16.03.2023

The PLA’s inaugural Safe Boarding Week is a success

The Port of London Authority’s (PLA) first annual, week-long event ‘Safe Boarding Week’ has been a great success.

The total number of inspections was 265, far exceeding the target of 200, and included gangways, ladders from berths, piers and linkspans, along the 95 miles of tidal Thames in the PLA’s jurisdiction.

Commenting on the success, Bob Baker, the PLA’s chief harbour master, said,

“We’re delighted that our safety initiative, the first of its kind in Europe, has been such a success, achieving its objectives in raising the profile of our commitment to safety and gathering useful information that can help address common issues and deficiencies in safe access. Thanks to all my colleagues, as well as terminals and vessels, for their participation and cooperation with the initiative.”

Sixty-four PLA personnel participated, including senior management, pilots and crew members. The results highlighted the most common shoreside deficiencies were the lack of safety nets that should be fitted under all parts of the gangways, and a lack of gangway attendance. Furthermore, 51 of the 62 pilot ladders that were inspected were found to be compliant. The information that was gathered through the inspections will help develop targeted campaigns in the future.