Christmas Drink & Drugs Awareness Campaign

As we approach the Christmas Season, the Port of London Authority (PLA) and the Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit will be supporting the Metropolitan Police Service annual ‘Christmas Drink – Drive’ campaign. This high-profile campaign highlights the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs – this message applies equally to the river as well as the roads, as the safety of vessels, passengers and crews is of paramount importance.

The Marine Police Unit in partnership with the PLA will be supporting this campaign by raising awareness among River Thames users, and, in respect of commercial vessels will be exercising their powers under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.

Under the Railway and Transport Safety Act 2003, master and members of the crew of a commercial vessel can be requested to take a breath test. A positive result or refusing to take a test, would initiate legal proceedings. Offenders would be liable to Fines or Imprisonment, as is the case for road users. In addition, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency may revoke your Boatmaster’s Licence upon conviction.

Additionally, for non-commercial vessels, under PLA River Byelaws 9, a master of a vessel shall not navigate the vessel when unfit by reason of drink or drugs. If the Harbour Master has reasonable cause to suspect that the master of a vessel has drugs or alcohol in their body which may impair their fitness to navigate, the master will be directed to a berth until fit to navigate or until a suitable replacement master is in place. Failure to comply will result in enforcement action being taken.

If you have concerns about crew members who might be under the influence of drink or drugs, please contact the Metropolitan Police immediately. This can be done as confidential and anonymous via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via secure online form through www.crimestoppers-uk.org. In urgent cases please call 999. If you see anything suspicious or potential criminal activity at marinas, moorings or on the water, please report it to Project Kraken either online or by calling 101.

Alternatively, you can alert the PLA at London VTS on 020 3260 7711 for the upper reaches (Teddington Lock to Crayfordness) and 01474 562 215 for the lower reaches (Crayfordness to the Outer Port Limits).

The Marine Policing Unit and the PLA will be highlighting this campaign with educational visits to marinas and commercial operators throughout the port in the build up to and throughout the festive season