Boats In London Thames?

Question

hi i was just wondering can anyone sail their boat in the London Thames, do you have to get some kind of permit? if so where can you obtain one.

thanks

Answer 1

Tidal Thames is controlled by the Port of London Authority and non tidal by the Environment Agency.

You will need a permit from the EA and permission from the port authority.

Answer 2

The Thames is a water highway, to which you have free access.

Answer 3

You can sail / motor your boat there, but you have to obey rules.  There are rules for boating just as there are rules for driving a car.  If you intend to take a boat out you might want to learn those rules and know a little about such things as channel markers, who has right of way, radio operation, etc.

Answer 4

I'm sure anyone can do it, as long as you abide by the boating ... 'rules' ... There are police boats on the Thames, to keep everyone in check. You may need certain permission (depending on the kind of boat) to pass through certain things - like the Thames flood barrier ... Good luck!

Edit - Sorry by boating rules I mean things like giving way to larger boats, not sailing too close to other vessels or parliament. Anyway, Have fun :)

Answer 5

There are two parts to the Thames. The tidal part down to the sea, and the non-tidal part above the locks.

The tidal part you can sail on as though it was the sea (follow the rules, be safe).

The non-tidal part (Reading, Oxford, Henley etc.) will need an inland waters license before you can put a boat onto the water.