you smell petrol strongly, follow
the gas leak drill - see Hey! I can smell gas on this page.
And lastly, you need to watch out for fumes from cooking and heating equipment
or the engine building up in the boat. Carbon monoxide is extremely poisonous.
Symptoms include headaches, tiredness, sickness and dizziness, and are often
mistaken for flu.
What causes accidents?
Dangerous equipment
Poor ventilation
Not knowing how to refuel safely
Safety essentials
Boat-owners should get their equipment serviced and checked regularly
Switch off appliances when you're not using them
Keep ventilators open and free of obstructions
Learn how to refuel safely
Always use the bilge blower before you start the engine on a petrol-
engined boat
If you're leaving a solid fuel burner alight overnight, open a window to give
you extra ventilation
Make sure you know where your fire extinguisher is - and how to use it
Safe re-fuelling of petrol-engined boats
Stop the engine
Put out all naked flames including pilot lights
Evacuate the boat
Petrol vapour is highly flammable. It's also heavy, particularly in warm weather.
Think about where it might end up. Protect cabins and cockpits by closing doors
and raising awnings
Avoid petrol spillage
Never decant petrol on board, in a lock or next to another boat
Re-fuel outboard tanks ashore, well away from the boat
True stories
Breathe easy!
A sunny autumn weekend? Perfect weather for a day's cruising. But when the
night turned chilly, this boating couple blocked off the draughty ventilators
and lit the gas central heating. When their friends came back from the pub,
they found the couple unconscious from carbon monoxide poisoning. Had they stayed
for a last drink, the result would have been far worse than severe headaches.
Hey! I can smell gas!
Turn off the gas isolation valve and open windows, hatches or doors to ventilate
the area as much as possible. Turn the engine off, and put out naked flames,
cookers, pilot lights and cigarettes. Evacuate the boat if possible.
Don't switch anything electrical on or off, including lights and the bilge
pump, until you're sure the gas has dispersed.
Find the problem and get it put right before you turn the gas on again.
Fire!
Act quickly - fire spreads rapidly! Alert everyone on board to move to a safe
location and evacuate if possible. Call the fire service if you can.
A fire blanket is designed for use on cooker fires and the fire extinguishers
for other fires. Use these to help you escape or to fight a fire if you feel
competent. Make sure the equipment is maintained in good condition and ready
for use at all times.
If the fire's in the engine space, don't open the main access - the air will
only feed the fire. Some boats have a fixed fire extinguisher in the engine
space, which is activated automatically or with a manual control outside the
compartment. Failing this, you might be able to discharge a fire extinguisher
through a small opening in the engine access.
If someone's clothes are alight, quickly lie them face down so that the flames
rise away from their face. Smother the flames with a blanket or wet jacket,
laid away from their face.
Further reading for boat-owners
Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Safety Awareness Campaign Go Boating Stay Safe! A
silent threat - Carbon Monoxide
BSS Standards Booklets
There's little that's more peaceful than cruising a stretch of quiet waterway.
But in a very few urban areas, things aren't as laid-back as they should be.
Some gangs of youths think of the waterway as their own. Keep an eye out for
trouble-makers.
The main problems to watch for are missiles being thrown from banks or bridges,
and theft.
How to avoid problems
Watch out for vandals throwing missiles at tunnel entrances and exits, or dropping
objects from bridges
Keep a low profile to avoid confrontation
Don't moor where there could be a risk
Know your location in case you need to call for help
Have a cheap camera and a mobile phone to hand
Keep valuables out of sight
True stories
Thugs with too much bottle
A gang of teenagers, fooling around on the canal towpath, asked a passing boater
to give them a ride. When the skipper turned them down, they turned nasty. Ten
minutes later, they were back - this time waiting on a bridge, armed with bricks
and bottles. The crafty boater scared them off by taking photos of them from
a safe distance.
Though boating accidents are few and far between, many of them happen in locks.
Moving through a lock is perhaps the trickiest part of boating. There's a lot
to think about at once and a whole series of tasks to carry out.
Practically all the safety tips we've come across so far apply here. But you
also need to be extra alert. If your boat gets caught up, it could come crashing
down into the lock.
There's more guidance on how to use locks in 'locks'.
What causes accidents in locks?
Not paying attention
Rushing the procedures
Safety essentials
Make sure the boat's level and free. It should be away from the sill, not caught
on a gate or projection and the ropes should be able to run freely
Use the paddles (sluices) gradually
Check that your crew have got their part of the task right
Watch out for 'helpful' bystanders - their mistakes could land you in trouble
Always have a steerer on the boat in locks
True stories
Stay alert - stay afloat
They were experienced hirers, well-used to using locks, but while the crew
opened the paddles to let out the water, the helmsman went inside the boat to
put the kettle on.
The front of the boat caught on the lock gate and the back of the boat continued
to float down - the crew didn't notice until it was too late. As the water level
dropped, the front of the boat crashed down, flooded and sank. Though badly
shocked, the helmsman wasn't injured. The canal, though, had to be closed and
a crane hired to raise the boat.
Most canals are calm and smooth-flowing, but rivers can catch you out with strong
streams or currents. Handling a boat in fast-flowing water takes special skill
and good judgement. What's more, the usual risks are magnified - a current makes
collisions more likely, for example, and can make it harder to recover a person
overboard.
What causes accidents?
Inexperience
Taking on too much of a challenge
Safety essentials
Don't cruise in strong stream conditions - tie up securely, watch for changes
in water level and adjust your mooring ropes as necessary
Make sure your boat has enough power to cope with the strength of the stream
or tide
Have a good anchor and chain ready for use
Steer clear of weirs
Boating with an experienced skipper is the best way to gain experience
Look out for big commercial boats and prepare to give way
True stories
Ignoring warning leads to tragedy
There'd been several days of heavy rain and the river level was rising, but
this boater - out in his own fibreglass cruiser with his girlfriend - ignored
the strong stream warning signs. Instead of tying up, he tried to reach a canal
and his boat was swept sideways down the river. As it wedged against a bridge,
his girlfriend fell overboard and was swept away.
If you're venturing into a strong stream or tidal waters, make sure you're
prepared - get information on unfamiliar waterways, take advice and obey warning
signs.
On narrow canals and shallow rivers
Before you do anything else, take a breath and think. Don't panic, don't jump
in - and don't let others jump in, the water is very cold even in summer. Keep
sight of the person in the water at all times.
Turn your engine off. Don't reverse the boat - the person in the water could
be dragged into the propeller.
Throw a line or a lifebelt and tell them to try to stand up - if it's a canal
they might be able to walk out.
Steer the boat slowly to the bank and get one of your passengers to help the
person to shore.
On wider or deeper waterways
Throw a lifebelt or lifebuoy and steer your boat carefully to approach the
person in the water. Keep a constant watch to ensure your propeller is well
away from them.
Pull them to the side of the boat and help them aboard with a ladder, rope
or pole.
Be prepared
Make sure everyone on the boat knows the drill - and knows where to find the
lifeline or lifebelt. In case it's the skipper who falls overboard, the crew
should also know how to stop the propeller and steer the boat.
Practise the drill. It's better to learn it before an accident happens.
Never swim in waterways. You could:
Get tangled in weeds
Be hit by a passing boat
Get drawn into a sluice or weir
Cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous.
Don't take the risk!
Channel markers
If there's a channel you should stick to it - it'll usually be marked by buoys
or by red cans and green cones. If you're heading downstream, keep the red cans
to your right and the green cones to your left. If you're going upstream, the
red markers should be on your left and the green on your right.
Weirs
Straying out of the channel can be very dangerous - especially if you find
yourself near a weir. Watch out for the warning signs.
Overtaking
Make sure the other skipper knows what you're intending to do well before you
start to manoeuvre. They need time to slow down and to tell you on which side
to overtake - usually the left. If you're the one overtaking, it's your responsibility
to stay clear of the other boat.
Go as slowly as possible to avoid the two boats being drawn together.
Giving way
If you're approaching a bridge or narrow section, slow down. If a boat coming
in the opposite direction is closer to the bridge, wave them through and keep
right until they're well clear.
On rivers, the boat coming downstream has right of way.
Passing dredgers or works
Pass on the side that's showing the green or white light or shape - not the
side showing red. On canals, though, you may see both sides marked with red
during the day - follow the instructions given by the works crew.
Sound signals
1 blast = going to the right
2 blasts = going to the left
3 blasts = I'm trying to go backwards
4 blasts - pause - 1 blast = turning round to the right
4 blasts - pause - 2 blasts = turning round to the left
1 long blast + 2 short blasts = I can't manoeuvre
1 extra long blast = warning at tunnels and blind bends
Navigation lights
It's best not to cruise in the dark. If you do, you must get information from
the navigation authority in charge of your waterway. The rules governing navigation
lights are quite complex. As a guide, at night and in poor visibility, boats
usually show:
White lights - front and back
Green light - right side
Red light - left side
As a result, if you see:
A white light above a red one, it's likely to be a boat crossing from your right
to the left side.
White above green is likely to be a boat crossing left to right.
White above green and red means the boat is coming towards you
Unpowered boats may show a single all-round white light
Cruising at night can be dangerous. Moor up before it gets dark and avoid using
locks at night.
Speed limits
The maximum speed on narrow canals is 4mph. But if you're making waves or your
wash is hitting the bank, you're going too fast - slow down. On rivers and broad
canals, check local information before you set out and watch for speed limit
signs en route.
Don't forget that river currents can increase and decrease the speed of your
boat.
Keep your speed down when you're approaching bridges, locks, bends or junctions,
and when passing moored boats or anglers.
Caring for the environment
Please help to keep the waterways pleasant places for everyone who uses them
- and for the wildlife that depends on them.
Shut gates behind you
Keep to footpaths
Don't light fires
Respect the wildlife
And take your litter away with you
Water discharge and oily bilges
Don't pump oily water from your bilge into the waterway. Well-maintained engines
shouldn't leak oil, but check the drip tray under the engine and gearbox regularly.
Use biodegradable oils, if possible.
Avoid spilling petrol and diesel. If you do, mop it up - don't use detergents.
The toilets on your boat mustn't discharge sewage into the waterway. There
are pump-out facilities for chemical or closed toilet systems at marinas and
sanitary stations. Use the minimum amount of chemicals to avoid upsetting the
sewage treatment system. If you have a closed toilet system, you may not need
to use chemicals at all - so check your manual.
The wastewater outlet from your sink and shower is allowed to flow straight
into the waterway. But to help keep the water as healthy as possible, put your
cooking waste in the bin, use environmentally-friendly detergents and be economical
with everything you put down the sink.
Report any pollution or fly-tipping to the Environment Agency pollution hotline
on freephone 0800 80 70 60
Litter
Please don't throw any waste overboard - even apple cores take a long time
to rot. Litter can kill wildlife, and it can cause problems for other boaters
by getting tangled in their propellers. There are plenty of waste disposal points
at marinas, moorings and along the waterway.
Wildlife
When you go too fast, your waves can damage banks and sensitive plants.
If you see your wash hitting the bank, please slow down. Cut your speed and
keep your distance when passing nesting water birds too.
The non-towpath side of the canal is often especially rich in wildlife, so
take especial care not to disturb plants or animals there. Don't moor on this
side unless there are proper mooring facilities.
Respecting other waterway users
Waterways tend to be quiet, peaceful places. And they're for everyone to enjoy
- boaters, walkers, anglers, cyclists and others.
Roaring engines, unnecessary use of the horn, loud music and shouting - they
can all be a real nuisance to other people and wildlife.
Don't put your mooring stakes or ropes where people could trip over them. And
if you're passing an angler, keep to the centre of the channel unless they ask
otherwise. Reduce your wash, but keep a steady pace. Watch out for signs indicating
fishing matches in the area.
Always slow down when passing other boats.
Contacts
The Environment Agency is responsible for the River Thames, Anglian waterways
and the River Medway. Local navigation information about each of these is available
from:
Thames 0118 953 5000
Anglian 01733 371 811
Southern (Medway) 01903 832000
or the Environment Agency at
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/navigation or on 01454 624376
British Waterways is responsible for the majority of the remaining canal and
river navigations in England, Scotland and Wales.
They have a large network of local offices. Where navigation information varies
from that mentioned in this handbook, the local office publishes separate guidance.
See www.britishwaterways.co.uk or call British Waterways central customer services
on 01923 201120 for contact details. In an emergency, call the BW Helpline on
0800 47 999 47.
The Association of Inland Navigation Authorities is made up of around 24 smaller
organisations responsible for the remaining canals and rivers in Britain. Details
of these can be found on www.aina.org.uk. Or British Waterways and Environment
Agency customer services staff can help you find the right contact.
Maps and local guides
Inland Waterways of Great Britain - complete route planning and restoration
map - Waterways World on 01283 742970
Nicholson's Ordnance Survey Inland Waterways Map of Great Britain - from good
bookshops
Nicholson's Ordnance Survey Guides to the waterways - from good bookshops
GeoProjects Waterways Maps - 0118 939 3567 or e-mail geoprojects@demon.co.uk
Pearsons Canal Companions - 01283 713674
Inland Waterways Association Mail Order Service - www.shop.waterways.org.uk
or 01923 711114
Training
Boat-handling training courses: Royal Yachting Association, Inland Waters Helmsman's
Certificate. One or two-day course. Call 023 8062 7462, fax 023 8062 7417 or
e-mail motor.cruising@rya.org.uk for details of RYA recognised schools. The
Practical Course Notes for this course are available to buy. Contact your local
boat clubs too.
Boat Safety Scheme: essential for all boat owners - boat construction standards
and regular tests required by all licence-holders on British Waterways and Environment
Agency waterways. The BSS is gradually being adopted by other authorities. Call
01923 201120 for details.
Navigate with Nature: an excellent booklet to help you reduce your impact on
the environment. Available from the British Marine Industries Federation on
01784 223600.
As a passenger, you don't need to know how to steer the boat, operate a lock
or tie a rope - you can just sit back and enjoy the trip.
To avoid accidents, though, you should know the safety basics. And if there
are children on your boat, check that they understand them too.
Don't fall!
Boats and watersides are littered with bollards, rings, ropes and holes. Surfaces
can be uneven or slippery, particularly in wet weather or early morning dew.
So you need to keep your eyes open — and slow down.
Wear a lifejacket if the deck's slippery or the boat's rocking. It's recommended
that children wear a lifejacket whenever they're on deck
Always use the grab rail
Wear non-slip shoes
Don't try to jump from the boat onto the bank
Watch out for mooring ropes, bollards, holes and other hazards
Don't get squashed!
If your boat collides with something else, you don't want to be in the way.
Don't put yourself between the boat and a bank, tunnel or bridge, or you could
end up with crushed fingers or legs - or more serious body injuries.
A moving boat has the force to crush you - keep your body out of the way
Keep within the boat - that means not having your legs dangling over the side,
your hands over the edge or your head out of the hatch
Keep off the roof when underway
Don't fend off with your arms, legs or a boat pole — let the fender take
the impact
Watch out for possible collisions
Watch out for vandals!
On a few waterways - usually when they travel through cities - you just might
come across vandals throwing things from bridges and tunnel entrances
Keep a low profile to avoid confrontation
Keep valuables out of sight
Watch out for fire and fumes!
The bottled gas used for cookers, fridges and heaters is heavier than air and,
if there's a leak, it'll lie in the bottom of the boat. There, it only takes
a spark to ignite.
Watch out for exhaust fumes building up in the boat. Carbon monoxide is extremely
poisonous. Symptoms include headaches, tiredness, sickness and dizziness, and
are often mistaken for flu.
Switch off appliances when you're not using them
Keep ventilators open and free of obstructions
If you smell gas or petrol, tell someone straight away
Don't swim!
For your own safety, don't swim in waterways. You could get tangled in weeds,
be hit by a passing boat or get drawn into a sluice or weir if you're by a lock.
Cold, fast flowing water is dangerous. Don't take the risk.
Don't throw litter overboard!
Please don't throw any waste into the water - even apple cores take a long
time to rot. Litter can kill wildlife, and it can cause problems for other boaters
by getting tangled in their propellers. There are plenty of bins at marinas,
moorings and along the waterway.
Spare a thought for the environment!
Please help to keep the waterways pleasant places for everyone who uses them
- and for the wildlife that depends on them.
Shut gates behind you
Keep to footpaths
Don't light fires
Respect the wildlife
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