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To make using the canals of Britain safe and enjoyable we advice you to follow the guidance that we have for you in this section.

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When you are setting off on your boat you should have already done the engine checks which are necessary on your boat which includes checking the weed hatch for anything around the boats prop.

Once you are ready to go start the engine and keep it in neutral until you're ready to leave the bank and start your cruise. Untie all mooring ropes which you have got secured to the bank/another boat but leave the ropes tied to the bank and coiled so they are ready to use in an instant if you need them. Whilst untieing the ropes make sure they can't trail in the water while your cruising as they may well get caught in the propeller. (When untieing your boat it is important to remember that you should untie the downstream ropes first. Make sure that if your using mooring pins/hooks that you stow them with the mallet (if used) so that they can't be losted).

Once you have untied the boat from the bank, push your boat away from the bank so you can make a clean get away, with your propeller in deep water. - If the water is shallow we advice you to push the back of the boat out, then reverse away from the bank until there is enough room to straighten up.

When you have got your boat straight, put it into the forward gear and accelerate gently to the usual cruising speed of 4mph. - Make sure whilst you are cruising that you remember that the Inland Waterways of Britain are 'drive on the right' waterways however due to the canals being shallow at the edges in practice you will drive in teh centre of a canal unless you have to pass a boat coming towards you.

You should also remember that you should slow down when passing anglers or moored boats to avoid disturbing them.

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