London Boaters

We adapted our old 12-volt strip light unit to instead use an array of 12-volt LEDs, to benefit from considerably lower power consumption and more importantly never needing to buy or replace a bulb ever again! As an electronics hobbyist who is not a professional but who already does their own boat DC electrics, projects like this are totally achievable but are still best left to someone who has a proficiency and understanding of 12-volt electrics. MAINS ELECTRICS IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MATTER AND SHOULD NEVER BE INTERFERED WITH EXCEPT BY A PROFESSIONAL!

Do you have a solid fuel stove? When did you last sweep your flue or check your burner? There were two bad fires on boats last winter - both boats completely burned out. The cause has not been specified BUT it does tend to be burners that cause fires on boats. If you haven't swept your flue this winter - do it now. Signs that your flue needs sweeping - no draw, smokey fire, glass gets dirty quickly, fire is more smelly than usual. If you burn mostly wood you should be sweeping every few weeks at the very least. Useful links below (please add any more useful links if you find them).

Copied from the London Boaters facebook group's pinned post, here are some more useful contacts, regulations and information about boating in London.

EMERGENCIES

In an emergency dial 999 (i.e. crime in progress) for non-urgent or after event 101. You can add to crime incident map below: Crime incidents or accidents or any other similar incidents anywhere on canal or towpath should ALSO be reported to CRT using this form CRT safety-near-miss-reporting-form

King's Cross/Granary Sq area - for their private security dial 0207 664 5700 and ask for 'control'

To get help for a boater in need, call the Waterways Chaplaincy 07717813682

If a boat is listing badly or in danger of sinking contact CRT: 0303 040 4040 during office hours or 0800 47 999 47 out of hours, give the boat name, number and location. They will contact the owner. Try and fix the problem if you can, but if you can’t at least call CRT

FREE REMOVAL OF ANY WASTE ELECTRICAL ITEMS as long as they are difficult to handle or bulky

In the London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Hackney, Islington, Waltham Forest: https://www.clearabee.co.uk/free-weee-kerbside-service/

The London Boaters BOATING SERVICES DIRECTORY

has a list of tradesmen, with many BSS examiners, Marine Surveyors, Gas Fitters, Electricians etc - it is kept up-to-date by the tradesmen themselves. Please consult that list for these services.

IF YOU FIND AN OILY/INJURED/SICK WATERBIRD

Call 01932 240790 for The Swan Sanctuary or 03001234999 for rspca emergency.

As always, try to remain calm and think things through in an emergency.
1 - Never leave your boat in gear and step off, even for a second, she's faster than you think and will run away.
2 - Never voluntarily go in the water fully clothed, chances are, no one is THAT good of a swimmer.
3 - Keep your ropes in good order, don't let them trail in the water
4 - Never ever swim up to the business end of any boat that is in gear. The prop will pull you, catch you, mangle you.(see point 2)