
When boats pass under bridges, there are a number of safety procedures that must be followed. For example, the crew should be let off the boat before the bridge, and the retaining chain should be unhooked. The prepositions 'under' and 'below' are often used interchangeably to describe the movement of boats in relation to bridges. However, some argue that 'below' is not idiomatic and that 'under' is the usual preposition when referring to movement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Idiomatic language | If you grow up in a place where people say that a boat goes under a bridge, that's what you say |
| Preposition | 'Under' is the usual preposition when it comes to movement |
| Below | Usually means 'downstream from the bridge' |
| Right-of-way | It is up to the captains of each vessel to follow basic customs and procedures and communicate with one another if necessary |
| Single-file line | Optimal for boats passing under bridges |
| Swing bridges | Naturally create two channels when open, allowing traffic from both sides to pass on opposite sides off the bridge |
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What You'll Learn
- 'Under' is the usual preposition when referring to a boat going under a bridge
- 'Below' is not usually used to refer to a boat going under a bridge
- Bridge operators are not involved in assigning right-of-way
- Captains of vessels must follow basic customs and procedures
- The retaining chain must be unhooked and the bridge pushed

'Under' is the usual preposition when referring to a boat going under a bridge
Under is the usual preposition when referring to a boat going under a bridge. This is because 'under' is the preposition used when referring to movement. 'Below' is not usually used in this context, as it usually means 'downstream from the bridge'.
When passing under bridges, it is up to the captains of each vessel to follow basic customs and procedures and communicate with one another if necessary. Proceeding in a single-file line is optimal, leaving enough room for boats on the other side to also come through. With swing bridges, the naturally create two channels when open, allowing traffic from both sides to pass on opposite sides off the bridge. For starters, boats moving with the current should always go first, as the current will be pushing them, therefore making it harder for them to stay put and easier to flow through the opening.
To prepare for passing under a bridge, you should let your crew off well before the bridge. With plenty of room, it's easier to get the boat lined up correctly. Unhook the retaining chain and give the bridge a good but controlled shove. You might need to slow the swing down to stop the bridge from bouncing back across the canal when it hits the buffer stop. When the boat's through, push the bridge firmly into place and put the retaining chain or lock back on. Pull the chain hanging from the balance arm. When the bridge is open unless it's obvious that there's a mechanism to stop the bridge from lowering by itself, sit an adult on the arm to keep it raised until the boat's clear.
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'Below' is not usually used to refer to a boat going under a bridge
Below is not usually used to refer to a boat going under a bridge. The usual preposition for movement is 'under'. 'Below' is more likely to be used to mean downstream from the bridge.
When a boat is passing under a bridge, it is up to the captains of the vessels to follow basic customs and procedures and communicate with one another if necessary. Boats moving with the current should always go first, as the current will be pushing them, making it harder for them to stay put and easier to flow through the opening.
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Bridge operators are not involved in assigning right-of-way
Swing bridges naturally create two channels when open, allowing traffic from both sides to pass on opposite sides of the bridge. Boats moving with the current should always go first, as the current will be pushing them, therefore making it harder for them to stay put and easier to flow through the opening.
If you are operating a boat under a bridge, you should let your crew off well before the bridge. With plenty of room, it's easier to get the boat lined up correctly. Unhook the retaining chain and give the bridge a good but controlled shove. You might need to slow the swing down to stop the bridge from bouncing back across the canal when it hits the buffer stop. When the boat's through, push the bridge firmly into place and put the retaining chain or lock back on. Pull the chain hanging from the balance arm. When the bridge is open, unless it's obvious that there's a mechanism to stop the bridge from lowering by itself, sit an adult on the arm to keep it raised until the boat's clear.
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Captains of vessels must follow basic customs and procedures
When passing under a bridge, it is optimal for boats to proceed in a single-file line, leaving enough room for boats on the other side to also come through. With swing bridges, the bridge naturally creates two channels when open, allowing traffic from both sides to pass on opposite sides of the bridge. For this reason, boats moving with the current should always go first, as the current will be pushing them, making it harder for them to stay put and easier to flow through the opening.
To ensure the safety of the crew, it is important to let them off the boat well before the bridge. With plenty of room, it is easier to get the boat lined up correctly. Unhook the retaining chain and give the bridge a good but controlled shove. You might need to slow the swing down to stop the bridge from bouncing back across the canal when it hits the buffer stop. When the boat is through, push the bridge firmly into place and put the retaining chain or lock back on.
When the bridge is open, unless it is obvious that there is a mechanism to stop the bridge from lowering by itself, sit an adult on the arm to keep it raised until the boat is clear.
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The retaining chain must be unhooked and the bridge pushed
To pass under a bridge, the retaining chain must be unhooked and the bridge pushed. This is a delicate operation, and the crew should be let off well before the bridge to ensure there is plenty of room to get the boat lined up correctly. Once the retaining chain is unhooked, the bridge should be given a good but controlled shove. If the swing is too fast, the bridge may bounce back across the canal when it hits the buffer stop, so it may be necessary to slow the swing down. Once the boat is through, the bridge should be pushed firmly into place and the retaining chain or lock put back on. If there is no obvious mechanism to stop the bridge from lowering by itself, an adult should sit on the arm to keep it raised until the boat is clear.
With swing bridges, two channels are naturally created when the bridge is open, allowing traffic from both sides to pass on opposite sides of the bridge. Boats moving with the current should always go first, as the current will be pushing them, making it harder for them to stay put.
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Frequently asked questions
Let your crew off well before the bridge, with plenty of room to get the boat lined up correctly.
Push the bridge firmly into place and put the retaining chain or lock back on.
It is up to the captains of each vessel to follow basic customs and procedures and communicate with one another if necessary.
Proceeding in a single-file line is optimal, leaving enough room for boats on the other side to also come through.








































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