Safety
Navigational Safety
Through the Port of London Act 1968 (as amended), the Port of London Authority has the primary responsibility of maintaining safe access and managing and supporting the safety of vessels, the general public and all users of 95 miles of the tidal River Thames.
The PLA's management of navigational safety is in full compliance standards set in the Port Marine Safety Code.
We're launching #WatchYourWash to increase awareness of the potential risks of vessel wash and draw-off on river users along the tidal Thames.
A quarter of all reported navigational incidents in 2022 at the PLA were related to wash complaints, which are increasing year on year. So far this year, the PLA has received 47 wash complaints.
As well as causing a risk to the safety of navigation, and to the safety of other river users, such as the houseboat community, wash or draw off can have a detrimental impact on the environment and wildlife, through noise and disruption.
A quarter of all reported navigational incidents in 2022 at the PLA were related to wash complaints, which are increasing year on year. So far this year, the PLA has received 47 wash complaints.
As well as causing a risk to the safety of navigation, and to the safety of other river users, such as the houseboat community, wash or draw off can have a detrimental impact on the environment and wildlife, through noise and disruption.
Safe Boarding Week 2023 was a European-first safety initiative conducted by the Port of London Authority, from 27th February to 5th March 2023.
The purpose of this campaign was to promote safe vessel access on the Thames through carrying out inspections of vessel access arrangements, with a focus on education and rectification when a non-compliance was identified.
The purpose of this campaign was to promote safe vessel access on the Thames through carrying out inspections of vessel access arrangements, with a focus on education and rectification when a non-compliance was identified.
Six-Monthly Performance Report
We are on track to achieve our target of a 10% reduction in Serious/Very Serious Navigational Incidents over the course of the current Marine Safety Plan which expires at the end of this year.
Our A to Z listing of key Port of London information for all Thames users, including vessel owners, fleet operators and any other party that needs nautical documentation.
How we maintain navigational safety on the tidal Thames, conserve the river and the environment.
We publish a three-year Marine Safety Plan, in compliance with the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code.
We publish a three-year Marine Safety Plan, in compliance with the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code.
We're all responsible for safety on the river. Tell us when you experience a near miss while afloat.
Rules, guidelines and best practice for navigation on the tidal River Thames
Our approach to managing the safety of vessels, the public and all Thames users.
Notices and Bulletins
Essential, up to date information and advice to those supporting navigation and commercial shipping in the Port of London.
The latest SMS Reports containing reviews, incident statistics and trends.
Sign up to receive our Notices to Mariners and other lists by email.
Pilotage Exemption and Local Knowledge Assessments
How to prepare and apply for marine endorsements.
Any Master of a commercial vessel is required to hold a Local Knowledge Endorsement for the tidal River Thames.
A Pilotage Exemption Certificate may be granted to a vessel’s master when they fulfil criteria showing a capacity to safely manage their vessel.
PEC Bs are for skippers of intra-port tugs and tows which are subject to compulsory pilotage between Sea Reach 1 and Margaretness.
In the Community
The Port of London Authority actively seeks feedback and input of stakeholders from government, industry and the wider River Thames community.
Check here for current and archived navigational safety consultations.
This forum provides key river users a channel to discuss recreational safety.
Public Safety
Information and resources for enjoying recreation on the Thames safely.
Select your gauge
Our dedicated website helps Thames recreational community members make the most of the river.
We are committed to reducing the number of people who drown in the tidal Thames.
Our Teams
Our core role in navigational safety is supported by team members from across the Port of London Authority.
Our harbour masters team oversee safe navigation in the Port of London and are responsible for enforcement.
Our Safety Management team facilitate safe navigation and associated marine operations on the tidal River Thames.
Our Thames pilots board and guide more than 10,000 ships through the port every year, from cargo carriers to super yachts.
Our marine services team ensures that channels are marked and obstructions are removed from the river.
We survey the bed of the river using the latest technology to ensure that navigation is unimpeded.
We manage ships in more than 400 square miles of water, the largest VTS area in the UK.