Lights at Night

Lights at Night

PLA Notice to Mariners
To take effect from January 2001 on the River Thames

Vessels under Oars

Persons in charge of vessels navigating under oars are reminded that compliance with the Rule 25 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea is mandatory on the tidal Thames.

Therefore rowing vessels and canoes under 7 metres in length should, as a minimum, have at hand a torch or lantern capable of exhibiting a white light in sufficient time to prevent collision.

In practice, in areas where such vessels may be numerous, vessels under oars can only comply with the above requirement by displaying a continuous white light visible over an arc of 360 degrees (an all-round white light). In certain vessels two lights, one forward and one aft, may be required to ensure visibility throughout 360 degrees.

Coaching Boats

Power Driven Boats used for coaching should, as a minimum, display an all-round white light and port and starboard navigation lights.

The enforcement of these regulations has the support of the Amateur Rowing Association.

- Rear Admiral AB Richardson CB,
Chief Harbour Master,
Port of London Authority.