WATERWAY STRUCTURES
Tunnels
The tunnels do not present any particular problem but you
must respect the following rules:
it is forbidden to moor in a tunnel or in the approach
cutting. Once you are under way, do not stop.
put on your navigation lights as you go through.
turn off your gas cooker and any other flame. Smoke in
the confined space of a tunnel can be very dangerous.
in the event of a breakdown or other incident, you can
walk out of the tunnel using the footway.
note the available height and stay in the middle of the
boat as you go through.
Signs and signals
If you are sometimes tempted to sound your horn to greet
another boat, remember that on a navigable waterway
specific horn signals exist so that you can announce your
intentions. You will find these signals on the back cover;
learn to use them as they may be useful in the event of a
difficult manoeuvre or limited visibility.
On the back cover you will also find all the warning signs most
frequently seen on inland waterways. Signs indicating restrictions
or obligations are in red and black on a white background.
Signs giving information are generally blue or green. Locks
and bridges have their own special signs and lights.
Sharing the waterways
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During your cruise, you will share the waterways with many
other users. These may include commercial barges, fishermen,
sailors, bathers and riverside land owners. There is room for
everyone as long as you observe the basic rules of courtesy:
keep your distance from fishermen and slow down when
approaching them.
always pass slowly and at a good distance from moored
boats.
some banks are private so do not stop and go ashore just
anywhere.
respect speed limits. To ensure you are not going too fast,
glance at your wake, your wash must not be breaking
against the bank.
do not push ahead of a commercial barge if by doing so
you will delay it at the next lock. Remember the barge
skipper is working and his time is precious.
occasionally on rivers you will go past youngsters in
canoes, sailing boats and rowing skiffs. Stay well clear
of them as they are often quite inexperienced.