Give way to towing boats

I have a fairly simple request that I hope your readers would keep in mind now the busy season is upon us—Please give way to towing vessels, asks Louise Moore, of the Roving Canal Traders Association.

Myself, and a growing number of business boaters tow a butty, and like everyone else Roving Traders (and others who tow) are out and about this season. Sadly most trips now have at least one incident of panic or aggression directed at us—and this is becoming an increasingly common experience to those with a butty.

Give way

Although it is a by-law to give way to towing craft, we appreciate that for many meeting a pair is an uncommon experience and many do not notice the butty until we are upon them as they are not expecting it—whilst others refuse to give way regardless (but those are the exception thankfully).

So please remember these simple points if you would:

a) When you are in excess of 100ft long and nth tonnes in weight there is no way to stop quickly, make sudden changes in direction—and reverse is not an option. Trying any of these results in the butty jackknifing across the cut and most probably into your path.

b) Please don't race us to a Bridge 'Ole - If there isn't manoeuvring room on the other side.... well see point A

c) If the space looks tight and even if you have the offside please give way as..... well see point A

d) Please bear with us if it is windy or a gust unexpectedly catches us, if you think it is hard with one boat then two is even harder—but in return most of us try not to be out towing if the wind is up.

e) If you hear two blasts of a horn when a boat is coming toward you, they are trying to warn you of something. Slow down a little to give you time to assess the situation. If you see the steerer holding a hand up palm forward they need you to stay where you are, or they may point for you to pass on the other side. They are not trying to be awkward, but trying to avoid point A.

f) And finally (which applies to all boaters) if you want to overtake us we will watch the front for you and let you past when we can safely move over by waving you on. Don't pass too fast as you will draw the water from under the butty and suck it over to you and slow us all down.

Let's all have a happy boating summer!