Live Tides
NOTICES TO MARINERS
Charts & Surveys
Incident reporting
Life-threatening emergencies on the river:
Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
For near miss, safety observations and incident reporting click below
River events
Our calendar of upcoming competitions to be held on the tidal Thames between the estuary and Teddington
The tidal Thames is home to world-renowned boat races and local sailing club dinghy meets.
Due to the nature of the river, events can be cancelled or rescheduled, often at short notice.
Where possible, the calendar will be updated, but confirmation should be sought from the organisers.
While not an exhaustive list, it includes major events likely to have an effect on navigation. Mariners are also advised that there may be other events of which the PLA have not been informed.
Events that require a river closure or local traffic control will be the subject of Notices to Mariners, in addition to being displayed on this calendar
Vessels in these areas around the times indicated are to proceed with caution, with special attention to their wash and should avoid obstructing the races or stopping in the area adjacent to the race course.
The latest information on the events may be obtained from the district Harbour Service Launch, call sign Thames Patrol, or from London VTS on the port working frequency.
Events on the tidal Thames require Harbour Master consent - if you wish to organise an event on the river, refer to the guidance listed at the bottom of this page.
The Boat Race
Early spring
The Boat Race, between the University crews of Oxford and Cambridge, was first raced in 1829.
Eights Head of the River Race
Early spring
The Head of the River Race is rowed annually in March from Mortlake to Putney on the Tideway in London. Up to 400 crews of eights take part.
Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager
Summer
The historic sculling race on the Thames for recently qualified watermen, was first contested in 1715.
The Great River Race
September
Described by many as "London's other Marathon", the Great River Race is London's most colourful and spectacular river event.
Guides for event organisers
Essential information if your organisation is planning events on the tidal Thames or the foreshore.
Detailed information from our Harbour Masters on criteria that every event must meet before it will be permitted.
Key information on protecting the tidal Thames and its wildlife during your event.
Information organisers should consider to keep attendees safe when holding gatherings near the Thames.
Events taking place on the tidal Thames and its foreshore must have a permit from the Port of London Authority.
Thames Vision 2050
Destination Thames
The river is an iconic draw for people from near and far. We will nurture the Thames as a centre for travel, sport and culture.
