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Thames Code for Personal Water Craft

    Thames Code for Personal Water Craft

    Our top tips for safely enjoying the use of personal water craft -- e.g. jet skis -- in permitted areas of the tidal River Thames.

    Without proper training, using a personal water craft on the Thames Estuary can be dangerous. Machinery failure is the main cause of incidents, leaving users vulnerable in a potentially busy waterway. There are also risks from the effects of cold water, currents, tides and exhaustion.

    The Golden Rules:

    • Only launch, moor and land from authorised launch sites;
    • Read and observe the Port of London Authority Byelaws and rules posted at launch sites;
    • Ensure you have adequate public liability insurance and ID;
    • Register with Datatag and clearly display your “Datatag Visible ID”;
    • Carry the correct safety equipment when afloat;
    • Show consideration to other water users, particularly with your wake;
    • Consider joining a local PWC club;
    • Give ships a wide berth and always give way to larger vessels.
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