Tips for coastal navigation

Use manual charts as well as electronic devices

GPS devices are handy, but never rely on something electronic because these can (and do) fail, usually when you least want them to! It’s always good to have a paper chart as back-up. Highlight it in different colours, both to plan your route and to alert you to any hazards. Attach it to a clipboard and place in a clear plastic bag to stop it getting wet.

Keep warm and dry

Crew that are miserable, cold and wet are more likely to make mistakes. Plan your route so that there’s no wind to cause spray in the cockpit, and keep an eye on weather patterns so you don’t have to suddenly seek shelter. 

Practise using your anchor

Staying at marinas means many sailors don’t gain confidence in using their anchors. However this skill is a must should you ever have to anchor at sea. Remember that the anchor that came with your boat may not be sturdy enough for more than a good holding on the finest summer’s day, so look into investing in one with lots of weight and a long chain.

Carry the right equipment

Short ropes are useful when you’re at the marina. And, of course, no one wants to spend the day coiling ropes. But having a couple of long lines can get you out of a lot of trouble if you ever need to be towed. The same goes for vital equipment. Make sure you always carry a kit, complete with spare parts for your engine, torches, tape and batteries.

Don’t attempt to do too much in one day

You may love to sail, but remember that getting there is only half the fun. Visiting a port and exploring what’s on offer is as much a part of coastal cruising as the journey there. So make sure you’ve got enough time to visit the beaches and get a feel for the towns you’re sailing to.

Have the correct safety equipment

You may well be a strong swimmer, but that’s not enough to protect you in a fast-flowing river like the Thames. Lifejackets are a must, and your boat should be equipped with throwing ropes and life rings. An anchor is another must-have item as it can help to bring your boat to a stop in a tidal current should your engine fail. 

Team up

Two narrowboats are better than one in tidal waters. If you travel in tandem with another boat, there’s a back-up for each of you should something go wrong.

Dealing with floating pontoons

If your narrowboat needs to pull up at a floating pontoon, take into account both the tide and current. There’s a very real risk of losing control if you approach with a fast-flowing current. Instead, go against the current by continuing past the pontoon, then turning around and heading back.

Mooring on a tidal river

Unlike a canal, you’ll be mooring on rising and falling water levels. If you moor too tightly and the water level falls, your boat can be suspended from its ropes. To be safe, it’s best to take the advice of local lock-keepers.

Dealing with river locks

Leaving a tidal river via a lock takes careful planning. If you’re approaching with the tide, begin your approach into the lock early, and use your engine in short bursts as you enter. To enter a lock against the tide, go slightly past the lock entrance before turning in.

How to navigate through the Dock to get to Glasson Waterside & Marina 

• Yachts arriving at the River Lune No 1 buoy, a west cardinal buoy, should not proceed up to Glasson until 1 ½ hours before high water on spring tides and 1 ¼ hours before high water on neap tides. High water is the same time as at Liverpool (Gladstone).
• The port and pilot boat work on VHF Channel 69. Port personnel are normally on standby from 1 ½ hours before high water.
• Flood tides flow strongly in the River Lune. On the flood, a SE’ly current sets strongly across the outer channel when the flats are covered. The flood sets strongly SE onto Plover Scar. In Sunderland Hole, the flood sets easterly. These tides can run at 5 knots on springs. Off Glasson Dock, the tide runs strongly easterly but there is a westerly eddy close to the dock entrance.
• Masters should be aware that the channel from Plover Scar to Glasson is subject to change, and they must be prepared to vary their course from the charted channel to seek out the deepest water. In doing so, it may be necessary to cross and re-cross the training walls on the north side of the channel.
• Under normal circumstances Glasson gate is open 45 minutes before high water and closed at high water. High water at Glasson is the same as at Liverpool (Gladstone).
• The dock gate is only open on the high water nearest to noon (local time), unless prior arrangements are made with the Harbour Master or Port Office giving 48 hours notice.
• There are no safe, low water berths on the outer quay walls at Glasson, and it is not possible to anchor in the river off the dock, as it virtually dries out at low water.
• The channel is subject to change and yachts should proceed with the utmost caution at all times.
• The maximum speed for any vessel or craft entering the dock is 4 knots.
• Masters of yachts should observe the international collision regulations in the pilotage area.
• Small craft which are not confined to the fairway shall not make use of the fairway so as to cause obstruction to other vessels that can navigate only in the fairway.
• Advice should be sought from the Port Authority, before transiting the dock at neap tides, with regard to depth of water. Caution should be used during transit.
• Traffic signals are shown from the Dockhead West side as follows:

Fixed red light – no entry

Fixed green light – entrance clear

Flashing orange light – dock gate opening or closing

• Once within the commercial docks, you will see the entrance to the marina lock, virtually straight ahead. This is operated by Aquavista and opens for traffic only at around high water in daylight hours.
• It is dangerous to proceed down river any later than one hour after high water.
• You are advised to contact the Lancaster Port Commission directly for up-to-date buoy positions on 01524 751 724, or call the Harbour Master on 07910 315 606.

Hull Waterside & Marina locking procedure

• All visitors need to book a lock time in advance. Call the Hull Office on 01482 609 960 or speak directly with the lock keepers on 07789 178 501.
• The lock is operational from three hours before and after high water and, with a little preparation, you can aim to arrive when the tide is slack, making things a little easier.
• All vessels are to rig fenders on both sides and prepare lines as required. Enter the lock on the green light and go as far forward into the lock as possible or as directed by the duty lock keeper. An aft line is required initially to act as brake, then a forward line.
• Secure your lines to the lock cable risers (steel wires evenly spaced along the lock from the top to the bottom). Please do not secure to the ladders. You may use the bollards initially on arrival but you must switch to the risers before the lock cycle commences. 
• The lock keeper can be reached using Channel 80 on your VHF radio, or on 07789 178 501.
• Inbound and outbound signals

Red – do not enter

Green – proceed into the lock

Limehouse Waterside & Marina locking procedure

• All visitors are requested to pre-book a lock time in advance through the Canal and River Trust directly. 
• Vessels capable of navigating the canal system are required to hold a valid Canal and River Trust (CRT) Licence. Without a CRT Licence we will not be able to permit entry. 
• Larger vessels which are berthed in Limehouse Basin Marina do not require a CRT Licence.

Limehouse Waterside & Marina general locking requirements

• All vessels are to rig fenders on both sides and prepare lines as required. 
• Enter the lock on the green light and go as far forward into the lock as possible or as directed by the duty lock keeper. An aft line is required initially to act as brake, then a forward line. 
• Secure your lines to the lock cable risers (steel wires evenly spaced along the lock from the top to the bottom). Please do not secure to the ladders. You may use the bollards initially on arrival but you must switch to the risers before the lock cycle commences. 
• Please switch off engines if instructed by the CRT lock keepers.
• On occasions, it will be necessary to open the swing bridge to allow access to Limehouse Lock. This is dependent on tide and air draft of vessel, please follow instructions given by duty lock keeper.

Inbound to Limehouse Waterside & Marina

• Limehouse Marina maintains a listening watch on VHF Channel 80. 
• Inbound vessels should call “Limehouse Marina” when they reach Canary Wharf or from up river at Tower bridge. 
• Skippers without VHF radio should contact the duty lock keeper on 07766 774 726. Please note that due to waterfront apartments transmission may occasionally be broken.

Limehouse Traffic light system is as follows:

Red – Do not enter

Red and Green – Standby

Green – Proceed into the lock

• Skippers of vessels staying in Limehouse Marina will receive a welcome pack with details of allocated berth. 
• Craft who are transiting to Limehouse Cut or Regents Canal will receive instructions on transit through the basin. Please exit when instructed by the CRT lock keeper.

Inbound to Limehouse Waterside & Marina

• Please contact the lock keeper on Channel 80 or 07766 774 726 before leaving your berth.
• Limehouse traffic light system is as follows:

Red – Do not enter

Red and green – Standby

Green – Proceed into the lock

• Please exit lock when instructed by the CRT lock keeper. 
• Upon leaving Limehouse Lock please sound ONE LONG BLAST on your horn just before you reach the end of the lock cut. This means “I am about to enter the fairway”. 
• Please leave the lock with caution whilst maintaining an all-round look out. 
• Vessels may encounter strong currents as soon as you leave the shelter of the cut and should also be aware that – because of the blind bend just down river vessels may suddenly come up on you quickly.

The duty Lock Keeper can be contacted on 07831 466815 or 01243 511482 during the normal operational times and VHF Channel 80 for locking instructions. Locking at other times is available by prior arrangement with the lock keeper. 

Tidal gauges are located on the seaward side of the channel to Birdham Pool Waterside & Marina and on the Channel Piles. These indicate the height of the water on the lock sill. 

The channel is approximately 9m in width and has adjacent mud banks on both sides. Follow line of posts leaving them 4 metres to starboard. 

Lock landline: 01243 511482 Lock Mobile:   07831 466815 VHF Channel:  80 (Call Sign - Birdham Pool Marina) 

Lock Times 2022 

• 1ST JAN 2022 – 26TH MAR.  07:00 – 18:00.  7 DAYS 
• 27TH MAR 2022 – 29TH OCT.  06:00 – 22:00.  7 DAYS 
• 30TH OCT 2022 – 31ST DEC.  07:00 – 18:00.  7 DAYS 
• CLOSED 25TH AND 26TH DECEMBER 

Please radio VHF Channel 80 or telephone 023 9252 3523 for berthing instructions before entering the marina. 

Portsmouth Harbour regulations 

Mariners are advised that The Queen’s Harbour Master (QHM), Portsmouth, controls all shipping movements within the Port and has made a General Direction under the Dockyard of Portsmouth Order 2005. 

In particular, users of the Harbour should be aware of the ‘Small Ships Channel’ on the western side of the entrance and all vessels under 20 metres must use this as they enter and exit the Harbour. Permission must also be obtained from QHM control if you wish to cross the Harbour to and from Gunwharf Quays and The Camber Dock. 

Users of the Harbour should make themselves fully aware of the contents of the order and copies are available from the Bridgehead Office. 

Contact QHM on VHF Channel 11 or 13, Tel 023 9272 3124