Always stay within the main river channel and follow all directional arrows. If you stray from the marked channel (e.g. up backwaters or weir streams) you risk running aground and damaging the boat.

Keep to the right hand side of the river whenever it is safe and practical.

Near bridges or sharp bends, boats going upstream must give way to boats coming downstream

Remember even when you have right of way it remains your responsibility to avoid collision.

Always respect the river speed limit of 8kph (about 5mph) over the bed of the river.

Avoid turning your boat near bridges, bends and locks.

Do not turn across the bows of oncoming boats; wait until it is safe.

Always take care when overtaking and keep clear of other boats.

Keep a sharp look out at all times for any hazards, taking action when necessary. If in doubt, slow down or STOP.

Respect warning signs. It is dangerous and illegal to interfere with weir gates and sluices. In an emergency call 999.

Obey River Thames short stay mooring requirements, you can download a helpful fact sheet for more information www.environment-agency.gov.uk/thamesmoorings

Hire boats should not navigate between the hours of sunset and sunrise without permission from the hire boat operator and only if fitted with the correct navigation lights. AV Boats Ltd does not allow navigation after sunset.

During busy periods there is normally Lock Keeper on duty, as you approach the lock check the manning boards, if you see a white board showing “LOCK KEEPER ON DUTY” the lock keeper will call each boat into the lock and he or she will indicate with a gesture to which side you should go.

If you need assistance from the lock keeper, make sure you are on his/her side of the lock.

Please do not let anyone put their hands out of the boat in the lock as fingers can get caught around ropes and squashed between the lock sides and the boat.

Give clear instructions to your crew and make sure that you have turned off the engine key once you are safely moored up.

Listen to any instructions from the lock keeper. Drive slowly, take your time and if necessary just hold on to the chain while you wait for the lock keeper to take the ropes. Make sure your passengers stay seated as they will destabilise the boat if they all stand up at once or on one side of the boat.

If you approach the lock and see a blue board showing “SELF SERVICE” this indicates that the Lock Keeper is unavailable and you will need to operate the lock yourself; therefore secure the boat to the approach moorings and go to the lock side, adjacent to the head and tail gates there is a green control bollard, follow the operating instruction depending whether you are going up or down stream.

We love dogs and well behaved pets are welcome on board but, they are not ideal boating companions! If you would nonetheless like your dog to ride with you, please tell us when booking and you will note a charge of £20 is required

A larger dog must count as one of your party in terms of boat capacity.

Do please ensure that your dog does not scratch the inside of the boat and that any mess arising is cleared up when you disembark.

It is strictly forbidden to allow your dog to swim from the boat. A wet dog will muddy the boat so please do not allow your dog to swim from the bank and then come back on board.