Temporary licencing

[bobtooke]

Hi all, I'm a newb to here so please be gentle...
I have a small 6m cabin vessel with an outboard. Its a simple boat with no fixed gas installation but full 12v electrics and nav lighting etc. I am also equipped with RNLI recommended safety gear; fire extiguisher, flares, radio and so on.
I normally fish and cruise in the Thames estuary and the tidal reaches but hoping to venture upstream for a little r&r for up to a week.
However, not wanting to go to the expense of a full annual licence or BSS, how do I go about a temporary licence?
I've had a look on the EA website and it seems to be just a case of showing insurance, signing a declaration of safety, a fee and a registration form. This to be done at a lock.
Is it this simple or is there other things I need to do? Can I just cruise up to Richmond or Teddington and register or should I prepare some things beforehand?
Thanks in advance for responses.
Bob

 

[TrueBlue]

Pretty much as you say. Chapter and verse here:-

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/129970.aspx

Read the PDF that's in the link.

 

[oldgit]

Enjoy your trip.
Just one word or two. As a tidal man you will know how rubbish it can be out there sometimes and it is easy to assume that the further up you go, the more placid the journey will be.
Would just like to mention the tide can run extremely fast in the narrow parts of the river around the pool and some of the most uncomfortable bumpy conditions I have experienced can be in the centre of London.

 

[Aquafan]

I don't think you will be able to fish upstream of Teddington until June 16th as we are in the closed season

 

[oldgit]

I don't think you will be able to fish upstream of Teddington until June 16th as we are in the closed season

Usually when i get caught fishing in close season,speaking Polish helps a lot .

 

[byron]

Usually when i get caught fishing in close season,speaking Polish helps a lot .

Same goes if your are caught having a Swan on your BBQ. Something I hasten to add I never do anyway Cygnets are far more tender.

 

[bumperdump]

or throwing nets out across the river, and collecting the booty later, Nie Rozumiem

 

[bobtooke]

Lol thanks for the replies and advice.
I'm not particularly partial to smoked swan so no worries there.
I wasn't intending to fish either, just a slow cruise to keep the missus entertained.
Maybe I will do a bit of roach bashing later in the year though :encouragement:
I have been as far as Richmond before so I know the river can run quite fast in spots, even upstream from town. I'm also very familiar with the dangers of the shallows at low water. I have the props to prove it!
Just one or two other question to ask... how many spots to moor are there between say, Hampton Court and Windsor? Are they cheap-ish? Do I have to watch out for the appearance of local yobs?

 

[oldgit]

Just one or two other question to ask... how many spots to moor are there between say, Hampton Court and Windsor? Are they cheap-ish? Do I have to watch out for the appearance of local yobs?

They are probably all in the land of nod right now, but there is an excellent website listing all the mooring spots on the Thames inc the free ones. Usually you get 24 hours gratis mebbe a bit more when its quiet.
From my visits,there are very very few places on the Thames you need to worry about oiks.
Your main problem will be boaters cornering you and going on and on about the blisters they have from winding the lock sluices.......Sorry just been checking my crystal ball

 

[Tiddler]

Hi, and welcome to the website.

If you come upstream on the tide when the river is a bit low keep away from the sides below Richmond. No doubt you have a depth finder but it is very easy to ground there. Also think about the Richmond tidal barrier and time your arrival after it has opened or you will have to wait or be fleeced of your beer money at the lock there.

The staff at Teddington Lock are very helpful as indeed are the staff on the rest of the river. They will issue you with a licence.

Please read the BSS requirements regarding storage of petrol. Loose cans will be spotted and you might receive a polite warning regarding this.

Have a good trip and enjoy this wonderful river, it is well worth a visit and I am sure you will return once you have experienced it.

By the way, is it best to marinade swan before barbequeing it?

Kind regards.

Tiddler.