Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code

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The Port of London Authority Board of Directors’ are the port’s Duty Holder in accordance with the Ports and Marine Facilities 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.

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Under the PMSC, the Designated Person provides independent assurance on marine safety. For the Port of London Authority, this is ABPmer. Our Designated Person may be contacted at or call 023 8071 1892 / 023 8071 1889. 

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The Port of London Authority’s Duty Holder must understand and regularly review its legal powers, duties and responsibilities under relevant local and national legislation. Where needed, the PLA will review its powers to ensure they remain sufficient to support and enhance marine safety, in line with the PMSC requirements.

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Under the revised PMSC, organisations must demonstrate active compliance with marine safety duties. The Port of London Authority is responsible for enforcing many of the laws and regulations on the tidal Thames, ensuring that navigational safety and operational standards are upheld in line with the Code’s strengthened requirements. 

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The Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code requires organisations to manage marine operations through a formal risk assessment of navigational hazards. Organisations must also maintain a Marine Safety Management System (SMS) based on this assessment, ensuring safe and effective management of marine activities within their jurisdiction. 

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The Port of London Authority is responsible for ensuring safe navigation on the tidal Thames. Our Marine Safety Management System identifies and manages risks, sets out measures to reduce them, and ensures regular review and adaptation in response to changing conditions, operations, and experience on the river. 

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The Port of London Authority reviews and audits its performance against the PMSC requirements and Marine Safety Plan. In line with the Code, we publish performance reports every six months, providing transparency and accountability in how we manage marine safety on the tidal Thames. 

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Working for the Port of London Authority means joining a team of skilled, qualified, and experienced professionals dedicated to marine safety. In line with the PMSC, we ensure our people are equipped to manage the challenges of a dynamic river environment, supporting safe navigation and sustainable operations on the tidal Thames. 

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The Port of London Authority’s Marine Safety Plan takes a forward-looking approach to navigational safety, combining traditional methods with innovation. It addresses a wide range of marine risks, supports technological advancement, improves procedures, promotes a safety culture, ensures staff competence, and encourages collaboration with partners to enhance safety outcomes. 

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The Port of London Authority ensures its facilities are fit for purpose and meet the duty of reasonable care, enabling vessels to operate safely. We maintain and regularly assess our infrastructure, ensuring that all facilities on the tidal Thames support safe and efficient marine operations, in compliance with PMSC requirements. 

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Read the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code from the Department for Transport and Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

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For further detail, the Guide to Good Practice on the Port and Marine Facilities provides supplementary guidance to Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code, offering practical advice on managing ports and other marine facilities effectively.