Cowley to Blackwall Basin

[maidofsteel]

Hello Chaps

 

I am very excited as I have got a new mooring at Blackwall Basin. I have lived in Brentford for the past 6 years, which has been brilliant fun. I have just had the bottom blacked and a little paint touch up at Cowley and I should be ready to go by next weekend. My plan is to leave Saturday December 17th. Ideally I would like to arrive on the Sunday but looking at the tide time the tide appears to be conspiring against me.

 

My plan is to go around the Grand Union Paddington Arm, Regents and then out through Limehouse and then into West India to the Blackwall Basin. Even though I have been on the Thames a fair few times I have never been out through Limehouse (having lived in Brentford I managed to avoid it).

 

If anyone has any tips I would be grateful. I have no VHF radio but have been told there are special arrangements for residential canal boats. I have got my magnetic name plats for the bow. I have estimated that it will take about 10 hours. Is this about right?

 

look forward to hearing from you.

 

Best wishes

Liz

[alan_fincher]

I have no VHF radio but have been told there are special arrangements for residential canal boats.

I'm no expert, but have never heard of any such exemption.

 

I can't see why this should be the case, frankly - it would seem to defy any logic, as being "residential" hardly makes you less immune to getting into trouble.

 

To be honest, even if allowed, I don't think there is any way in the world I would consider venturing out onto the river in that direction from Limehouse without having VHF.

 

It may not be far, but you have got to get yourself out of Limehouse across to the other side, dodging all comers, then repeat it again to cross back at the other end.

 

I've not been on that stretch on a canal boat, but having done it on the trip boats, and watched Thames Clippers and tugs towing several very large barges, I think it is something not to be taken in any way lightly.

 

I'm not absolutely sure, but I think the speed restrictions that the fastest boats now have to adhere to don't apply when they are that far out. Even if they do theoretically apply, they certainly don't always stick to them!

 

Not what you want to hear, but you did ask!

[maidofsteel]

I'm no expert, but have never heard of any such exemption.

 

I can't see why this should be the case, frankly - it would seem to defy any logic, as being "residential" hardly makes you less immune to getting into trouble.

 

To be honest, even if allowed, I don't think there is any way in the world I would consider venturing out onto the river in that direction from Limehouse without having VHF.

 

It may not be far, but you have got to get yourself out of Limehouse across to the other side, dodging all comers, then repeat it again to cross back at the other end.

 

I've not been on that stretch on a canal boat, but having done it on the trip boats, and watched Thames Clippers and tugs towing several very large barges, I think it is something not to be taken in any way lightly.

 

I'm not absolutely sure, but I think the speed restrictions that the fastest boats now have to adhere to don't apply when they are that far out. Even if they do theoretically apply, they certainly don't always stick to them!

 

Not what you want to hear, but you did ask!

 

Thanks Alan

 

The exemption is if you have an escort not because the boat is residential per se. I am not mental! My boat is not only my pride and joy but also my home, containing all my personal belongings.

 

https://www.pla.co.uk/News/archived_news.cfm/flag/2/id/2621/site/news

 

"Please note it will be possible to apply to the PLA harbourmaster for an exemption for non VHF equipped boats (not just narrow boats) to be escorted by VHF compliant boats, when navigating upstream of Bow Creek.

 

 

The new rules apply to all types of craft throughout the tidal Thames between Teddington and the sea, except as noted above. However, narrow boats specifically travelling in either direction between Brentford and Teddington in west London are exempt."

[alan_fincher]

Fair enough.

 

I didn't read into your post that you intended to do it with an escort.

 

Will your escourt have excperience of that particular passage ?

[maidofsteel]

Thanks Alan

 

The exemption is if you have an escort not because the boat is residential per se. I am not mental! My boat is not only my pride and joy but also my home, containing all my personal belongings.

 

https://www.pla.co.uk/News/archived_news.cfm/flag/2/id/2621/site/news

 

"Please note it will be possible to apply to the PLA harbourmaster for an exemption for non VHF equipped boats (not just narrow boats) to be escorted by VHF compliant boats, when navigating upstream of Bow Creek.

 

 

The new rules apply to all types of craft throughout the tidal Thames between Teddington and the sea, except as noted above. However, narrow boats specifically travelling in either direction between Brentford and Teddington in west London are exempt."

 

I'm hoping so! I'm going to ask the PLA

[Keeping Up]

It sounds as though are expecting the PLA to provide you with an escort.

 

They won't do that, you have to find your own.

Edited December 6, 2011 by Keeping Up

[GUMPY]

Personally I might well be tempted to exit from Bow Locks and push the tide down the creek and then come upstream arriving at the basin entrance at high water. Much easier.......

[alan_fincher]

I'm hoping so! I'm going to ask the PLA

No,

 

Like Allan, I think this is strictly "phone a friend".

 

You can get past the requirement for having a VHF licence for the boat, or an operators licence yourself, if someone who does hold the qualification rides "shotgun" with you.

 

That might be your best bet. On a Limehouse to Brentford trip it is something I have offered to do in the past, but I don't think I'm brave enough to be out on your proposed bit of river without a very experienced hand on board.

 

Do you plan to stay put once there,or will you be venturing back out sometimes ? If that's a "yes", personally I'd get booked on a VHF course - it will make your life a lot easier in the future.

[Tim Lewis]

Personally I might well be tempted to exit from Bow Locks and push the tide down the creek and then come upstream arriving at the basin entrance at high water. Much easier.......

 

Secoded

 

Tim

[maidofsteel]

Thank you. How long do you think that will take? It sounds like a nicer route.

[Tim Lewis]

Thank you. How long do you think that will take? It sounds like a nicer route.

 

See page 12 of the St Pancras Tidal Thames Cruising guide:

 

http://www.stpancrascc.co.uk/media/system/downloads/Thames%20Cruising%20Guide.pdf

 

Tim

[David Mack]

Personally I might well be tempted to exit from Bow Locks and push the tide down the creek and then come upstream arriving at the basin entrance at high water. Much easier.......

 

Thirded.

 

Altogether easier. Bow Creek is pretty calm, and the run from there to the West India Dock entrance is a much shorter run on lumpy water than going round the Isle off Dogs from Limehouse.

 

Some pictures of a 2007 St Pancras CC - organised trip which included Bow Creek and into the West India Docks here.

 

David

[maidofsteel]

Thank you

 

Thirded.

 

Altogether easier. Bow Creek is pretty calm, and the run from there to the West India Dock entrance is a much shorter run on lumpy water than going round the Isle off Dogs from Limehouse.

 

Some pictures of a 2007 St Pancras CC - organised trip which included Bow Creek and into the West India Docks here.

 

David

 

I think I was involved in that protest but I was up at Teddington. If I remember correctly the red flags were out!

[blackrose]

I have estimated that it will take about 10 hours. Is this about right?

 

It's only around the bend from Limehouse Liz - an hour at the most I'd say. I once helped take a narrow boat from Limehouse to South Dock and it only took about 20 mins.

 

However, Idleness is right. If you want an easier passage go onto the Thames from Bow creek at slack water and you'll probably only be on the river for about 20 mins (not including Bow creek - I've no idea how long that bit takes). Also, that way you just stay on the right and exit the river on the right - you don't have to cross the river. If you entered the river at Limehouse you'd have to cross twice.

 

Must feel nice to be getting out of Brentford - especially before all that building work starts!

 

Mike

 

PS) If you're really stuck for a boat to accompany you let me know and I'll bring my handheld VHF.

 

Edit: Just realised you meant 10 hours from Cowley. Not sure about that either - Cowley to Limehouse took me about 2 weeks!

Edited December 6, 2011 by blackrose

[WJM]

Cowley to Limehouse (or Bow Locks) is a strong day's cruising. An early start and working in the dark at the end of the day, and that assumes that you are quite 'progressive' in your cruising. Depending on the tides you might be better to split it over two days. Despite the warnings that I have heard about mooring on the canal in the east of London, I spent a night on the Hertford Union last month and it was quiet and safe.

 

Getting out of Limehouse Lock is no big deal. It is quite bouncy when you get out on the river but you soon get used to it.

 

And as has been said already, exemptions aside, I think I would want a VHF radio on board. I got a handheld waterproof floating set recently. It has an excellent little emergency button. One press of this button tells the emergency services who you are and where you are, and optionally what is wrong! There is no skill and no licensing required to use this feature. I might be around that weekend if you wanted a radioman on board.

[blackrose]

When we came out of Limehouse going to South Dock the lockkeeper shouted across "Give a blast of your horn as you go out and stay out on deck, just in case the boat does go down!"

 

Not exactly the most confidence-inspiring thing to say, but probably sensible advice.

[adam1uk]

It has an excellent little emergency button. One press of this button tells the emergency services who you are and where you are, and optionally what is wrong! There is no skill and no licensing required to use this feature.

 

This is incorrect. You need a Ship Portable Radio Licence from Ofcom, and an Operator's Certificate. The details are here.

Edited December 6, 2011 by adam1uk

[blackrose]

This is incorrect. You need a Ship Portable Radio Licence from Ofcom, and an Operator's Certificate. The details are here.

 

Was he talking about DSC? In an emergency situation I don't think anyone is going to insist on a radio licence or operator's certificate to use specific emergency features.

Edited December 6, 2011 by blackrose

[adam1uk]

Was he talking about DSC? In an emergency situation I don't think anyone is going to insist on a radio licence or operator's certificate to use specific emergency features.

 

You can't have DSC without VHF, and to have VHF you need the licences.

[WJM]

I did say 'this feature'. A license is not required to operate a VHF radio IN AN EMERGENCY.

 

And yes, I am referring in my post to a handheld DSC set which has GPS built into it. Waterproof, floats and glows in the dark! A very nice thing to have clipped to your lifejacket!

[blackrose]

You can't have DSC without VHF, and to have VHF you need the licences.

 

Is that correct? I thought to use VHF you need the licences, but anyone can have one.

Edited December 6, 2011 by blackrose

[WJM]

:-)

 

A potentially useful tip for anyone trying to go down the tideway but struggling with the tide times. On my last trip I figured that I would have to leave Brentford at an absurdly early hour in the morning. So I came up with a much more civilised plan. The night before I went as far as Chiswick Pier where I overnighted for £20 and then set off the following morning at a much more acceptable hour.

[blackrose]

Thanks that's worth knowing about. Just found the website. http://www.chiswickpier.org.uk/about-us/visitor-moorings/

[maidofsteel]

It's only around the bend from Limehouse Liz - an hour at the most I'd say. I once helped take a narrow boat from Limehouse to South Dock and it only took about 20 mins.

 

However, Idleness is right. If you want an easier passage go onto the Thames from Bow creek at slack water and you'll probably only be on the river for about 20 mins (not including Bow creek - I've no idea how long that bit takes). Also, that way you just stay on the right and exit the river on the right - you don't have to cross the river. If you entered the river at Limehouse you'd have to cross twice.

 

Must feel nice to be getting out of Brentford - especially before all that building work starts!

 

Mike

 

PS) If you're really stuck for a boat to accompany you let me know and I'll bring my handheld VHF.

 

Edit: Just realised you meant 10 hours from Cowley. Not sure about that either - Cowley to Limehouse took me about 2 weeks!

 

 

Hi Mike

I was hoping it was you when I saw the name Blackrose in the email. Thanks for all the advice.

 

Do you know whether Bow Lock and West India Lock are open on a Sunday? I think I will be able to make it down in three days...

 

My plan is to start out on the Friday and get as far as possible (given the light) then moor above Bow Locks on Saturday night. Then on the Sunday (or Monday if the locks aren't manned) down Bow creek onto the Thames and into West India.

 

I have been told by the mooring guys that if I can West India Marine control they will be able to advise regarding lock timings and sort out an escort round to my berth at Blackwall Basin.

 

I will call them today to see whether they can also guide me out of Bow Creek onto the Thames. I like the idea of staying the right!

 

Are you in Windsor?

 

Best wishes

Liz

 

Cowley to Limehouse (or Bow Locks) is a strong day's cruising. An early start and working in the dark at the end of the day, and that assumes that you are quite 'progressive' in your cruising. Depending on the tides you might be better to split it over two days. Despite the warnings that I have heard about mooring on the canal in the east of London, I spent a night on the Hertford Union last month and it was quiet and safe.

 

Getting out of Limehouse Lock is no big deal. It is quite bouncy when you get out on the river but you soon get used to it.

 

And as has been said already, exemptions aside, I think I would want a VHF radio on board. I got a handheld waterproof floating set recently. It has an excellent little emergency button. One press of this button tells the emergency services who you are and where you are, and optionally what is wrong! There is no skill and no licensing required to use this feature. I might be around that weekend if you wanted a radioman on board.

 

Thank you for your advice.

As I am going to be out off the Thames I need to invest in a radio and licence. I have signed up for a course to get my licence. Where did you get your radio from it sounds ideal. Are they expensive?

[WJM]

http://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&encProdID=DB09EE62D98A27B5C8942B922E30709C&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0

 

This is the radio that I have. They sell for around £230. I am very pleased with it. A non-DSC & GPS handset can be had for c£80 but I personally think the DSC And GPS features are worth the extra cost. (The combination of DSC, which is like SMS text, and GPS positioning allow the set to have this 'Hot Button' for emergencies). There are several online shopping sites that sell them.

 

Bow and West India Locks are available seven days a week with appropriate advanced notice. Bow must be booked 24 hours in advance - 020 7517 5570. West India also 24 hours notice but weekend operation must be booked by noon Friday - 020 7517 5550.

 

Bow Locks available 2 hours either side of high tide.

 

Officially, West India 1 hour either side of high tide but I am not sure why the window is so small for a ship lock. It may be possible to get a passage at other times. If not this might force you to go out of Limehouse which has a much wider window of operation.