Rules of navigation
These rules of navigation are for all boaters on the River Great Ouse and its tributaries, including kayakers and canoeists.
What you must do
- Obey the rules of the navigation byelaws.
- All boats must be registered and licensed with the Environment Agency.
- Steer on the right hand side where it is safe and practical.
- Avoid turning your boat near bridges, bends and locks. Do not turn across the bows of oncoming boats - wait until it's safe.
- Keep a sharp look out at all times for any hazards, taking action when necessary. If in doubt, slow down or stop.
- Always take care when overtaking and keep clear of other boats.
- Near bridges or sharp bends, boats going upstream must give way to boats coming downstream.
Speed limits
All speed limits are indicated on the River Great Ouse and its tributaries.
A number of speed limits apply throughout the River Great Ouse navigation. The speed limits that exist on the Great Ouse vary between 4 mph (6.4 kmph) on busier sections of the river to 7 mph (11.2 kmph) elsewhere. On the tidal section of the river the speed limit is 15mph (24.1 kmph).
A new speed indication system is now in place on the Ely Ouse in an attemt to make the river a safer navigation. Two transit posts have been installed on the riverbank and serve as speed markers. When travelling between the two posts it should take at least 30 seconds or longer. If it takes less than this then you are speeding, so please reduce your travelling speed.
Other navigation tips
- Always keep a good distance from anglers on the riverbank. Avoid their tackle and create as little disturbance as possible.
- It is safer for unpowered boats to enter the lock last.
- Powered boats should slow down and maintain a steady course when approaching rowing boats, canoes, sailing boats, swimmers and sub-aqua divers.