Communications on the non tidal Thames

Do you have access to the internet when cruising on the non tidal Thames

  • Total voters
    39
boatone

boatone

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 Jul 2001
Messages
12,845
Location
Just a few cables from Boulters Lock
www.tmba.org.uk
With the increasing use of mooring registration requirements I am interested in finding out how many boaters on the non tidal Thames have easy portable access to the internet when cruising the river.

Please assist by completing the poll.

Thanks.
 
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Might be nice if standard VHF CH for non tidal communications was common knowledge.
or is there already one, everywhere else CH8 appears to be the fallback.
Nobody bothering monitoring CH16 anymore ?
 
oldgit said:
Might be nice if standard VHF CH for non tidal communications was common knowledge.
or is there already one, everywhere else CH8 appears to be the fallback.
Nobody bothering monitoring CH16 anymore ?
Click to expand...

Nobody, but nobody (except Connaught....) uses VHF on the ditchy bit. I spent loadsa dosh going on the VHF course - when it was a proper training course, but nobody ever answered.
Marinas don't use VHF
Nor EA
Nor do boaters.

My kit now sits in the loft.
I can call Shoreham Airport on VHF and get a bollocking for my pains...

Likewise using a laptop is a pain, fix an aerial on the roof, power up the lappy, signon make the reservation then reverse the process.

No thanks

I'll phone TVM who gives an excellent service or if obliged (because TVM doesn't cover all moorings) - the other outfit that demands money in advance....
 
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boatone said:
With the increasing use of mooring registration requirements I am interested in finding out how many boaters on the non tidal Thames have easy portable access to the internet when cruising the river.

Please assist by completing the poll.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Only problem - ses I do not have permission to vote. Do not own smart phone, don't have laptop on board and don't have internet access. Listen on VHF occasionally.
 
I can accesss the internet on my smartphone, but coverage on the Thames can be a bit hit and miss, I have failed to get a connection at Teddington lock and even Kingston on occasions and further up the internet hides behind the hills.. Come to think of it, there are places I can't even get a TV signal. Good news for those looking to escape on our beautiful waterway, but not so great if you're expected to register with a website when you want to moor up.
 
I use laptop tethered to mobile or MiFi. Both are via 3 Mobile and I have always had a signal everywhere on the tidal and non tidal Thames as far up as Oxford.
 
What a pointless poll.

Does the OP not realise that any smartphone can access the internet, and thus any tethered tablet or computer can too?

Is this like a weird neanderthal micro-world questionnaire, and what possible reason would anybody have for requesting such information? :ambivalence:
 
Except at Bray Marina. At least not on EE in fairness. No problem anywhere else between Teddington and Oxford.
 
No Regrets said:
What a pointless poll.

Does the OP not realise that any smartphone can access the internet, and thus any tethered tablet or computer can too?

Is this like a weird neanderthal micro-world questionnaire, and what possible reason would anybody have for requesting such information? :ambivalence:
Click to expand...

Not everyone can get a signal everywhere on the Thames(I can't). Even down this way the are a number of dead spots due to covenants, conservation areas and the subsequent lack of mobile phone masts, if I want to use my mobile in my house, I have to go upstairs!
I assume that the OP is asking because not everyone is tech savvy and/or has a smartphone. Which is going to cause them a lot of grief with the new mooring arrangements which require the user to register and check in online. Even worse for those without the internet(who won't see the poll or the forum anyway).
 
No Regrets said:
What a pointless poll.

Does the OP not realise that any smartphone can access the internet, and thus any tethered tablet or computer can too?

Is this like a weird neanderthal micro-world questionnaire, and what possible reason would anybody have for requesting such information? :ambivalence:
Click to expand...


Fine words from the commodore of Bray Crusing Club, I trust they are all very proud of you.
 
Ah, does this mean I am not entitled to an opinion on a public forum?

Are you unhappy because you don't agree with my sentiments?

Sadly Chris, you appear to have nothing of worth to actually say in response, other than a little (misspelt) sarcasm. An actual answer to my questions would have sufficed :nonchalance:

It's 'Bray cruiser club' by the way, which is nothing to do with my opinions on this forum, and I'm sure their members can speak for themselves.
 
Chris_d said:
Fine words from the commodore of Bray Crusing Club, I trust they are all very proud of you.
Click to expand...

Don't mention the words 'Bray Cruising' anywhere near Teddington Lock. If misheard, locals will assume that you are referring to gentleman of a certain persuasion who gather in the wooded area, wearing little more than a backpack and speedos:disgust:
 
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