Navigation.

The Middle Level, apart from its flood protection role, is also the fourth largest navigation authority in the United Kingdom and is responsible for approximately 100 miles (160 kilometres) of statutory navigation and the operation of six navigation locks.

The Nene-Ouse Navigation Link forms part of the Middle Level Navigation. The Link is at present the only connection between the Great Ouse and the Main Canal Network.

During a normal summer, over 1,000 passages of the Link-Route are made by pleasure craft.

The Commissioners issue Navigation Notes, which provide navigation details for boat owners, who wish to use the system.  See Navigation documents for more information.

You can now follow the Middle Level on Twitter via @MLC1862

Anglian Pass

The MLC are pleased to advise that from the 2021/22 licencing year vessel owners are able to purchase an Anglian Pass from the EA, which when used in conjunction with the Middle Level licence will allow passage onto EA (Anglian) and Conservators of the River Cam waters – see Anglian Pass

Link to EA application form – Anglian Pass Online Application Form|Anglianwaterways(visitanglianwaterways.org)

see opposite for Anglian Pass Questions and Answers.

March Town Centre Pump Out Facilities (Sanitation Point)

The Sanitation Point at March Town Bridge is maintained by and remains the responsibility of Fenland District Council (FDC).

The Middle Level Commissioners are very pleased to be able to report that they have been working closely with FDC to identify opportunities to maintain and enhance the navigation experience through March. As part of these ongoing discussions FDC have reaffirmed their commitment to maintain the pump out facilities in the centre of town. These are currently non-operational but this week confirmation has been received that a replacement pump has been ordered, allowing for planned installation and commissioning late summer or early autumn this year.  Further information can be found on the Council’s web site, by phoning 01354 654321 or on the purple information board at the Service Block.

Navigators are still able to use the Sluice Room and the Potable Water facilities which are operational as normal. FDC apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The facilities available to navigators on a no charge basis include:

• Drinking Water
• Boat Hold Refuse Disposal
• Chemical Toilet Disposal
• Tank Wash Out

Fishing Matches

For practice and match dates for the East Midlands Winter League see the following link Leisure – Middle Level.

COVID-19 – Coronavirus Navigation Information 

There are no COVID-19 legal restrictions currently in place affecting navigation.  However the virus remains with us and care should be taken to limit, as much as is practicable, its spread.  The latest government guidance can be found at Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

When using unmanned locks, boater’s attention is drawn to good practice which will help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• Please clean down all surfaces you are likely to touch before and after use and then wash your hands.

Link to – AINA Lifting Lockdown Restrictions Guidance Table

We remain committed to providing the best service we can for navigators.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Navigation Advisory Committee (see Navigation Advisory Committee button on right for further information and contact details) have reviewed the position in relation to licences fees for Middle Level Waters which take effect from 1^st April each year.

Applications for licencing for vessels (for the period 1^st April 2023 until 31^st March 2024) can now be made.  Application forms are available on the website or from the office and payment can be made by cheque; card; in person, by phone or by completing the card payment section of the application form; or direct debit.

Designated Rural Moorings

The Middle Level Commissioners, as part of their plans to improve navigation facilities within the Middle Level system, have been informally collecting views of navigators on what they would most like to see us deliver in the next few years. This has been achieved by gathering information from many conversations the Navigation Officer has had with vessel owners. One request that has come through strongly is the provision of simple rural mooring sites where boaters can stop for a while during the day or overnight.

There are currently eight Designated Rural Moorings within the Middle Level System. These are 24 hour stay moorings where mooring is allowed without seeking prior permission. They each consist of 5 mooring posts approximately 32m in length located at the toe of watercourse. These moorings have signs adjacent to them, and consist of driven timber posts and mown bankside vegetation. They are designed to be simple and no other provision or facilities provided. You may choose to stay overnight or simply stop here for a short break before carrying on.