Live Tides
NOTICES TO MARINERS
Charts & Surveys
Hydrographic charts, surveys and miniplots are available online from our GIS system
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
PMSC at the PLA
Duty HolderThe Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) sets out the standards for safe marine operations in UK ports and harbours. At the Port of London Authority (PLA), we are committed to upholding these principles to ensure the safety of navigation, protect the environment, and manage risks effectively. This page provides an overview of how the PMSC is applied at the PLA, reinforcing our dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards on the tidal Thames.
Commitment to the Code
The PLA is committed to complying fully with the standards laid down in the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) and the management of navigation shall be in accordance with those standards. The Board of the PLA, as the Duty Holder, are collectively and individually accountable for the management of marine safety under the Code.
Navigational safety policy
Duty Holder
The Port of London Authority Board of Directors’ are the port’s Duty Holder in accordance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC). They are accountable for the PLA’s compliance with the PMSC and the port’s performance in ensuring safe marine operations. The duty holder cannot assign or delegate accountability for compliance with the PMSC.
Duty Holder
Designated Person
To make any comments or if you have any queries in relation to the PLA's compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) please contact our Designated Person.
[email protected] - 023 8071 1892 or 023 8071 1889
Designated Person (PMSC) 'Port of London Authority'
ABPmer
Quayside Suite | Medina Chambers | Town Quay | Southampton | SO14 2AQ
www.abpmer.co.uk | www.portriskmanagement.com
Contact Designated Person
Safety Management Systems
The Port of London Authority (PLA), as a Statutory Harbour Authority, has a primary responsibility to facilitate the safety of navigation and associated marine operations on the tidal Thames. Our Marine Safety Management System (SMS) is the main tool we use to manage navigation and to identify the risks on the river, the steps needed to eliminate or keep them to a minimum and ensure that the risks are regularly reviewed and adapted as circumstance, changing trades and experience dictate.
Marine Safety Management System Manual
Navigational Risk Assessment
The Port Marine Safety Code requires that all ports must base their management of marine operations (i.e., their powers, policies and procedures) on a formal assessment of the hazards and risks to navigation within their port. Furthermore, port authorities must maintain a formal Marine Safety Management System (SMS) developed from that risk assessment.
Navigational risk assessment
Enforcement Action
The Port of London Authority is responsible for enforcing many of the laws and regulations that apply on the tidal River Thames.
Enforcement Actions
Consultations
We periodically seek feedback from mariners, local businesses, environmental groups, and the public on proposed changes aimed at enhancing navigational safety and other issues within the Port of London.
Consultations
Marine Safety Plan
Our Marine Safety Plan represents a progressive approach to navigational safety, encompassing both traditional and innovative methods to address the dynamic challenges that we face in the maritime industry. The plan covers a range of initiatives that address the diverse risks associated with marine operations, including the implementation of advanced technology, the improvement of operational procedures, and the promotion of a culture of safety amongst all stakeholders. We are also committed to collaborating with our partners to deliver enhanced safety outcomes and to ensuring our employees are suitably trained and qualified.
Marine Safety Plan
Public PMSC Reports
We regularly publish reports reviewing our performance against the Marine Safety Plan and PMSC standards. We publish these reports every 6 months.
Incident investigations, reports and data
Emergency Planning
The Port of London Authority is a Category 2 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. In addition to supporting Category 1 responders, we will co-operate with other organisations in the planning, response and recovery for emergencies and support initiatives with implications for the tidal River Thames.
Emergency planning
Safety Campaigns
We periodically run safety campaigns that address identified risks and promote specific safety measures. This may include campaigns focused on recreational boating safety, safe navigation practices, or compliance with byelaws and directions.
Safety Campaigns
