Tower Bridge Lower Moorings are positioned in the centre of the river between Hermitage Entrance and St. Saviours Dock. The buoys at the extremities of this tier exhibit quick flashing amber lights.
The embarkation and disembarkation point(s) on vessels moored at this tier are normally placed on the southern side and frequent movements of passenger and service vessels are likely in the area between the tier and Butler’s Wharf.
When a vessel is secured to these moorings, therefore, large vessels and tugs with tows should not normally use the channel to the south of the tier and the following procedures are to be complied with:
1. All Reporting Vessels, as defined in General Directions, shall use the channel to the north of the moorings for both their inward and outward passages.
2. A vessel navigating against the tide shall, when approaching the area, ease her speed and prepare to stop to avoid risk of collision with any vessel navigating with the tide.
3. All non-Reporting Vessels (including passenger boats up to 40 metres in length) shall, so far as is practicable, use the channel to the north of the moorings for their inward passage and the channel to the south of the moorings for their outward passage. But they should navigate with extreme caution when passing through this area and,
(a) when navigating to the north of the moorings, avoid impeding the passage of a ‘Reporting Vessel’;
(b) when navigating to the south of the moorings, proceed at minimum speed;
(c) so far as is safe and practicable, avoid overtaking another vessel while in this area.
Latest information regarding navigation in the vicinity of the moorings may be obtained from London VTS on VHF Channel 14.
