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
Clean Thames Plan
Priority action plan for a clean Thames (2024-2030)
Priority for the environment and communities
Our 2050 Vision is of a clean river, free of sewage, waste and other pollution, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use.
Healthy rivers are central to biodiversity and to human health and well-being.
The tidal Thames is an iconic and critical part of London and the UK’s identity. The Thames also provides habitats for a range of wildlife, protection against flooding and a space for recreation and reflection. However figures from the Environment Agency show that along with 86% of England’s rivers, the tidal Thames is not meeting its water quality targets as set out in UK legislation and that adopted by the UK such as the Water Framework Directive [1]. Restoring water quality within rivers in the UK is a priority for both the environment and communities that live alongside them.
Since being declared biologically dead in 1957, the tidal Thames has made a considerable recovery. Investment in infrastructure has improved the quality of water allowing the Thames to be home to many protected sites that provide a range of diverse, thriving habitats for numerous species of fish, birds, seals and other animals. ZSL’s State of the Thames report shows that water quality in the tidal Thames continues to show promising improvements [2], but with the impacts of climate change clearly apparent, we need to continue this work to safeguard the tidal Thames for future generations.
As a connected river and estuary system, the tidal Thames is a complex ecosystem. Pollution enters the tidal Thames from many sources and often these sources are connected to one another. It is also possible that pollution entering the Thames is transported out into the North Sea further exacerbating the pollution problem in the marine environment. In order to meet the challenge of pollution reduction in a complex system, the Port of London Authority (PLA) works closely with a wide variety of partners and key stakeholders.
To begin holistically tackling this problem in 2014 the PLA convened the Thames Litter Forum. The forum was created with a range of organisations, including NGOs, local authorities and community groups to co-ordinate approaches to tackle litter in the Thames. In 2018, the Thames Litter Strategy was published by the PLA, as part of the Thames Vision, with the Litter Forum. The Strategy set out the context for future action on litter in the Thames and outlined the types of actions that the Thames Litter Forum would work towards over the following five years.
As part of our ongoing dedication as a Trust Port to preserve the tidal Thames the PLA, in collaboration with our partners, is launching the Clean Thames Plan to address all forms of pollution impacting the river.
Tackling the sources of pollution in the Thames
Progress on reducing litter in the Thames
Since launching the Thames Litter Strategy in 2018, there has been significant progress in research, policy and action for water quality along the Thames.
In alignment with key legislative and policy developments, including the Environment Act 2021, the 25 Year Environment Plan, South East Marine Plan 2021 and the Ban on Single Use Plastics in 2023, our strategy has gained substantial momentum. The strategy was divided into four strategic themes: baseline and evidence, combating pathways of litter, removal of existing litter and behavioural change. Together with Thames21, we have been monitoring the abundance and type of litter in the tidal Thames via our litter rapid appraisal surveys. Our goal was to achieve 75% of foreshore graded B (foreshore predominately free from litter) or higher by 2022, and on average between 2018 and 2022, we exceeded this target with 80% of the foreshore earning a B grade or higher.
The COVID-19 pandemic also led to an increased demand for single-use plastics that intensified pressure on river and marine systems. Studies have estimated that more than eight million tons of pandemic-associated plastic waste was generated globally, with more than 25,000 tons entering global oceans [3]. Meanwhile, more members of the public utilised their local green and blue spaces in the UK and built a stronger connection to the river and the wildlife that live within it.
The previous strategy and forum provided a valuable opportunity for partners to share information and lessons learnt in relation to tackling challenges related to inherited litter on the Thames. As we move forward, the PLA remains resolute in its mission to protect and preserve this vital waterway. Therefore, we are taking forward the partnership working approach in our new Clean Thames Plan to tackle the key sources of pollution in the Thames.
Progress on the Thames Litter Strategy actions
The Clean Thames Manifesto
Tackling sewage pollution through innovative collaboration with the water companies and regulators.
Pollution from storm overflows Combined Storm Overflows (CSOs) and discharges from sewage treatment works is our highest concern. We have been a strong supporter of the Thames Tideway Tunnel and have permitted and licenced its construction. Thames Water estimate a 95% reduction of storm water overflow discharge as a result of the project. We welcome the reduction in sewage discharges the tunnel will bring in London. However, we also expect to see water companies investing in more solutions to reduce sewage discharges.
In 2023, the PLA convened Thames Water, Anglian Water and Southern Water into an agreement to fast-track investment and reductions in sewage and storm water discharges from overflow points and treatment works in our Clean Thames Manifesto. This is a major step in the right direction and we are pleased to be working closely with the water companies and their regulators to go faster and further for the Thames.
We have secured the following commitments in our Clean Thames Manifesto:
Sewage outflows on the Thames by company
Our vision: A clean Thames
Reducing all forms of pollution in the river has been one of the PLA’s key priorities for many years.
In our role as a Trust Port, we have made progress to reduce pollution in the tidal Thames through actions such as convening the Thames Litter Forum, removing up to 200 tonnes of rubbish each year from the river through our driftwood service, running public awareness campaigns and funding projects through our Thames Environment Fund. However, we want to take this action further by strategically focusing our efforts to bridge the gaps in tackling pollution in the Thames and deliver more benefits to the river. In July 2023, the PLA convened stakeholders and partners from across the tidal Thames in a workshop to discuss how we can achieve the Thames Vision ambition of a Clean Thames. Through this workshop, all stakeholders agreed to ten priority areas for action.
Our vision: A clean Thames
In the Clean Thames Plan, the PLA have committed to delivering actions that will drive forward positive change to support the progress being achieved by our partners along the Thames. Through these actions, we aim to deliver further progress to achieve our vision of a Clean Thames.
The Clean Thames Partnership
Tackling the issue of pollution in the Thames requires holistic action from the many organisations and networks involved in, and already striving to improve water quality in the river.
Our partners have shared their priority work to improve water quality, that will be achieved by 2030, to meet our shared vision of a Clean Thames:
"The British Plastics Federation is pleased to continue supporting this project. Understanding the behaviour behind littering is essential as we move towards a circular economy, as no material should ultimately end up in the Thames or anywhere else in the natural environment."
British Plastics Federation
"We are happy to see the Clean Thames Plan published and we look forward to working with partners to create a better River Thames for people and wildlife through our role as a regulator and an advisor."
Environment Agency
"At British Rowing we welcome the PLA’s Clean Thames Plan and look forward to working together to help create a clean and flourishing environment for our rowers and indeed everyone to enjoy every day."
British Rowing
"Whilst we have seen significant progress in water quality through investment in infrastructure, there continues to be adverse pressures on the health of wildlife in the Thames including from impact of chemicals and the rising tide of plastics. The Clean Thames Action Plan will help us collectively tackle these threats so that we can achieve the shared ambition of the river’s water quality be consistently good enough to reach its wildlife potential and be safely enjoyed by people."
Zoological Society of London
"At the PLA, we want the river to be the cleanest it has been since the industrial revolution. But we know we can’t do it alone. The collaborative efforts of our partners and stakeholders who have participated in the development of this strategy are crucial and we extend our deep appreciation to all of you. A special mention and thanks to the Thames Litter Forum for their dedicated work and unwavering engagement in delivering the actions set out in the previous Thames Litter Strategy. Your commitment to this cause is truly commendable and invaluable to this vision. This new action plan stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared dedication. We look forward to achieving our joint vision for the river together."
Grace Rawnsley
Director of Sustainability and Net Zero Transition
[1] Environment Agency, “Environment Agency - Catchment Data Explorer,” environment.data.gov.uk, 2022. https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning (accessed Sep. 2023).
[2] ZSL, “The State of the Thames 2021: Environmental trends of the Tidal Thames,” McCormick, H., Cox, T., Pecorelli, J., and Debney, A.J. (Eds), Regent’s Park, London, UK, 2021. Accessed: Sep. 07, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://cms.zsl.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/ZSL_TheStateoftheThamesReport_ Nov2021_0.pdf?_ga=2.266511502.1227659184.1694073430-1611245276.1694073429
[3] Y. Peng, P. Wu, A. T. Schartup, and Y. Zhang, “Plastic waste release caused by COVID-19 and its fate in the global ocean,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 118, no. 47, Nov. 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2111530118.
Terms and conditions for the purchase of goods and services
Riverside Code
NAABSA Berth Procedure
The NAABSA (Not Always Afloat But Safely Aground) Procedure provides guidance for Berth Operators, Agents, Ship Operators and vessel Masters in order to safely operate/use a NAABSA berth in the Port of London.
Berth operators wishing to operate as NAABSA will need to declare compliance with the requirements detailed in the NAABSA procedure. To do so, berth operators should complete the below NAABSA Berth Compliance Declaration form and submit to the Harbour Master ([email protected]) for review.
This declaration of compliance is valid for 12 months from the date indicated by the Harbour Master. The operator must submit a new declaration of compliance 30 days before the expiry date in writing to the Harbour Master.
Failure to renew the NAABSA status may result in delays and possible cancellations to vessel bookings.
NAABSA Berth Compliance Declaration form
Approved NAABSA Berths in the Port of London
| Berth name | NAABSA Status Expiry |
| Coldharbour Jetty | 04/02/2026 |
Marine Safety Plan Performance Report (2021-2023)
Explanatory note on VAT on houseboats and qualifying ships
Houseboats are exempt from VAT. However, a review by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has determined that River Works Licences or Licences to Moor are not sufficient evidence to determine that they should be exempt.
Unless we can evidence a vessel is a houseboat, as defined by HMRC, then the PLA has to apply VAT on all future invoices.
Affected PLA licence holders were notified of this change by letter (March 2021).
What this means
The HMRC ruling is backdated for four years.
VAT will only be passed on to PLA licence holders from this year (2021/22), with a credit applied to the account of non-VAT registered licensees, to cover the first year’s additional charge.
We will pay the back-dated four years of VAT to HMRC.
Definitions
A houseboat is defined for the purposes of VAT as being a floating decked structure which:
- is designed, or adapted, for use solely as a place of permanent habitation.
- does not have the means of, and which is not capable of, being readily adapted for, self-propulsion.
We know that many houseboats registered with us don’t meet this definition.
More information is available on HMRC’s website.
“Qualifying ships”
A qualifying ship is zero rated for VAT, which means the VAT charge is zero.
We do not have any licences that specifically relate to “qualifying ships” in the category of people we have written to. These are legally-defined as any ship that has a gross tonnage of not less than 15 tons and is not designed, or adapted, for use for recreation or pleasure. They cannot be permanently moored, which is the case with licences used for residential uses.
“The intended use of a vessel does not affect qualifying ship status. The only factors to be considered are the gross tonnage, the design of the ship and any future adaptations”.
“Where a vessel is designed to be lived in as a permanent home by the owner, it may be treated as a qualifying ship, even though it might also be used for recreation or pleasure”.
“Motor cruisers, powerboats and yachts are designed or adapted for use for recreation or pleasure, so they do not qualify as ships, even if they’re 15 gross tons or over, or supplied for business use”.
-- Quote from HMRC Vat notice 744C.
If you think your residential vessel/houseboat is actually a “qualifying ship”, you need to check using the detailed guidance given in HMRC website.
What houseboat owners need to do
- Read the VAT notice; determine whether your vessel is a houseboat or not.
- If your vessel is a houseboat, sign the declaration and return it to us. We will check/verify the information and then issue a variation to your licence.
- If you wish to declare a qualifying ship, we will need to see evidence of the tonnage (merchant shipping registration or a marine surveyor letter) and ensure you can confirm that your vessel meets the other criteria to qualify.
Related Information:
Guidance on working on vessels on the foreshore
Byelaw 48
The Port of London Authority (PLA) is a statutory harbour authority, the regulator of river works and dredging and a significant landowner, including large marine and terrestrial sites of high value for nature conservation and biodiversity.
In addition to its general environmental responsibilities, the PLA has duties to conserve and enhance biodiversity within the Port of London under several pieces of legislation.
The relationship between safety of navigation, port development and nature conservation must be managed with care to allow the delivery of potentially conflicting objectives and to ensure compliance with the PLA's statutory obligations and environmental responsibilities.
Associated Legislation
This guidance specifically supports the requirements for vessel maintenance work at moorings or on the foreshore laid down in the Port of London Thames Byelaws 2012, Byelaw 48. (Note: This Byelaw came into force on 1st July 2012)
All works on the River must also comply with the Port of London Act 1968, Section 200; and while also considering the Water Resources Act 1991, Section 85, both of which regulate any polluting matter entering controlled waters. Vessel owners should note that in addition the waste and debris produced during vessel maintenance may be classified as hazardous and will need to be disposed of correctly under the relevant waste regulations. All works should also conform with the PLA’s Environmental Policy and Byelaw 48.
Vessel Maintenance
Minor maintenance work on vessels is permitted on the foreshore as long as the following pollution prevention measures are taken by vessel owners and those undertaking the work:
- When cleaning the topsides and decks of vessels, detergents and bleaches should be used sparingly. An alternative environmentally-friendly product should be used where possible.
- Try to reduce the amount of water used when cleaning a boat by using a spray gun attachment to a hose which will automatically stop when not in use.
- Removal of weed and paint may be carried out as long as plastic sheeting is placed under the area to be worked on and is large enough to collect all the debris.
- Re-painting can be carried out by roller or brush. Sheeting must be placed under the area of work to protect the foreshore
- This sheeting must be removed before every rising tide and once the work has been completed. The debris and paints must be disposed of appropriately ashore.
- All maintenance materials and waste must be removed from the foreshore before every rising tide and once work has been completed.
- No noxious, polluting or offensive matter is permitted to enter the water
- All major maintenance works should be carried out in a dry-dock or wash-down area ashore with the appropriate permits in place. The associated residue may be toxic and needs to be stored and disposed of correctly as hazardous waste.
- Vessel maintenance can be carried out within a vessel whilst at anchor or at moorings or alongside on the foreshore, but no noxious or offensive matter may be permitted to enter the water
- Generators and/or compressors, other machinery and equipment can not be placed and used on the foreshore
- If unsure about any of these requirements and guidance, please contact the PLA Environment Team for advice. See details below.
Additional authorisations required
The Environment Agency (EA) will provide additional information and guidance on carrying out work in or near water and additional advice on the potential need for the appropriate authorisation. Further information and contact details for the EA can be found here.
If an accident has occurred that has caused material or liquids to enter the water please call the emergency line on 0800 80 70 60.
Further Advice and Information
The Green Blue
The Green Blue is a joint environment programme created by the British Marine Federation and the Royal Yachting Association for anyone who enjoys getting out on the water or whose livelihood depends on it. Guidance has been created to help boat users, boating businesses, sailing clubs and training centres to reduce their impact of their activities on coastal and inland waters.
The Green Blue's "Green Directory" provides a list of products which can be used as safe and environmentally friendly alternative for cleaning boats. See the website for more details.
PLA Environment Team
If you require any further advice or guidance contact the PLA’s Environment team by at [email protected]
River Byelaw 9: Drink or drugs
Thames AIS Technical Requirements Specification serve as an appendix to Thames Bylaw 12 – Thames AIS Carriage Requirements.
Carriage of Thames AIS
The carriage of Thames AIS is mandatory for certain categories of vessel under PLA Byelaw 12, in summary:
The following categories of vessel must carry Thames AIS if they intend to navigate between Denton and Richmond Lock:
- Class IV, V and VI passenger vessels.
The following categories of vessel must carry Thames AIS if they intend to navigate between Margaretness and Richmond Lock:
- Vessels of more than 40m in length overall
- Vessels having a gross tonnage of over 50 tons
- Vessels engaged in towing or pushing operations
- Specified vessels or vessels carrying marine pollutants in bulk
- Vessels holding a Certificate of Compliance under Byelaw 16.3
How will this work for people using the portal?
All vessel operators required to comply with Thames AIS will need to set up an account on the web portal. To do so the following information should be submitted to: [email protected]
- Business Name
- Email domain(s) for users (eg. exampledomain.com)
- A list of vessels including vessel names and MMSI numbers.
Once in the system, you will be able to see your existing submissions and create a new submission by entering the MMSI number of the vessel (the system will remember your commonly used MMSI numbers) and the POB. You will be required to do this before departing any berth on the river.
How can I integrate my system with the API?
We will also accept submissions via a HTTP JSON POST request that contains an API key (to be part of the request headers) issued to your organisation, the MMSI number of the vessel and the number of people on board as follows:
Response: 201 "Record added successfully."
Note: A much more detailed document can be provided for all possible API responses if needed.
What impact will this have on existing equipment?
As stated above, your existing Thames AIS equipment will continue to be compliant with the standard; however, you will no longer be required (or able) to submit POB information via that equipment and instead will use the portal or API.
When are we proposing to do this?
The new system was effective from 4th September 2023. Note that the PLA will stop accepting POB information from Thames AIS transmitters at the same time.
See Appendix A of this document for the requirements, procedures and technical specifications.
Appendix A
Thames AIS Technical Requirements Specifications and Procedures for the Operation of Thames AIS and Persons on Board Reporting System
1.0 Thames AIS consists of:
1.1 A Class Alfa Universal AIS transponder complying with IMO resolution MSC.74 (69) Annex 3 as specified by IEC 61993-2 and ITU-R M.1371-5 and IALA technical clarifications of ITU-R M.1371-5 with the following exceptions:
a) IMO number is only required where it has been allocated. Default setting is zero.
c) Vessel heading and the navigational status are optional. Default setting is “underway using engines”.
and
d) Destination and ETA parameters are not required.
1.2 The AIS Unit must be connected to a Graphical Display Unit that:
a) Provides appropriate situational awareness suitable for navigation and collision avoidance;
b) Is capable of decoding and displaying targets in accordance with ITU-R 1371-5 nominal reporting
interval for given speeds;
c) Is positioned so that it is visible to the person with conduct of navigation;
d) Provides a means to transmit a broadcast emergency alert message (safety related);
e) Provides a means to alert the operator of the system and operational alarms including;
i) Reception of safety related messages; and
ii) Failure of positioning sensor (GPS outage)
f) Displays AIS targets clearly labelled with vessel name and in accordance with IMO guidance on the presentation of navigation-related symbols;
2.0 Persons On Board (POB) Reporting:
2.1
a) All vessels required to comply with Thames AIS must submit POB using the Thames AIS Portal (TAP)
b) POB submissions are made directly via the TAP web portal or via an Application Programming Interface (API)
PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THAMES AIS AND PERSONS ON BOARD REPORTING SYSTEM
1. Class IV, V and VI Passenger Vessels complying with THAMES AIS in accordance with Byelaw 12 are required to:
a) Operate Thames AIS and its associated Persons On Board (POB) reporting system at all times when underway within Port Limits;
b) Report POB, which means the total number of crew and passengers, to the PLA via the Thames AIS Portal (TAP)
c) Update this information prior to departing the berth and whenever the number changes.
2. All vessels operating THAMES AIS in accordance with Byelaw 12 are permitted to continue to transmit when alongside for short periods but are to turn off THAMES AIS when unmanned or out of service.
Human factors
After the release of The Deadly Dozen – 12 Significant People Factors in Maritime Safety by the MCA, the Port of London Authority was inspired to begin a media safety campaign to help reduce the number of Human Error incidents in the Port.
Our efforts to improve safety can only be successful with the help from everyone on the river.
We welcome any near miss reports to better inform our effort to improve safety on the river.
HUMAN
Shortcuts are usually done with the best intentions to get the job done – but not always! People may think they are doing it correctly or don't fully understand the risk of their actions.
Make sure you have the time, equipment and training to carry out a task properly and safely.
- Procedures should be clear, easy to follow and developed with the people who will use them.
- If you find a problem with a procedure, report it.
- Don't take shortcuts.
It is impossible to write procedures to cover ALL eventualities. Mariners will always face unpredictable situations.
Be inclusive – encourage everyone to participate in activities and discuss issues with team members. Ensure the WHOLE crew know what's happening.
Bear in mind that not everyone has the same skill and knowledge, so may need the support of others.
Poor situational awareness continues to be a contributory factor in many maritime incidents. Always plan effectively and know what to do before you start a task.
Look out for problems and ask for valued input from your team members. Don't ignore a problem and carry on regardless, speak up!
- Never assume someone else's intentions.
- Don't be afraid to alert management and crew members of potential problems.
It can be useful to establish so called red zones, for example whilst under pilotage or other times of difficult navigation, only allowing essential communications in the red zones. This way, unimportant distractions are less likely to interrupt safety critical tasks.
- Be mindful when people are performing safety critical tasks – time your communication appropriately.
- Checklists can help monitor progress.
- If someone else is being distracted, alert them.
In the world of maritime operations many things can go wrong. Speaking up in a timely manner can help avoid many accidents. This is particularly critical during emergency or high stress situations.
Alerting and assertiveness is not easy for everyone, particularly in the presence of more senior people.
- Don't be afraid to speak up – it can save lives. If someone ignores you, repeat it.
- Don't ignore a problem – it will only get worse. If you are alerted to an issue, acknowledge it and act upon it effectively.
- Never assume – remain alert and speak up if you suspect a problem.
FACTORS
Mental and/or physical impairment can have a seriously adverse effect on performance and the ability to operate safely. Help your colleagues if they are experiencing problems.
Seek medical attention if you feel unwell or are injured or seek help if you have personal problems affecting your fitness for duty.
Don't
- Consume alcohol before or during work periods.
- Report for duty if under the influence of alcohol.
- Take illegal drugs.
- Try to hide the effect of degraded fitness for duty.
Competence is about more than holding an appropriate training certificate.
Don't put people in roles beyond their competence and experience, or assume people's level of competence. Equally don't claim you can do more than you really can.
If you are unsure about something, ask and help each other.
Repeat messages to each other to confirm understanding, whether it's on the VHF or face to face. It's also helpful to repeat important parts of a message.
Words make up only 30% of communication. Tone, body language and gestures make up the rest.
- Make sure your intentions are clear to other vessels.
- Never assume – remain alert and speak up if you suspect a problem.
- Ensure the WHOLE crew know what's happening.
- Colloquialisms and slang may not be understood by all.
- Be aware that people tend to speak faster, louder and with less clear pronunciation in times of stress or emergency.
Pressure can be motivating, exciting and give a sense of achievement. However, too much pressure can threaten safety.
Be alert to workload pressures and ask for help if you are overloaded. Don't struggle on regardless or take unnecessary short cuts to catch up.
Ensure you can complete a task in a safe and timely manner before beginning – if not, ask for help.
Don't accept being tired as a way of life – look out for the effects of fatigue and speak up if you're feeling tired. Marine Guidance Note 505 has a lot of advice and tips on this subject.
Manage fatigue by eating well, coming to work well-rested and by working as a team – working alone might make you less alert and feel more tired.
20% of Inland Waterway incidents occur late afternoon between 16:00 and 18:00 – an incident is 2.5 times more likely during these hours than any other – are you still alert at the end of your shift?
It's all too easy to be complacent. Be alert to what could go wrong – good teamwork, communication and a proactive safety culture helps to recognise when a situation changes.
Being fatigued can worsen complacency.
Having a good safety culture means that we all look out for each other. Don't ignore other people's unsafe behaviour and don't believe safety is someone else's problem – take responsibility.
Over 42% of navigational incidents on the Thames in the last 2 years have been labelled as Human Error – were these the result of a bad safety culture?
- Don't assume everything is OK all the time.
- Just because it's the way you've always done it, doesn't mean it's the best way.
- Always report near misses – they're a warning. Next time it might not be a miss.
