Welcoming 2026 safely on the river: Q&A with Deputy Harbour Master Joshua Rebbettes

Can you describe your role on New Year’s Eve, and what leading from the PLA side of the fireworks actually involves?

This year I led the PLA’s management of the event and took the role of tactical commander. During the planning of the event this involves attending all meetings, attending tabletop exercises, and reviewing of event documentation. 

One of the other key roles is to facilitate the coming together of the river partners, and I chaired the River Partner sub-working group.

Based on the planning I created the PLA operational event management plan, which detailed the responsibilities of PLA employees, how we would work with partners, and the evolution of event management.

More specifically on the night and acting as the tactical commander, I would assign taskings which fell outside of planned responsibilities, provide any necessary tactical direction and decisions for PLA operations, and work closely with other partners for emergency response or to provide advice.

At what point does preparation for New Year’s Eve on the Thames begin and what do the early stages look like?

Preparation for New Year celebrations officially kicked off in July. 

Identity (the event organisers) on behalf of the Greater London Authority (GLA) arranges various meetings with key stakeholders. This consists of representatives from all emergency services and local authorities. 

An outline of the event is provided and any learning points from the last year’s fireworks are discussed. Stakeholders break into subgroups and the PLA chairs and hosts the River Partner meetings. In these meetings river partners such as HM Coastguard, RNLI, London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police Service, London Ambulance Service, TfL and London River Services, come together and work through the event plans to ensure navigational safety, security, protection of the environment and emergency response. There is a high volume of event documentation to review and to provide feedback on.

How do you manage such a high concentration of activity safely on a working river?

For New Year's Eve, this is not achieved solely by the PLA; however, all the river partners play their part in ensuring the high concentration of activity is carried out safely. This starts to be managed in the planning stages and the management strategy starts is worked out based on the event plan. 

Key information will be provided to the mariner via Notice to Mariners which will include information on local traffic control, river closures and river traffic management. From about 5pm on the event night, the Harbour Service Launches, Crews and Harbour Masters commence patrols in central London. 

Through the patrols, traffic will be managed as required to ensure safety of navigation. At approximately 11pm the Harbour Service Launches will start taking their positions for the river closure. They will manage vessel traffic which starts to compete for a good position to view the fireworks. Safety is also achieved by the professionalism and experience of commercial master’s and other river users in navigating the Thames.

How does the PLA work with partners like the emergency services, local authorities, and event organisers on the night?

Partner organisations work very closely to ensure safety and security of the event. Each partner has their own area of statutory responsibility, and each manages that responsibility on the night. 

It is very important that excellent communications are maintained between all partners, and this is achieved through co-location. 

On the event night the PLA and Metropolitan Police Service host briefings with all river partners, which will then gather on a command and control vessel hosted by the Marine Police Unit.

Having overseen major river events, what makes New Year’s Eve stand out for you personally?

New Year’s celebrations is certainly the biggest event the Thames hosts on an annual basis. It is a fantastic event to be involved in. What stands out for me is the professionalism, dedication, and support of all the partners and everyone involved to achieve a successful event.

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London Eye lit up ahead of NYE firework display 2025

What’s the most important thing members of the public should understand about the Thames on New Year’s Eve?

It is important that attendance is planned carefully to the event and in official viewing areas. 

Masters of all vessels should ensure that passages are planned carefully and take into account the information in published Notices to Mariners. 

All persons should remember that the river Thames remains a hazardous environment. The tidal waters can catch experienced professionals out and it is important to Stay Back, Stay Out, Stay Safe from the water and foreshore.

How do you feel this year’s event went? 

This year’s event was a great success and was carried out safely and securely. There are always learning points and room for improvement which we will work through in debriefings and will implement for 2026.