River Medway - using, mooring and river conditions

We issue Strong Stream Advice (SSA) to inform river users when river levels are increasing and conditions are becoming unsuitable for boating.

This service is free. You can register for the Strong Stream Advice messaging service by completing our registration form.

Once registered you will receive an automated call when SSA is issued and cancelled. This is a 24 hour service so you could receive a message at any time of the day or night. You cannot specify to only receive messages between certain times. There is also the option to receive a text message and email.

You can also sign up to receive details of restrictions and closures on the Medway Navigation. You can do this using our online form.

You must register your boat each year to use the River Medway and its moorings. Failure to register can result in a £1,000 fine and your boat being seized and auctioned on eBay.

You should also read the navigation bylaws for the Upper Medway and Southern Region.

Registrations for visiting craft and permanent moorings

You can get short term (daily, weekly and monthly) and annual certificates to register your boat from Environment Agency offices at Allington Lock and Yalding. Other outlets include:

River Medway locks including Allington Lock

There are 10 locks on the River Medway. You can operate them all yourself except for Allington Lock. Allington Lock is the most suitable for launching large boats as it has parking and a 5 metre slipway.

Before launching from the slipway to explore the Medway, you must: