Captains Handbook | Page 38

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 38 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.