Home History Events
Scale of Charges Clubs and Water Users 2007 Boat show

 

THE ROYAL DOCKS

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY AND USAGE

SCALE OF CHARGES

 
INTRODUCTION

The Royal Docks Management Authority Limited (‘RoDMA’) owns and manages the water areas and marine infrastructure of the Royal Docks. The 250 acres of water area comprise the Royal Victoria, Royal Albert and King George V docks, the smaller Pontoon Dock and Albert Basin, and the King George V and Gallions locks providing access to the River Thames. Infrastructure responsibilities include the locks, Impounding Station, the Bascule Bridge at the western end of the KGV lock, the Connaught road and footbridges and the plaza areas, the Sir Steve Redgrave road bridge, the Royal Victoria Dock footbridge, and the beach and Corniche area at the western end of Royal Victoria Dock.

Defined areas of the water are designated for established leisure use, with waterskiing and wet-bikes operating in the King George V Dock, rowing in the 2000 metre Royal Albert Dock, and sailing, canoeing and windsurfing in the Royal Victoria Dock. Gallions Marina operates in the Albert Basin.

ALL activities on the water are authorised by RoDMA, who control entry and passage of vessels in the Royal Docks, issue licences for short and long term authorised use of the water, and operate an ‘Events Diary’ in which the holding of events, activities, demonstrations, vessel movements, etc. on the water are co-ordinated, on a first come first served basis.

RoDMA is responsible for upholding the Byelaws for the water area and dock side walkway, which prohibit unauthorised swimming and fishing, determine levels of public behaviour, and provide regulations for the movement of vessels and other activities on the water.

INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BOOK VESSEL ENTRY AND EVENTS IN ‘EVENTS DIARY’

All enquiries for vessel entries, holding of ‘Events’ and activities in, under or over the water areas are to be made in writing, (letter, fax or e-mail) providing full details as appropriate.

Vessels:

  • Date and preferred time for entry and exit
  • Purpose of proposed vessel visit
  • Name of vessel
  • Nationality

Owner

  • Tel no
  • Fax no
  • E-mail
  • Length overall (LOA)
  • Maximum beam (width)
  • Maximum draught (depth beneath water line)
  • Air draught (maximum height above water line)
  • Height of embarkation/disembarkation point above water and distance of centre line from bow
  • Substantive evidence of full insurance cover
  • Certificate of seaworthiness
  • Shore side services required

Events and Activities on Water:

  • Description of proposed event/activity
  • Proposed date/s
  • Water area involved

Organiser of proposed event

  • Name
  • Address
  • Tel
  • Fax
  • E-mail

Following acceptance and entry in ‘Events Diary’, a full risk assessment and method statement, and substantive evidence of public and third party insurance cover will be required.

Following receipt of an enquiry RoDMA will confirm availability and issue a quotation. Upon acceptance of quotation, RoDMA will issue a Confirmation of Booking for signature. All bookings for vessel entries must be confirmed minimum 12 days before entry.

BYELAWS AND REGULATIONS

Users of the Royal Docks shall comply in all respects with the provisions of any appropriate statutes, LDDC Byelaws, Port Marine Safety Plan, regulations and conditions imposed by RoDMA.

A full copy of London Docklands Development Corporation Act 1994 Byelaws is available for inspection. The following extract is for information only.

All vessels to comply with following

  • International Regulations (as defined in the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996) apply as appropriate.
  • give 24 hours notice to RoDMA Pierhead Control of vessel’s arrival or departure.
  • supply before entry details of Master and owner of vessel.
  • provide upon entry details of tonnage of vessel, length, draught and air draught, last port of call, full insurance cover details and substantive evidence of cover being in place for full term of visit.
  • fully comply with all directions of RoDMA Water Wardens.
  • navigate with due care and caution, at a speed not exceeding 5 knots, or minimum speed commensurate with safe navigation.
  • report any collision, or vessel sunk, grounded or stranded, or rendered unsafe to navigate or giving rise to danger to other vessels or property, or parting from moorings, or loss of anchor or propeller.
  • not to make vessel fast or lie against any post, quay, pier, dock wall not assigned for the purpose
  • provide sufficient number of adequately sized fenders.
  • fend off so as to prevent damage to quays or other vessels or property.
  • keep the vessel properly and effectively moored.
  • ensure sufficient competent crew available to attend to vessel’s moorings, unmooring and moving of vessel, and to deal with any emergency.
  • not to take any steps to render vessel incapable of movement, and ensure vessel is capable of being safely moved.
  • when vessel is at a quay or attached to any mooring device, ensure engines are worked so not to cause any injury or damage to the dock bed or walls, or any other vessel or property.
  • provide if requested free access across the deck of vessel for persons or goods to and from vessels alongside.
  • not to permit use of vessel for business or residential purposes, or for the carriage of passengers for payment without consent.
  • not to deposit or discharge any sewage, effluent, bilge water or liquid waste into docks.
  • not to wash, clean, scrape or in any way repair or carry out work to a vessel, or break up or abandon a vessel.
  • flammable gas only to be carried or stored in suitably constructed receptacles.
  • taking on fuel only to be undertaken with prior approval and in accordance with prescribed conditions.
  • no person to undertake navigation whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
  • no litter, rubbish, or any toxic, noxious, polluting or offensive matter to be deposited, thrown or discharged into the water.
  • not to use vessel with internal combustion engine unless fitted with a silencer, and constructed so as to stop the emission of unreasonable smoke or visible vapour.
  • not to sound a siren, steam hooter, horn or distress signal other than for the purposes of navigation or emergency or bona fide and necessary testing.
  • not to use radio telecommunications equipment or radar without approval, to ensure the safe operation of London City Airport.
  • all vessels to be clearly marked with its name or other means of identification.

    • VESSEL ACCESS

    Bellmouth Restrictions

    • Entrance to King George V Lock from River Thames is across the run of the tide.
    • Area is subject to considerable siltation and limited water depth, details of latest survey available on request.
    • River end of KGV Bellmouth subject to turbulence when sluices lifted to lower the lock to the river, and in the lock when flooding up to the dock.
    • Vessels must not enter the Bellmouth and lie alongside the piers.

    Docking Procedure, Operating Time
  • Limited assistance is available for berthing in the lock .
  • Marine staff normally available from 0700 hours to 1630 hours on all weekdays except Bank Holidays.
  • Marine staff available at all other times only by prior arrangement., and subject to surcharge.
  • Lock operations are normally between 3 hours either side of high water during the working day, other times by arrangement.
  • Transit to mooring within the Royal Docks may, depending upon air draft, necessitate the opening of road and footbridges, operation of which is restricted between 0730 - 0930 and 1630 - 1830, Monday to Friday.
  • Transit to mooring is also restricted by the operation of the London City Airport. Vessels with an air draft not exceeding 12 metres are generally able to transit between aircraft movements. Vessels with air draft in excess of 10 metres are to seek prior permission from the Airport, and may be only able to transit when the Airport is closed to air traffic. Airport operating hours are 0630 - 2230, closed 1230 Saturday to 1230 Sunday. Vessels with an air draft in excess of 25 metres require pre authorisation.  Transit is at all times subject to air traffic activity and clearance from London City Airport, and delays may occur. RoDMA does not accept any responsibility for these or any similar delays outside their control.
  • Instructions for the use of communication, other electronic equipment and lights in the Royal Docks will be provided on request or on entry to the Docks
    •
    • Licensed vessels do not have any right to general navigation and may only proceed from lock to berth or berth to lock as authorised.

    Entry Procedure
  • Obtain prior written approval from RoDMA for entry to the Royal Docks.
  • Pre-book ETA by telephone at least 24 hours in advance with RoDMA Marine Control (tel: 020 7511 5086).
  • Check tide level at proposed time of entry, relative to draft of vessel.
  • When proceeding towards the Royal Docks, call ‘KGV Control’ on Channel 72
    •
    • Inward Bound
    • on passing Fords Dagenham
    • on approaching Margaretness
  • Outward Bound
  • on passing Blackwell Point stating ETA
  • on clearing the Thames Barrier
  • Communication to and from lockside either by whistle signals, loud hailer or preferably by VHF radio on channel 72, call sign ‘KGV Control’.
  • Take note of any signals displayed at KGV Lock and do not enter Bellmouth without instructions from Marine Control.

    • Shifting Berths
  • pre-book movement and call Marine Control 1 hour before moving to request bridge openings, or 20 minutes before getting underway if bridge opening is arranged.
    •

    Undocking Procedure
  • Apply to Marine Control at least 24 hours in advance of proposed ETD
  • Exit available only following satisfactory settlement of all outstanding accounts.
    •

    Departure Procedure
  • Pre-book at least 24 hours before ETD
  • Call Marine Control 30 minutes before leaving berth and on leaving berth to confirm departure
  • If VHF not available telephone Marine Control for locking in/out time at least 24 hours in advance and adhere strictly to time allocated.
    •

    Directions for Navigating in the Royal Docks will be given on entry.

    SCALE OF CHARGES

    Locking Charges

    Following charges apply from 1st April 2006. RoDMA reserves the right to amend these charges without notice.

    Charges will be discounted for special circumstances, or groups of vessels, or regular usage, details available on application . All enquiries to RoDMA Administrative Office.

    Related to overall length of vessel, and include for lock in and out.

     

    Vessel length overall (Metres)

    Commercial (Lock in and out)

    00-10 m

    		 £ 190
    10-15 m £ 210
    15-20 m £ 295
    20-25 m £ 395
    25-30 m £ 525
    30-35 m £ 558
    35-40 m £ 655
    40-45 m £ 705
    45-50 m £ 790
    50-55 m £ 835
    55-60 m £ 1,395
    60-65 m £ 1,530
    65-70 m £ 1,645
    70-75 m £ 1,735
    75-80 m £ 1,975
    80-85 m £ 2,160
    85-100 m £ 2,500
    100-150 m £ 3,485

    Out of Hours, Weekends, Bank Holidays

    Arrivals or departures Out-of-Hours (after 1630 hours and before 0700 hours) Mon-Fri attract additional charge of £ 340.00 per each minimum period of 4 hours.  Weekend and Bank Holiday arrivals and departures attract additional charge of £ 510.00 per each minimum period of 4 hours.

    Charges for vessels entering the Royal Docks by means other than through KGV Lock (eg. by crane or slipway) will at 50% of above scale.

    Mooring

    The commercial short term mooring rate is £12.15 per metre per week.

    Mooring charges will be discounted for special circumstances.

    No mooring charge will be made for a vessel arriving and departing the same day.

    Charges and conditions for long term/permanent mooring upon application.

    Non-Commercial Vessels

    Locking in/out and mooring charges for non-commercial vessels (non residential) will be 50% of the commercial vessel rate.

    Short Term Residential Use

    Short term (4 - 5 days) residential mooring is available in designated areas only when associated with the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, details and charges upon request.

    Residential use is not permitted in any other areas of the Docks.

    CHARGES FOR OTHER USES OF WATER AREAS

    ‘Events’

    Charges upon application and submission in writing of full details of proposed event.

    Filming

  • 1/2 day - £1,015 + VAT
  • Full Day -  £ 1645 + VAT
    •

    A licence for filming must be obtained in advance for which a charge of £ 200 is applicable.

    Application for filming on dock edge land areas should be made to the appropriate land owner, details can be supplied upon request.

     

    Advertising and Banner Displays

    Charges upon application. A licence is required for all water borne advertising and promotional displays.

    Crane Oversailing

    Licence issued on receipt of full details.  Charge £25 per week.

    Docks Works Licences

    A licence is required from RoDMA before works of any nature whatsoever are carried out in, under or over the water areas and designated RoDMA land areas. An administrative charge of £105 is payable for issue of the licence.

    Swimming/Diving

    Unauthorised swimming and recreational diving in the Royal Docks are not permitted under the byelaws. Persons in contravention of the byelaws will be liable for prosecution.

    A licence is required for any commercial diving associated with construction work to dock walls, inspections, etc. and is subject to strict application of the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 and the Approved Code of Practice. An administrative charge of £105 is payable for issue of the licence.

    Fishing

    Fishing in designated area and to recognised members of the Royal Docks Angling Association only, details of membership available upon request.

    Boat and pontoon hire charges

    The ‘RoDMA I’ work/passenger boat (up to 12 passengers), ‘Witch’ rubbish collection boat (each with crew) , ‘Graving’ barge, pontoon (9 meters x 9 metres), pontoon with scaffold tower, and gangways, are available for hire within the Royal Docks, subject to availability, charges upon request.

    King George V Lock

    Lock and lockside available for vessel repair and maintenance (afloat), loading/unloading, crane barge, etc mobilisation/demobilisation, short term commercial mooring, charges upon request.

    VALUE ADDED TAX

    All charges are subject to the addition of Value Added Tax at the appropriate rate. Services to non–recreational and pleasure vessels exceeding 15 tonnes are zero rated.

    CONTACTS

    RoDMA Administration:

    Pierhead

    King George V Lock

    Woolwich Manor Way

    London E16 2NJ

    tel: 020 7511 5086

    fax: 020 7511 0312

    e-mail: info@rodma.co.uk

    website: www.rodma.co.uk

     

    Pierhead Marine Control (Watermen)

    tel: 020 7511 5086 (0730 -1630 hours Mon -Fri)

    mobile: 07788 454841

    KGV Security tel: 020 7476 8774 (24 hours)

    STATISTICS

  • Dock Water Levels Maximum water level is 4.24 metres ODN (7.59 Chart Datum)
  • Minimum water level is 3.44 metres ODN (6.79 Chart Datum)
  • Water depth in Docks in mid channel ranges from 9 to 13 metres.
    •

    Drop to water level from dock edge when at maximum water level:

    Royal Victoria Dock:

    Along side Exhibition Centre build out:  1.30 metres

    Original dock walls: 1.90 metres

    At Corniche area, western end of Royal Victoria Dock: 0.45 metres min.

    King George V Lock Dimensions:

  • length: 243.80 metres (800 ft)
    •
    • (Gates clear 226 metres (741 ft))
    • width: 30.48 metres ( 100 ft)
    • cill depth below chart datum: 6.90 metres (22.63 ft)

    (Access to the Royal Docks is only through this lock.)

    Gallions Lock (Craft Lock), Albert Basin Dimensions

  • Length: 18.98 metres 62.30 ft
  • Width: 7.00 metres 23 ft
  • Cill depth above chart datum: 0.15 metres 0.49 ft

    • (Operated by Gallions Marina tel: 020 7476 7054)

    King George V/Royal Albert Dock cut (Airport Cut)

  • Width: 30.00 metres
    •

    Connaught Bridge Cut

  • Width: 25.07 metres
    •

    NB: THIS IS THE LIMITING DIMENSION FOR VESSELS WISHING TO ENTER THE ROYAL VICTORIA DOCK

    Air Draughts (at maximum water level)

    Bascule Bridge (closed)

  • 5.20 metres 17 ft (Bridge lifts fully open)
    •

    Connaught Road Crossing (closed)

  • 5.20 metres 17 ft (Bridge swings fully open)
    •

    Connaught Footbridge (closed)

  • 2.90 metres 9.5 ft (Bridge swings fully open)
    •

    Royal Victoria Dock footbridge (fixed)

  • 15.20 metres 50 ft
    •

    Sir Steve Redgrave road bridge (fixed)

  • 5.18 metres 17 ft

    • LIABILITY

    RoDMA does not guarantee the accuracy of the above, and shall not be liable for any delay, loss or damage directly or indirectly arising out of any inaccuracy.

    RoDMA shall not be liable for any delay, loss or damage directly or indirectly arising out of or caused or contributed to by any act of God (including for the avoidance of doubt tide levels), fire or explosion, strikes, combinations or lock-outs of any person, civil commotion, actions of war, or mechanical breakdown, and for any charges, expenses or consequential loss incurred in such circumstances.