Narrowboat Holidays - Rules and etiquette for the Inland Waters
- bridges and Locks
Bridges
Priority at bridges goes to the boat arriving first, but racing to the bridges is likely to cause problems and delays as you sort out the mess, you will probably boat have to stop, drifting around and loosing steerage. Better to slow down and let the other boat through if it is not clear as to who is going to arrive first.
If in doubt the boat nearest he towpath and having the deepest water should give way, or on waterways with currents priority goes to boats going upstream.
Whatever the situation signal clearly and be patient. If the bridge is on a bend obstructing the view of oncoming boats use the horn.
Asking people on the towpath if the way is clear or even putting someone ashore to find out, can also be useful.Working Locks
Locks prevent one of the best opportunities for exchanging news with other boaters and it has light-heartedly been suggested that appointing an official "boat gossip" might not be a bad move. The idea being that someone is made responsible for collecting information at locks particularly about the route ahead from oncoming boats. That said there is work to be done as well and a proficient approach is appreciated by everyone, helps keep the queues for the locks to a minimum and aids safety as well.
Be aware when approaching or waiting at locks that other Narrowboats will be wanting to use the facility themselves, so try and leave 70' spaces for them, moving forward as necessary along the mooring as the boat in front does.
Be helpful while waiting, go and stand by the lock with a windlass ready to open and close paddles at need ( under permission on the boat using the lock ), it helps speed your passage and creates a friendly atmosphere. Don't take the job over, but be there and be willing to either help or not according to the wishes of the passing boat's crew.
When using wide locks always try and share with another narrow beam boat. It makes the most of the water and halves the work. It may be sensible to get longer boats in first , or steel hulled before plastic, but there are no rules here and a matter for agreement between crews.
Travelling through a flight of wide locks "breasted" with another boat, (tied together side by side) may look a good option but probably invalidates hire boat insurance, it will not actually same much if any time either.
Before filling or emptying an empty lock in preparation for your own passage make sure there is not someone coming the other way who could use the water. At times water conservation can be important and you will make a friend. in flights of locks if a boat is coming towards you as you leave the lock leave the gates open for them , otherwise shut them. if a boat is moving towards a lock set in their favour wait for them and let them use it, even if it does mean a bit of a delay.
Having a member of crew work one lock ahead of the boat in flights, alerts other crews to your presence, helps avoid misunderstandings and generally makes the process and communications more efficient., but don't work more that one lock ahead.
Where gaps between locks( pounds) are short it is better if the lock below is filling while the upper lock is emptying, which saves water.
Unless there is reason to do otherwise close the gates and paddles after use, which helps conserve water.
Do be aware of the danger of "Cilling" and keep the boat well in front of the top cill when going down.Watch out for anything especially front fender that might catch on the gates or sides of the locks causing the boat to tilt and possibly flood as the water level changes. Side fenders can be a hazard in locks for this reason, you also run the risk of loosing them if used in locks.
Only moor between locks if there are signed mooring areas for the purpose. Otherwise you create an obstruction for other users, particularly anyone moving a "Butty" ( un-powered craft that is towed ), towed by a long rope , which will have to cross any moored craft. To which end keep aerials and other obstructions down during daylight hours.
Most lock gates will have rack and pinion mechanisms for the paddles ( though you will also find other variations).Make sure the safety catch is set before winding a paddle and don't leave winding handles on the paddles - if the mechanism slips they can fly round and hit someone, a few jaws and limbs have broken this way.
Don't jump from boat to shore or vice versa, a slip could leave you crushed between boat and lock side.
Keep at least one person at the tiller to ensure boat is positioned away from the cills and gates, which every year cause a couple of boats to sink in locks.
Keep an eye on the boat and an eye on each other. If anything goes wrong be prepared to close all paddle quickly to stop a deterioration of the situation. It is a good idea for shore crew to work in pairs, so there is always someone to watch and help at need.. Good communication between the person on the boat and the shore crew is also essential for safety. A few basic signals agreed for things like "drop all paddles" is a good idea and can help avoid problems.
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