F.A.Q's

Q. Where does the water go?

A. Due to gravity water will always find its lowest point. The Thames like all rivers rises, or starts in the higher ground where the water is collected from the rain or underground springs. More small springs, ditches, tributary rivers all add to the river as it continues downhill, so the river gets bigger and wider the further it goes down. In the case of the Thames the river continues its journey when it reaches London and finally the English Channel.

Q. Why do we have Locks & Weirs?

A. The simple answer is that they are the easiest way of keeping a relatively accurate control of water levels, while allowing boats to navigate further up and down the River. They do this by 'damming' off sections of water with controllable weirs while putting a Pound Lock near to these weirs so boats can travel up and down the 'steps' that are created. The weirs hold back the section of water above them to such a degree that larger and deeper draughted boats can safely travel, even when there is a potential drought.

Q. Can I put my boat on the Thames and just go boating?

A. No. There are a couple of provisions you must have, whether bringing a boat by trailer or coming on to the Thames from adjoining waterways. These are that you must have a licence, either a 'Visitors' or a full annual Thames Licence. These can be purchased from the main Reading Office or if coming from another Navigation, a Visitors licence can be obtained from the entry Locks themselves (more info. Go to Registration). All boats must be constructed and equipped in accordance with the necessary Boat Safety requirements (see Boat Safety Scheme).

Q. Is the River safe?

A. The River is always safe as long as everyone is sensible. That means the usual things: keeping a watch on children, not acting irresponsible or in a manor that can harm yourself or any other river user, wearing and carrying the correct equipment for you and most of all, taking note of any instruction given, either by sign or lock-keeper.

Mostly the River quietly flows downstream with a hardly noticeable flow, but on occasion, although more likely in the winter, floods can be a problem. If this occurs, warning boards are put out at each lock. These are Yellow Caution Stream Increasing/decreasing at which all un-powered craft are advised to moor up until the stream abates and all powered boats are advised to seek safe mooring when the 'Increasing' section is shown. When the boards say 'Decreasing' these powered vessels may proceed with caution. When the large Red Caution Strong Stream warning

Q. Why is there speed limit?

A. Anyone who travels on the Inland waterways of Britain realises what a joy it is to simply 'potter' along taking in all the magnificent views and wonderful wildlife of the water and banks. If boats sped along without thought imagine what would happen not only to the nesting birds, ducks etc but also the banks would soon wash away, so a nice walking pace is more than adequate. Also there is the safety aspects, boats although fairly manoeuvrable are not so responsive as, for example cars, so at any speed at all accidents and possible injury would be inevitable. So an 8 klms per hour maximum speed has been set.

Q. How long is the River Thames?

A. The River stretches 215 miles from west to east, more specifically the navigable non-tidal Thames runs for 124 miles.

Q. Why do you have switch your engines off in Thames Locks?

A. There are 2 main reasons, the first being that, especially on very busy day, it is the Lock-keepers duty to give clear and precise instruction to boaters regarding position and safety. This would be impossible to do, because of the noise, with a lock full of boats all with their engines on. Secondly, the larger locks can hold a great many boats and the lock chamber would soon fill up with most unpleasant diesel and petrol fumes.

Q. Are all the Locks Electric-hydraulic?

A. No, there are several traditional push beam locks, notably the 10 above Oxford from Kings Lock to St.Johns Lock.

Q. Can I fish anywhere on the Thames?

A. Fishing is generally regulated by the Landowners or designated fishing clubs, although there are many areas of 'free' fishing allowed. A National Rod Licence is necessary. A further Weir Fishing Licence is available, allowing you to fish a selected number of weirs on the Thames (see further information). Of course fishing from a stationery boat is quite acceptable as long as you don't impede navigation or fish in Lock cuts or laybys.

Q. Can I stop anywhere on the River in my boat?

A. Unfortunately you cannot simply get the pins out and moor at the bottom of a private garden, but there are many specific mooring places (see General River Information).