Help

Please Note:

The information and guidance provided in this App is given in good faith and is believed to be sufficiently accurate for normal boating activities on the non-tidal and tidal Thames, and the Wey Navigation.

However, an App is no substitute for proper and adequate training.

The skipper of any boat is responsible for ensuring that the boat is seaworthy and all necessary fuel etc is on board before starting any journey.

The skipper of any boat is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all of his or her passengers and crew.



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Advice and Guidance
PLA advice 

Letting others find you
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Getting Emergency Services or friends to within three metres

It can be difficult to give accurate location information particularly in remote areas.

  • By using ‘What3Words’ you can give anyone your location to within three metres

  • Just tap the the button below to get your three words.


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  • Emergency Services are familiar with ‘What3Words’ and can use them to pinpoint your location.

  • You can also send the three words to friends with instructions to use www.what3words.com to pinpoint where you are

  • If you regularly use stretches of the river with poor Internet, Install the What3Words app from your App Store (the app works without an Internet connection).

  • Install the what3words app if you would like to use the feature outside of River Thames Guide coverage.

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  • Subject

    You can enter your friends email address after tapping OK

    Address to which this eMail will be sent:

Tapping OK will compose this message in your device email client for you to send

No personal data is stored or processed by this app

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Man overboard
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What to do if someone falls in the river:

Do NOT jump in (even if you are a very good swimmer).

  • Shout 'Man Overboard' and sound a long blast.

  • Don your life-jacket before attempting any recovery

  • Have a crew member continue to point at the casualty as you manoeuvre the boat to a recovery position.

  • Use your MoB kit or boathook to recover the casualty.

  • Keep the recovered person warm and provide hot drinks (but no alcohol)

  • Call the emergency services and arrange to rendezvous with paramedics.

In an emergency
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Non-tidal Thames:

  • If you are NOT in imminent danger:
    • Head for your nearest Emergency Rendezvous Point
    • (Emergency RVPs can be overlaid on the map by tapping )
    • Follow the instructions in the RVP popup
  • If you ARE in imminent danger:
    • Moor at the closest point (even if not a designated Mooring)
    • Call the Emergency Services on 999 (or 112)

Tidal Thames:

  • If you are not in imminent danger:
    • Call London VTS on channel 14 OR
    • Call London VTS on 020 8855 0315
  • If you ARE in imminent danger:
    • Make a Mayday call on channel 16 OR
    • Call London/coastguard on 999 (or 112)

Wey Navigation:

  • Call Thames Lock on 01932 843 106
  • if no reply from Thames Lock call 999 (or 112)
In case of fire, sinking or serious illness
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What to do in case of fire, sinking or serious illness

  • Ensure everyone on board is on deck.
  • Bring your boat as close as possible to the river side.
  • Sound a long blast to draw the attention of other craft.
  • Call the emergency services (dial 999 on non-tidal; call VTS on channel 14 on tidal)
  • If you are in immediate danger dial 999 on non-tidal; call 'Mayday' on channel 16 on tidal)
  • Be prepared to sail to the nearest Emergency Rendezvous Point (non-tidal):
    • Open the Interactive Map on this App (Close Popup/Journeys/Interactive Map).
    • Tap Facilities/Emergency RVP
    • Locate the Emergency RVP (Rendezvous Point) nearest to your current location.
    • Tap the RVP icon to open the popup.
    • Follow the instructions in the popup
Before you go
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Enjoy but be careful...

The River Thames (non-tidal stretch) meanders through some of the most beautiful countryside in England. It is difficult to express the pleasure to be gained from sailing along any part of the river: the outer reaches of London; Hampton Court; under the M3; Reading; Maidenhead; Henley-on-Thames; Oxford; Abingdon; Shillingford; Wargrave; Marlow; Eton - to pick just a few.

BUT, any river is dangerous if no respect is shown; even in our temperate climate, immersion in the Thames can kill (from cold) in a few minutes; people drown in the Thames; locks present a tremendous hazard if not navigated sensibly; and boats usually have a large amount of flammable liquid aboard.

Treat the River Thames as you would anywhere you take your friends or family: with respect and caution.

Conditions' Warnings
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Hey Siri!

Owners of Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod, HomePod) can just say:

'Hey, Siri, River Conditions'

and have Siri read out the current condition for a given section of non-tidal Thames (a section being between any two adjacent locks).

For full details of how to set this up visit the app support site and select 'Tools'.

eMail Alerts

You can sign-up to receive email alerts whenever the conditions on a particular stretch or stretches of the non-tidal Thames change.

For full details of how to set this up visit the app support site and select 'Tools'.

Alerts by 'phone

No Internet connection? No problem, you can get the latest conditions info by phone.

Be prepared before casting off
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Preparations before sailing

  • Carry a mobile phone (no-one listens to the emergency VHF channel on the non-tidal Thames)
  • Take the one day Helmsman’s course
  • Ensure enough fuel and water on board for your trip
  • Do not store spare fuel containers in cabins or engine compartments
  • Carry a suitable number of fire extinguishers and a fire blanket near cooking facilities
  • Check your engine compartment fire extinguisher regularly (if fitted)
  • Check the weather forecast and river conditions before you set off
  • Carry a Man Overboard Kit (weighted line for throwing)
  • Verify your boat is ready for the water (fuel, mooring lines, anchor, fire suppression)

Precautions whilst sailing

  • If you smell gas or petrol: turn off everything, put out all naked flames, manoeuvre to the nearest bank, moor your vessel and evacuate – call for help
  • Do not swim in the Thames
  • Beware of strong water flows near weirs
  • Watch out for floating debris
  • Don’t use yourself or a pole to fend off from anything
  • Never wrap a rope or line around any part of your body
  • Use your engine not lines to bring your boat to a halt

Enjoy but be careful...

The River Thames (non-tidal stretch) meanders through some of the most beautiful countryside in England. It is difficult to express the pleasure to be gained from sailing along any part of the river: the outer reaches of London; Hampton Court; under the M3; Reading; Maidenhead; Henley-on-Thames; Oxford; Abingdon; Shillingford; Wargrave; Marlow; Eton - to pick just a few.

BUT, any river is dangerous if no respect is shown; even in our temperate climate, immersion in the Thames can kill (from cold) in a few minutes; people drown in the Thames; locks present a tremendous hazard if not navigated sensibly; and boats usually have a large amount of flammable liquid aboard.

Treat the River Thames as you would anywhere you take your friends or family: with respect and caution.

Navigation Aids
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  Non-tidal buoys

  Non-tidal channel markers

  Tidal Thames Bridges - Lights and Shapes

An arch closed to navigation:

An arch closed to navigation is indicated by three red discs (or 3 red lights at night) forming the points of an upside-down triangle –you must not proceed through an arch which is closed to navigation.

Bale of Straw or White Light:

A bale of straw suspended in the centre of the arch by day or a single white light by night – indicates that this arch has reduced head room.

White Special Signal Light :

White special signal light (Very Quick Flash or Isophase White 4 seconds) – indicate large vessels approaching or using the arch. You should not impede the passage of vessels transiting these arches.

Two Amber Lights Side-by-Side:

Two amber lights side by side (day or night) - indicates a main working arch usually lying within the authorised channel and ordinarily used by commercial vessels. The absence of such lights in an arch does not mean that the arch cannot be used. These non lit arches are also available for navigation by vessels of suitable draft and air draft relative to the height of tide provided it does not compromise your vessel’s safety.


  Tower Bridge Navigation

There is heavy congestion at all states of the tide near Tower Bridge, including large tugs and tows as well as passenger vessels operating between London Bridge, City, Tower, and St Katharine’s piers.

In the summer, this congestion increases as private cruisers and yachts enter or exit St Katharine’s Haven lock. This lock is operational for two hours either side of High Water.

You should navigate this area with extreme care using No. 1 (North) Arch of Tower Bridge inward bound if the way is clear to navigate. Outward bound, smaller vessels should use No. 3 (South) Arch Tower Bridge.

During the summer, large cruise ships are active in the Upper Pool. These vessels may be manoeuvring on or off Tower Bridge Upper Tier moorings (HMS Belfast) or George’s Stairs Tier. Large vessels passing from the east of Tower Bridge always approach slowly to allow the bridge to lift. They could be either bow or stern first depending on the tide. A Harbour Master’s launch, call sign “THAMES PATROL”, will be controlling traffic in these situations. You must contact “THAMES PATROL” on VHF Channel 14 if you wish to pass this area at these times. Large vessels may turn in the river above Tower Bridge when the tide is flooding in order to berth alongside HMS Belfast. This is likely to restrict the ability of smaller vessels to pass.


VHF Channels
Sound Signals
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 Make your intentions clear to other craft

  Sound signals from you (using your boat's whistle)

  • I am altering course to port: two short blasts
  • I am altering course to starboard: one short blast
  • I am turning round to port: four short blasts; pause; two short blasts
  • I am turning round to starboard: four short blasts; pause; one short blast
  • I am going astern: three short blasts
  • I am about to overtake you on your port side: two long blasts two short blasts
  • I am about to overtake you on your starboard side: two long blasts one short blast
  • I am approaching a bend or area of limited visibility: one long blast
  • I do not understand your intentions: five short, rapid blasts

  Sound signals from others

  • Two short blasts: I am altering course to port
  • One short blast: I am altering course to starboard
  • Four short blasts; pause; two short blasts: I am turning round to port
  • Four short blasts; pause; one short blast: I am turning round to starboard
  • Three short blasts: I am going astern
  • Two long blasts two short blasts: I am about to overtake you on your port side
  • Two long blasts one short blast: I am about to overtake you on your starboard side
  • One long blast: I am approaching a bend or area of limited visibility
  • Five short, rapid blasts: I do not understand your intentions
Rules for the (non-tidal) River Thames*
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  • Speed limit is 8 Km/h or 5 MPH (4.3 knots) - no speedo on board? Search your App Store for a phone-based speedo!
  • All boats must be insured and registered with the Environment Agency
  • Keep to the right when safe and practical
  • Avoid turning near bridges, bends or locks
  • Do not turn in front of oncoming traffic
  • Keep a look-out for floating debris
  • Near bridges or sharp bends boats going upstream must give way to boats coming downstream
  • Maintain a good distance from anglers and be wary of their tackle
  • Unpowered boats should enter locks last
  • Slow down and maintain a steady course when approaching non-powered boats and swimmers
  • Be mindful that oarsmen in rowing boats may not be able to see you

* as defined by the Environment Agency

Note: the summary is based on the Registration Bye-laws 1953 and Navigation Licensing and General Bye-laws 1993 (tap to view PDF on gov.uk site).

Rules for EA moorings

  • Unless signed otherwise, you may stay up to 24 hours at EA short stay moorings.
  • You may have to pay a fee at some sites, either for mooring at any time, or after an initial free period.
  • Signs will show any applicable conditions and charges. By mooring, you are agreeing to them.
  • Call 03708 506 506 if you want to pre-book a short stay mooring (only available at selected locks).
Rules for the River Thames*
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  • Speed limit is 8 knots (14 kph, 9 mph) Teddington to Lambeth Bridge - no speedo on board? Search your App Store for a phone-based speedo!
  • Speed limit is 12 knots (22 kph, 14 mph) Lambeth Bridge to Thames Barrier Control Zone - no speedo on board? Search your App Store for a phone-based speedo!
  • Speed limit is 8 knots (14 kph, 9 mph) in the Thames Barrier Control Zone - no speedo on board? Search your App Store for a phone-based speedo!
  • Display appropriate navigation lights
  • Keep to the right when safe and practical
  • Avoid turning near bridges, bends or locks
  • Do not turn in front of oncoming traffic
  • Keep a look-out for floating debris
  • Near bridges or sharp bends boats going upstream must give way to boats coming downstream
  • Do not impede the passage of large vessels which may be restricted to the central channel
  • Vessels over 13.7 m in length must carry and use a VHF radio (call London VTS on channel 14)
  • Be mindful that oarsmen in rowing boats may not be able to see you

* as defined by the Port of London Authority

VHF Channels

Tower Bridge Navigation

There is heavy congestion at all states of the tide near Tower Bridge, including large tugs and tows as well as passenger vessels operating between London Bridge, City, Tower, and St Katharine’s piers.

In the summer, this congestion increases as private cruisers and yachts enter or exit St Katharine’s Haven lock. This lock is operational for two hours either side of High Water.

You should navigate this area with extreme care using No. 1 (North) Arch of Tower Bridge inward bound if the way is clear to navigate. Outward bound, smaller vessels should use No. 3 (South) Arch Tower Bridge.

During the summer, large cruise ships are active in the Upper Pool. These vessels may be manoeuvring on or off Tower Bridge Upper Tier moorings (HMS Belfast) or George’s Stairs Tier. Large vessels passing from the east of Tower Bridge always approach slowly to allow the bridge to lift. They could be either bow or stern first depending on the tide. A Harbour Master’s launch, call sign “THAMES PATROL”, will be controlling traffic in these situations. You must contact “THAMES PATROL” on VHF Channel 14 if you wish to pass this area at these times. Large vessels may turn in the river above Tower Bridge when the tide is flooding in order to berth alongside HMS Belfast. This is likely to restrict the ability of smaller vessels to pass.


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Thames Bridges - Lights and Shapes

An arch closed to navigation:

An arch closed to navigation is indicated by three red discs (or 3 red lights at night) forming the points of an upside-down triangle –you must not proceed through an arch which is closed to navigation.

Bale of Straw or White Light:

A bale of straw suspended in the centre of the arch by day or a single white light by night – indicates that this arch has reduced head room.

White Special Signal Light :

White special signal light (Very Quick Flash or Isophase White 4 seconds) – indicate large vessels approaching or using the arch. You should not impede the passage of vessels transiting these arches.

Two Amber Lights Side-by-Side:

Two amber lights side by side (day or night) - indicates a main working arch usually lying within the authorised channel and ordinarily used by commercial vessels. The absence of such lights in an arch does not mean that the arch cannot be used. These non lit arches are also available for navigation by vessels of suitable draft and air draft relative to the height of tide provided it does not compromise your vessel’s safety.


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The correct procedures for flying an ensign on your boat
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  • All British registered vessels are permitted, and encouraged, to wear (fly) a Red Ensign.

  • Only a Royal Navy commissioned warship may wear a Union Flag (Union Jack) and then only on her jackstaff. It is illegal for any British merchant vessel to fly a Union Flag (Merchant Shipping Act, 1995; Part 1, Section 4); it is improper for a foreign vessel to fly a Union Flag (Kings's Regulations for the Navy, Section 91)

  • A Blue Ensign may only be worn by authorised skippers (it is the person not the boat that is authorised). A defaced Blue Ensign must be accompanied by the matching burgee (pennant).

  • A White Ensign may only be worn by a Royal Navy commissioned warship or a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

  • The correct Courtesy Flag for a foreign vessel in British waters is the Red Ensign - not the Union Flag.

  • When and where: an ensign is raised at 0800 in Summer and 0900 in winter (1st November to 14th February); an ensign is lowered at 2100 or Sunset whichever is earlier (Reeds Nautical Almanac Section 5.21). Note: the current Sunset is displayed each time you visit the Home page.

VHF Channels on the tidal Thames
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Channel: Used for:
0 Search and Rescue (SAR)
6,8,72,77 Ship to ship
10 maritime Safety (MSI) broadcasts
11,12,14 Port Operations
13 Inter-ship. Can be used by pleasure craft if no response on ch 16
16 Distress, Safety and Calling*
67 Small craft safety - used by coast Guard
70 Reserved for digital Selective Calling
80 Calls between UK marinas and visiting boats
M Secondary working channel
M2 Yacht Racing

*after calling switch to another channel (eg 6,8,72,77) to keep ch 16 clear

The information and guidance provided in this App is given in good faith and is believed to be sufficiently accurate for normal boating activities on the non-tidal and tidal Thames, and the Wey Navigation.

However, an App is no substitute for proper and adequate training.

The skipper of any boat is responsible for ensuring that the boat is seaworthy and all necessary fuel etc is on board before starting any journey.

The skipper of any boat is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all of his or her passengers and crew.


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Conditions by phone
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If you do not have an Internet connection, you can hear EA spoken conditions' info:

call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 and select Option 1 for river information for boaters

- when prompted enter the relevant quick dial number:

  • 415000 - upstream of St John's Lock to Radcot Lock
  • 415001 - Rushey to Godstow Lock
  • 415002 - Osney to Iffley Lock
  • 415003 - Sandford to Clifton Lock
  • 415004 - Day's to Mapledurham Lock
  • 415005 - Caversham to Shiplake Lock
  • 415006 - Marsh to Boveney Lock
  • 415007 - Romney to Bell Weir Lock
  • 415008 - Penton Hook to Chertsey Lock
  • 415009 - Shepperton to Teddington Lock
  • 415010 - River Kennet upstream of Blake's Lock
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