London & The River Thames - Facts

Description:

This world-famous historic city needs little introduction. In recent years several of the old dock areas along the River Thames have been utilized as marinas. It is possible to sail all the way up the river, with the mast up, as far at Tower Bridge.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

Remember the River Thames is still used extensively for commercial traffic. From the Thames Estuary (Sea Reach No.4 Buoy) it is approximately 45NM upriver to St. Katharine Docks.  Monitor VHF Ch. 68 (‘London VTS’) as you passage upriver.

On approaching the Thames Barrier Zone contact London VTS on VHF Ch. 14 for permission to proceed. Green arrows will show you which span you should use for navigation. Do not sail through the Thames Barrier.

SKD Marina has useful pilotage notes on its website.

When transiting the river, it is important to keep a listening watch on the correct VHF channels:

Channel 69: VTS Sea Reach 4 outward until PLA limits
Channel 68: VTS Sea Reach 4 to Crayfordness
Channel 14: VTS Crayfordness to Teddington

Useful Links: 

• The Thames Recreational Users' Guide
• SKD Pilotage Notes for the River Thames
• General Directions for Navigation in the Port of London
• Port of London Passage Planning Guide
• Thames Map

Position:  

51° 29.22'N, 00° 46.42'E (river entrance)