Tidal Thames Advisory Speed Limit

[Chris_d]

Have to agree with others here, any speed limit seems to be for private craft only, our presense is merely tolerated.

I've seen a few city types blasting around in sports sports, so I can see why some of the boatmen have the attitude they do, private boats are just there having fun and they are trying to earn living.

 

[bradtarga34]

We've seen the Clippers go past on numerous occasions and blasted past them on the way to Greenwich but I am always impressed by how little wash they create despite how quickly they go. Most of the the other pleasure boats are a different matter though. I can't really find any places apart from Wandsworth to Chelsea bridge where you can really whang it without bouncing anything, even then with a grubby bottom I can only get to about 36 knots before slowing down before the bridge and the pier and houseboats beyond. I think as always it is a case of being aware of where you are and the wash you are kicking out. Our wash at the advisory limit would be way more than 36-40 knots, but given that you are in the middle of London probably not the best idea, given the **** in the river and the 'ducks' in the river. In the end, I would hope that common sense prevails...

 

[Rich_S]

This has been mentioned in another post......

Public meeting about River Thames
10-May-10

A public meeting to discuss current and future matters about the tidal Thames will take place on Wednesday 19 May. It will start at 6.30pm onboard the ship HQS Wellington, which is moored at Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, WC2.

The meeting is an opportunity to put questions and ideas about the River direct to senior managers at the Port of London Authority (PLA).

PLA chief executive, Richard Everitt will host the meeting with chief harbour master, David Snelson. They will be happy to answer questions about the tidal Thames, including safety, use of the river, and PLA operations.

PLA chief executive Richard Everitt said:

"This meeting will interest people who care about the River which runs through our capital city. From safety through to leisure and recreational issues and use of the river to carry more cargo: this is an opportunity to discuss our work and for us to listen to people’s concerns and ideas."

Anyone interested in the tidal Thames today and tomorrow is welcome to attend the meeting. The nearest tube station is Temple, which is immediately opposite HQS Wellington.

More information from: Martin Garside, Port of London Authority, Tel: 01474 562366.



Not sure I can attend and even if I did I'm not great at public speaking :-(

Rich

 

[No Regrets]

What is there to discuss?

The river is a wapping (pun) great stretch of water, controlled by nature, which is used by various groups, each thinking they own it.

Idiots misuse it, to their own cost, while others choose to commit suicide by jumping from bridges.

Little will change the outcome though.

 

[Wavey]

Just thought I'd bump this to ask if Notice to Mariners 12 of 2009 is the most up to date with regard to speeds on the tidal Thames?

Also what's the current limit below Cherry Garden Pier?

It's a bit of a nightmare trying to get a definitive answer as what speed is allowed where. Google throws up some really old stuff which is very misleading.

 

[Dave_Seager]

NTM 12 is listed in the Current Port-Wide Notices list on the PLA web site. There is no specific limit below Cherry Garden Pier apart from some specific locations.

Incidentally, we were in London a few weeks ago and rode a Clipper up and downstream between Woolwich and Westminster. I was tracking progress on my 'phone with GPS and they definitely kept under 12 knots above Cherry Garden Pier. If felt very slow after the downstream section.

 

[thames cruiser]

I believe the police and the RIBS use Ch 10. Grandpa Byron will confirm.
I got caught in the cross wash from 2 of the RIBS shortly after they acquired them. Called them on 10 and gave them a right royal rowlocking. No apology and clearly no different behaviour.
You just try going past the police pier at Wapping with anything of a wash and see how quickly they complain!

It's a bit of a giggle that the 12knot (advisory) limit expires at Cherry Garden Pier, and THEN you pass the Police pier! Surely there can't be any signicance in that fact? ;-)