River Regulations


When boating on the River Thames:
  • the maximum speed for power driven boats upstream of Teddington is 8km per hour (approx 5 miles per hour)
  • obey the Thames navigation byelaws
  • all boats on the River Thames must be registered with the Environment Agency
  • steer on the right hand side when it is safe and practical
  • avoid turning your boat near bridges, bends and locks
  • don’t turn across the bows of oncoming boats; wait until it’s safe
  • keep a sharp look out at all times for any hazards, taking action when necessary; if in doubt, slow down or stop
  • always take care when overtaking and keep clear of other boats
  • near bridges or sharp bends, boats going upstream must give way to boats coming downstream