of November 2009 the "Son of Tideway Code" has been developed by a small working group and the PLA.
There are many improvements of presentation and removals of errors and typos and quite a few changes of content the main but not all are as follows:
NTM U24 2009 (which is also known as the "Rowing Rules" and is the legal framework for effecting the Tideway Code {TC})
The new TC chart with its changes to the Crossing Zones, the new dotted line at the top and bottom of the Rowing Area, the new colours for high and low water, the new buoy shapes, buoy locations and the RHR changes in the non-rowing area etc.
The new Tideway Code 2009
What was referred to as the "navigational channel" is now called the "fairway" and the whole thing, not surprisingly, "the river"!
Para 4 page 6 Note the following:
"...if this Code of Practice does not maintain the improvement in navigation, rowing practice and ancillary matters, for example, the reporting of incidents by rowers that the PLA expects, it will not be a case of simply rescinding it. Should this attempt at a compromise fail, the next step will be a blanket implementation of the International Collision Regulations, which is likely to have a negative effect on the experience of rowing for all."
The new rule for Kew Road and rail bridges at low tide section 2.7
Basically this says if the tide is so low at Kew Rail it is better to go down river. If you insist on going up river in the down river starboard navigation lane of the fairway then it MUST be clear before you get to the Restricted Zone - that means pretty well unoccupied to give you a certainty of not obstructing down river craft before you get past the rail bridge.
If the Kew Road Bridge Surrey arch is not navigable - regardless of the RZ rule you MUST turn and go back. Do this safely and not close to the Bridge!
The yellow line at Boat Race start - p 16 and 17 is now clearly identified and the effect of this and the NTM is that the centre arch of Putney Bridge is a location (i.e. outside the rowing area) where the Right Hand Rule applies and where it is recommended to be out of the fairway if safe and practicable. Obviously, you must use your judgement as to this decision according to the circumstances, particularly at times of high usage of this arch by Class V and other big vessels.
There are changes to the Day Glo (page 34) requirement which is now less onerous
A new section on weather - Section 2.4
Your duty under law to be out of the way of big boats even if they are in "your" (rightful) part of the fairway - section 3.1
Updated incident reporting - 4.2
The yellow line at Hammersmith - p 63 has a nice photograph to show it and its purpose and an Appendix C on the Dove