Visitors to the Tidal Trent – TBA-Guidance for Inland Craft
A local boater once remarked that anyone visiting the tidal River Trent would be far better prepared if they simply read “Checklist 1” of this guide. “Checklist 2” is considered an added bonus.
Disclaimer
Nothing within this document, or any associated material from the Boating Association, should be interpreted as formal instruction or official navigational advice. It is shared purely as informal best practice based on the experience of local boaters familiar with the river. The safe operation of any vessel remains entirely the responsibility of the skipper.
This guide is divided into:
- Checklist 1 (before arrival)
- Checklist 2 (while on the river)
- An overview explaining the reasoning behind Checklist 1
Checklist 1 – Before Arrival
Planning Ahead
If the Trent is part of a cruising circuit, many boaters prefer travelling from north to south (Keadby towards Cromwell), which means going upstream.
Consider whether you will pause your journey at West Stockwith (accessing the Chesterfield Canal) or at Torksey (Fossdyke Canal).
Allow roughly two to three days for the passage.
Cromwell Lock moorings can become busy at weekends, so a midweek arrival is often more convenient.
Think about whether carrying a VHF radio is worthwhile, noting that training may be required.
Documentation and Information
Ensure your insurance policy covers navigation on tidal waters.
Obtain the “River Trent (Tidal) Cromwell Lock to Trent Falls” guide/chart from the Boating Association, as it contains essential information and contact details.
You may also find “Narrowboat on the Trent” (Chesterfield Canal Trust) useful as a general guide.
Information shared within the “Trentlink” Facebook group can also be helpful, including explanations of tidal behaviour and timing calculations. The group’s files and discussion sections provide additional advice.
Boat Preparation
Make sure the vessel is mechanically sound and structurally secure.
Carry suitable anchoring equipment and ensure you understand how and when it would be deployed.
Have reliable communication options such as VHF radio and/or a mobile phone, kept within easy reach.
Lifejackets and navigation lights should be considered essential. Note that tunnel lighting is not an adequate substitute.
In the Days Before Departure
Try to arrange the ‘TBA Follow Me’ through the TBA APP.
Contact the lock keeper at least 48 hours in advance and consider current river conditions and freshwater flow.
Confirm fuel levels are sufficient and that the engine is in good working order.
Check that anchors, ropes, and mooring equipment are properly secured and that crew understand their use.
Plan to arrive at the departure lock around two hours early to meet the lock keeper and any other boats joining the passage.
Checklist 2 – While on the River
Lock keepers will offer advice, but on this commercial waterway they will not normally prevent departure unless Environment Agency flood gates are closed. The final decision always rests with the skipper.
At the lock, exchange contact details with both the lock keeper and any accompanying boats, and agree how communication and formation will be managed.
When signalled into the lock, boats are typically secured fore and aft to the blue covered lines provided.
Leaving Keadby or West Stockwith, expect a slight lean as the boat meets the river current—this is normal but can surprise those unfamiliar with it.
Turbulent surface conditions are common, particularly downstream of Torksey. This does not necessarily indicate shallow water but may be more noticeable under bridges (especially at Gainsborough) and around bends. Staying away from the banks is advisable in these areas.
Follow the marked navigation line and charted course carefully. Distance markers are provided between Nottingham and Gainsborough, although none exist between Gainsborough and Keadby.
Most groundings occur when boats cut across bends rather than following the deeper channel. Stay slightly to the starboard side of the centreline where appropriate, particularly on bends known for silting.
Avoid charted obstructions and submerged islands.
Maintain a sensible cruising speed that does not strain the engine. If problems arise, seek assistance early from a buddy boat or use the anchor if necessary to avoid grounding.
If you run aground on a falling tide, act quickly to refloat if possible and avoid pushing into steep banks.
When manoeuvring near locks or moorings in strong current, it is usually best to turn and face into the flow before attempting to approach.
If stopping at Gainsborough or Dunham, inform the lock keeper if your journey will be extended. Be aware that Gainsborough pontoon may become shallow at low water and should be avoided if an Aegir is expected.
Contact lock keepers by radio or phone when approaching busy locks so arrangements can be made in advance.
Lock entrances at West Stockwith and Keadby are set directly off the main river and require careful approach due to the current.
Overview and Notes
This guidance is aimed at inland craft and crews who may not be familiar with tidal rivers, typically operating at cruising speeds of 4–6 knots.
Regardless of vessel type or experience level, all skippers are welcome to the Trentlink community. Despite rumours, the river contains no mythical hazards—only strong currents that require respect and preparation.
Explanation of Checklist 1
- Travelling north to south allows the strongest conditions to be tackled earlier and often enables a single-day passage. It also increases the likelihood of a rising tide assisting progress and may improve mooring availability at Keadby.
- Additional documents within the group help explain tidal behaviour on the Trent.
- Planning a flexible window of two to three days allows for weather, tide variation, and the possibility of travelling with other boats.
- Midweek arrival at Cromwell increases the chance of finding suitable mooring space due to weekend demand.
- VHF radio is required in some areas under ABP jurisdiction, though many visiting boaters rely on mobile phones due to limited range of handheld radios. Locals often use both.
- Insurance policies should be checked carefully, as some contain restrictions relating to tidal navigation or equipment requirements.
- The official river guide is essential for safe navigation and should not be replaced by apps alone, as electronic depth data may be inaccurate on tidal rivers.
- Additional guidebooks can provide helpful visual context but are not essential.
- Vessel condition should be treated seriously—faults that might be manageable on canals can become critical on tidal water.
- Anchoring equipment should be carried and fully understood, even if never used.
- 11–13. Lifejackets, lighting, and communication methods should be considered carefully based on conditions and crew experience.
- Travelling with another boat (“buddying”) is strongly encouraged for safety and confidence.
- Early communication with lock keepers helps confirm conditions and timing.
- Fuel planning is important due to limited availability along parts of the route.
- Anchor readiness is essential, both in equipment and crew familiarity.
- Early arrival at the lock allows time to discuss tides, river conditions, communication methods, and safety decisions.
Ultimately, responsibility for proceeding always rests with the skipper. Conditions such as high freshwater flow or strong winds may make passage unsuitable.
Finally, while the river may seem intimidating at first, most experienced boaters find that once they understand its behaviour, it becomes a manageable and enjoyable passage.