General Rules

Navigating the Shannon River, like any waterway, requires adherence to specific rules and regulations to ensure safety and protect the environment. Here are some key rules and regulations for navigating the Shannon River:

1. Always keep to the marked channel. Boats going in opposite directions should pass each other port-to-port (left side to left side, facing forwards). Keep to the right hand side of the passage.
2. Keep a good distance from all navigation markers. Stay clear of weirs. Do not turn in close proximity to bridges and weirs (fast flowing water will greatly reduce control).
3. When overtaking, it is your duty to keep clear of the other vessels and in doing so, leave sufficient room to overtake.
4. It is an offence to exceed 5km per hour within 200m of a bridge or jetty and within 100m of a lock, harbour, moored vessel or in a canal. Reduce speed when passing swimmers, anglers and small boats. Throttle back when passing other boats.
5. When going upstream at a bridge, give way to vessels coming downstream.
6. Keep to the middle of the navigation as much as possible, unless you are passing another craft.
7. Always wear life jackets when using your dinghy. Never be in the dinghy when it is being towed by a cruiser, this is extremely dangerous. Never use a bucket to take water out of the river when the boat is moving as you could easily be pulled overboard.
8. Never cruise after dusk.
9. Never overload the dinghy
10. Do not allow any person under the influence of drink or drugs to navigate the cruiser or be allowed in the dinghy.
11. Have respect for the water! Discourage “foolery” among crew members as this could lead to tragedy.
12. Cruise with care when approaching bridges, only use the marked navigation arch. Ensure you have adequate headroom when passing under bridges.
13. Roosky and Tarmonbarry must be opened for most craft. The swing bridge at Portumna and the Lough Allen canal footbridge must be opened for all cruisers.
14. Check the head clearance on all bridges for higher airdraft cruisers and please ensure that you are driving in the outside position when passing under bridges. If there is not enough head clearance then lower the radar arch (if any) to allow sufficient head clearance. The radar arch must be lowered when passing under the Railway Bridge on the River Suck.
15. Never moor on the outside of a harbour wall, proceed to the inside(especially on the lake).
16. Never use hands or feet when trying to prevent a collision with another cruiser as this can cause serious injury.

By following these rules and regulations, you can enjoy a safe and responsible boating experience on the Shannon River while preserving its natural beauty and protecting its ecosystems.