Boating through tunnels

Switch on your headlight and some interior lights. Some stern lighting will help a following boat to see you, but if it’s a single bright spot or rear navigation light, it might be confused with a headlight by the helmsman of a following boat.

It can be damp in there, so put on your waterproofs and have a waterproof torch to hand.

As you go in, sound one long blast on your horn. Now steer by looking at one side of the tunnel only and keep to a moderate speed. Move the tiller or wheel as little as possible – it’s a common illusion to feel the boat’s being pulled to the side. Watch out for the changing profile, though – tunnels are rarely straight.

Keep at least two minutes (at normal cruising speed) or about 500ft (160m) away from any boat in front of you. If it’s two-way traffic, keep a look-out for oncoming boats and pass slowly on the right.

Special tunnel safety tips

• Keep your crew and passengers inside the profile of the boat in tunnels and aqueducts
• Make sure you have enough fuel to get you through
• If you break down in a tunnel, switch off the engine
• Don’t smoke or use cookers and heaters. Turn off the gas except pilot lights
• Help the captain by stopping inside lights from shining on the back of the boat
• Wear a lifejacket, especially if you are boating single handed.

Canoes and other small unpowered boats

For your own safety, you should think very carefully before deciding to navigate through a tunnel.  These are our criteria for permitting canoes and other small unpowered boats to pass through a tunnel:

• The tunnel is less than 400 metres long, and there are good sight lines through the tunnel
• The tunnel is between 400 and 650 metres long, and there are good site lines, AND a single way traffic system is in place
• We don’t allow passage through other tunnels unless it’s part of a managed event which we have given permission for
• Exceptions may be made on the basis of local risk assessments taking account of factors such as potential smoke and fumes, existence of towpath/grab chains etc

Download a list of tunnels open to small unpowered boats.  

Stay safe in your canoe

• Make sure your craft is suitable for the waterway you are using and that you are competent to use it
• Larger craft need deeper water and room to manoeuvre, so keep to the side of the channel in a place where the helmsman can see you
• In tunnels, you must use a forward facing bright light (such as a head torch). Travel through in groups of at least three
• You must wear a personal flotation device with attached whistle, and be water confident
• Locks, weirs and sluices require great care. Don’t stay on board your craft in a filling or emptying lock – carry it around or if it’s too heavy, use lines to keep control