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The Tideway Code for coxes: a plain-English summary

If you row, steer or coach on the tidal Thames, the Tideway Code applies to you. Here is the short version.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

What the Tideway Code is

The Tideway Code is the code of practice for rowing and paddling on the tidal Thames, published by the Port of London Authority with the Thames Regional Rowing Council and Paddle UK. Its second edition was published in 2024. It applies to clubs based on the Tideway and to crews who visit to train or race, such as for the Tideway heads.

Key principles

  • The tidal Thames is a working river with large commercial and passenger vessels. Keep clear of them.
  • Follow the navigation rules and local circulation patterns set out in the Code.
  • The cox or steersperson is responsible for the boat's navigation.
  • Know the tide and stream before you go, and the warning systems on your stretch.
  • Be visible: lights and bright kit in poor light.

A club checklist

  • Every cox and sculler has read the current edition.
  • Visiting crews are briefed before they boat.
  • Your club's risk assessment refers to the Code.
  • Near misses on the Tideway are reported and shared.

This page is a summary. Read the Code itself, which has the detail, maps and diagrams.

How BoatLog helps

BoatLog shows every crew the club's safety flag at sign-out, records who is on the water and when they're due back, and lets anyone log a near miss straight after the outing, so Tideway lessons get shared.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: The club's go/no-go flag, set by the safety adviser and shown to every crew at sign-out.
The club's go/no-go flag, set by the safety adviser and shown to every crew at sign-out. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

What is the Tideway Code?

The code of practice for rowing and paddling on the tidal Thames, published by the Port of London Authority with the Thames Regional Rowing Council and Paddle UK.

Does the Tideway Code apply to visiting crews?

Yes. It applies to anyone rowing on the tidal Thames, including crews visiting to race or train.

Where does the tidal Thames start?

The tidal Thames runs downstream from Teddington Lock. Above Teddington the river is non-tidal and managed by the Environment Agency.

Related

Guide: What is a head race? A UK guide for rowers and clubs What a rowing head race is, how it differs from a regatta, how starts, timing and penalties work, and what clubs need to organise for one. Guide: Rowing in the dark: lights and winter outings What rowing clubs need to think about for dark mornings and evenings: lights on boats, being seen, local navigation rules and clear club policy. Guide: Near misses in rowing: what counts and why to report What counts as a near miss in rowing, why British Rowing wants near misses reported, and how to make reporting easy for every member.

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