What are the rules on jetskis on the Thames?

[Somewhatfoolish]

I'm about to move flat from central london to greenwich millenium villiage (next to the dome more or less) and it so happens I'll be a couple of hundred yards from the yacht club there, which has just given me an idea. It ought, in theory, be possible to commute by Jetski to the city (I can certainly commute by the catemeran from the QEII pier). Commuting by Jetski REALLY appeals. So what do I need to research about this? Is it even legal to take one on the Thames?

[Plotloss]

I've been looking for this info as well as we're considering buying a couple of the three man ones for summer fun.

I've never seen one on the Thames so assume they're not allowed.

[Somewhatfoolish]

Just occurred to me that both my parents are in livery companies so I can join the freedom of city of london thing (which they're both also in) if I want to (without any merit myself ), if that makes a difference as well...

[eharding]

Somewhatfoolish said:

Just occurred to me that both my parents are in livery companies so I can join the freedom of city of london thing (which they're both also in) if I want to (without any merit myself ), if that makes a difference as well...

Depends on the particular Guild I think.

As I recall, the Honourable Guild of PistonHeaders are exempt from all vehicular, aviation and maritime regulations within a circle of radius 10 nautical miles of Parliament Square, provided that within the previous seven days the Guild Member has exercised the right to herd a flock of Welsh sheep across Hammersmith Bridge, with priority over other traffic (with, obviously, standard quadrantal rules applying), during the hours between official Dusk and official Dawn in any month that that starts with 'J', provided that said sheep are taken thence to a place of Curry or Kebab consumption, cooked, and then served either on Pilau Rice, or between a Pitta Bread.

Picky, I know, but don't blame me. I didn't write the charter.

[Somewhatfoolish]

This is when you tell me you're in number eighty one?

[B16JUS]

i was under the impression that no PWC were aloud any further up than the bridge, even the docks only allow stand up PWC's in them.

[Rower]

The speed limit on the Thames above Tower Bridge would not be suitable for Jet Ski's plus the amount of Raw Sewerage that our dear friends at Thames Water pump into the river at Kew would not make it a very healthy option either I'm afraid !

Rower

[Moose.]

Didn't Clarkson take a jet boat up the Thames in one of TG's races? Not sure how far he went but I seem to recall there was a speed limit after a certain point. Perhaps a boat might be a better option anyway to avoid getting sprayed in sewage

[B16JUS]

another thing is where would you keep the ski or boat whilst at work a lot of the moorings and piers charge to be used

J

[madmatt1985]

yacht club dont look to kindly on jetski's. a small motor boat would be the better option. yes there is a 5 knot speed limit somewhere around chelsea area and heading west there after

[Munter]

Quite clearly what you need is a small 1 person sub. Then th river police wouldn't even know what speed you were doing. Although one suspects MI6 and their sort may well notice....

[Somewhatfoolish]

how disappointing