Technical requirements for the issue of a certificate of compliance (Thames Byelaw 16)

1. Introduction

• 1.1. The Port of London Authority is reviewing the Technical Requirements of the Issue of a Certificate of Compliance under Thames Byelaw 16. These certificates permit vessels to operate at higher speeds in designated areas of the tidal Thames, subject to strict safety and operational criteria.
• 1.2. The purpose of this consultation is to seek the views on proposals for several modifications to Technical Requirements of the Issue of a Certificate of Compliance.
• 1.3. This consultation applies to those involved high speed operations above Margaretness. 

2. The Consultation Process

Affected Parties
2.1. This consultation is directed towards current and prospective holders of a Certificate of Compliance and may be of particular interest to those who:
A. Operate high-speed passenger services
B. Operate high-speed RIB experiences
C. Engage in RIB training requiring planing activities. 

Consultation Duration
2.2. This consultation is now open and will last for 30 days. It will close on 09th October 2025.

Conclusion
2.3. The information you submit may be made available to other parties. If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated as confidential. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request. If you make such a request, you will not receive a response.
2.4. We appreciate all responses to our consultations, and we may contact you to reply to your feedback, however we do not respond to everyone. Replies are provided when required – such as a request for more information.

3. Responses to this Consultation

3.1. Reponses to the consultation should be sent so that they are received no later than the closing date detailed in 2.2.
3.2. Responses may be submitted in the following two methods:

A. By post: 
Marine Compliance Department
Port of London Authority 
London River House, Royal Pier Road, 
Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BG

B. By email:
[email protected]
(Please include the Consultation Notice number in the subject line (located on the top right of the first page of this document – eg. CXX-2X).

4. Proposal

4.1. The following changes have been made when compared to the previous Technical Requirements of the Issue of a Certificate of Compliance.
A. Overall. Structural/layout changes
B. Overall. Removal of outdated references.
C. Section 1.3.3. SMS Audit Requirements. Footnote added to explain equivalent audit requirements for non ISM/DMSC vessels. 
D. Section 1.5.1. Additional Equipment. AIS carriage requirements updated from AIS A with persons on board capability to the AIS Carriage Requirements and POB reporting system. 
E. Section 1.7.1. Crew Qualifications reformatted into a table for clarity. 
F. Section 1.7.1. Further clarification on RYA qualification requirements, specifically the need for a commercial endorsement. 
G. Section 1.7. Crew Qualifications (previously 1.6e). Removal of provisions for small RIBs and Dory craft to navigate at high speed with a single person onboard. 
H. Section 1.9.1. Emergency Kill-cord. Terminology updated from “inflatable boats” to “open boats.” Acceptance of wireless kill-cords detailed due to updates in technology. 
I. Section 1.10. Night Navigation. Definition of open passenger vessels clarified and responsibility for training needs elaborated. 
J. Section 1.11. Navigation outside the authorised channel. New section added. 
K. Section 2.1. Initial Issue of a Certificate of Compliance. Additional need to provide vessel wash curves and/or undergo an assessment of the wash generation characteristics of a vessel.
L. Section 3.2. Annual Certificate of Compliance Renewal. Additional ability for the harbourmaster to review and/or request vessel wash curves and/or assessments of the wash generation characteristics of a vessel
M. Section 4.3. “For Cause” Wash assessment provision added