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Channel markers
If there's a channel you should stick to it - it'll usually be marked by buoys or by red cans and green cones. If you're heading downstream, keep the red cans to your right and the green cones to your left. If you're going upstream, the red markers should be on your left and the green on your right.

Weirs
Straying out of the channel can be very dangerous - especially if you find yourself near a weir. Watch out for the warning signs.

Overtaking
Make sure the other skipper knows what you're intending to do well before you start to manoeuvre. They need time to slow down and to tell you on which side to overtake - usually the left. If you're the one overtaking, it's your responsibility to stay clear of the other boat. Go as slowly as possible to avoid the two boats being drawn together.

Giving way
If you're approaching a bridge or narrow section, slow down. If a boat coming in the opposite direction is closer to the bridge, wave them through and keep right until they're well clear. On rivers, the boat coming downstream has right of way.

Passing dredgers or works
Pass on the side that's showing the green or white light or shape - not the side showing red. On canals, though, you may see both sides marked with red during the day - follow the instructions given by the works crew.

Sound signals
1 blast = going to the right
2 blasts = going to the left
3 blasts = I'm trying to go backwards
4 blasts - pause - 1 blast = turning round to the right
4 blasts - pause - 2 blasts = turning round to the left
1 long blast + 2 short blasts = I can't manoeuvre
1 extra long blast = warning at tunnels and blind bends

Navigation lights
It's best not to cruise in the dark. 
If you do, you must get information from the navigation authority in charge of your waterway. The rules governing navigation lights are quite complex. 
As a guide, at night and in poor visibility, boats usually show: 
White lights - front and back 
Green light - right side 
Red light - left side 

As a result, if you see:

* A white light above a red one, it's likely to be a boat crossing from your right to the left side. 
* White above green is likely to be a boat crossing left to right. 
* White above green and red means the boat is coming towards you 
* Unpowered boats may show a single all-round white light 

Cruising at night can be dangerous. Moor up before it gets dark and avoid using locks at night.

Speed limits
The maximum speed on narrow canals is 4mph. 
But if you're making waves or your wash is hitting the bank, you're going too fast - slow down. On rivers and broad canals, check local information before you set out and watch for speed limit signs en route.
Don't forget that river currents can increase and decrease the speed of your boat. Keep your speed down when you're approaching bridges, locks, bends or junctions, and when passing moored boats or anglers.

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