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National Directory of Waters

Introduction

The Scout Counties or Areas concerned have provided the information contained in this directory. If an area of water is not listed in this directory, please contact the local Scout County or Area for up to date advice.

This directory provides an indication of the classification of waters in the United Kingdom in normal conditions. It is primarily aimed at assisting Leaders and Commissioners in assessing the type of conditions that might be met by Members of the Movement moving to a new area of the country for a camp or expedition.

Access to Waters

The listing and classification of any stretch of water in this directory does not imply that Members of the Association may use the water without further permission. Many waters throughout the United Kingdom are subject to conditions relating to ownership, access, fishing, shooting and sailing rights. Members of the Association should always make careful enquiries before boating and ensuring that they do not alienate the goodwill towards the Movement that exists in many areas.

Unclassified Waters

POR Rule 9.44 (a) states that 'All waters used for Scouting activities must be classified as C, B1, B2, B3 and A in accordance with Rule 9.44 (b), except sail or motor vessels operating under the Codes of Practice for Small Commercial Vessels.' Where waters are not classified for any reason, or when carrying out water activities abroad, the Leader responsible for the activity should assess and classify the waters in accordance with the guidance given in POR Rule 9.44 (b).

Dangers and Hazards

Whilst the classification of a stretch of water is a guide to its potential difficulty or danger, it remains the responsibility of the leader in charge of the activity to make careful enquiries about the specific hazards which may exist. This directory does not list specific hazards.

Sources of Information

Local information can be invaluable but leaders should make sure that their informants are knowledgeable about the type of boating that is proposed. In coastal waters the largest scale Admiralty Chart of the area – up to date – should invariably be consulted, together with a reliable pilot book e.g. The Cruising Association Handbook or a similar publication. The British Canoe Union publishes an excellent Guide to the Waterways of the British Isles, which gives details of most inland and coastal waters from the canoeist's viewpoint.

Rules of the Association

Attention is drawn to the Rules of the Association concerning water activities, and in particular to POR Rule 9.76 and to the safety Rules for Joint Adventurous Activities. Guidance is available on the operation of Joint Activities with members of Girlguiding UK in the Factsheet FS120007 Safety Rules for Joint Activities available from the Scout Information Centre.

Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids

These must be worn in accordance with POR Rule 9.43 and the Factsheet FS120603 Water Safety (Incorporating lifejackets and buoyancy aids).

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are use:
BCU British Canoe Union
HWM High Water Mark
ICF International Canoe Federation
LWM Low Water Mark
MR Map Reference
OS Ordnance Survey
OST Ordinary Spring Tides
RYA Royal Yachting Association