::Click Here to go back to the main boating safety & guidance page::
::Throughout the guide you will see symbolic images: please click here for an image key::

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.

~ - ~ - ~ - ~

Slow down almost to a stop and carry out all your manoeuvres as slowly as possible. Stop short of where you want to moor with your boat straight and in deep water. Move forward very slowly, pointing the front of the boat towards the bank, then use reverse to stop the boat just before the front hits the bank. Put the engine into neutral. On rivers, you should always moor with the front of your boat facing upstream or into a very strong wind. So, if you're heading downstream, you'll need to pass the mooring and turn your boat around. Allow for the fact that the water level may rise or fall by as much as 3ft (1m). If it's a tidal river, you should always moor facing the tide - and avoid mooring to the bank overnight.

Your crew should step ashore - not jump. They can either carry the ropes with them - making sure there's plenty of slack and that one end is fixed to the boat - or you can pass them the ropes once they're on land.