What you must do, the Medway speed limit, and fishing from a boat.
What you must do
- Register your boat
- Obey the general rules of navigation and any local byelaws.
- Don't damage banks and bankside vegetation, waterweed and gravel beds.
- Avoid dragging equipment over rock slab and boulders.
- Do not disturb birds and other wildlife you find along the river. Avoid areas used by wintering wildlife, nesting birds and spawning fish in the appropriate season. Stop your activity if you are clearly disturbing wildlife.
- Do not land on gravel shoals and islands between 1 April and 31 July.
- Do not trespass on private banks or moorings.
- Never throw rubbish into the river or leave it on the banks.
- Moor sensibly without causing obstruction.
- Please be as quiet as possible. Have respect for other river users and avoid spoiling the enjoyment of others.
- Be friendly and polite to local residents.
- Follow the Countryside Code have regard for others' property.
Speed limit
There is a speed limit of 5 knots on the Medway navigation.
Fishing from a boat
You cannot fish from a powered boat on the River Medway, only a non-powered boat.
To fish from a boat you will need:
- a valid rod licence
- a valid boat licence
- permission from the owner or tenant of the fishing rights
Do not fish from a boat underneath power cables.
