Navigational Safety

As a Statutory Harbour Authority, the Port of London Authority is responsible for the management of navigational safety on the tidal River Thames between Teddington and the outer port limits. The PLA is also a Competent Harbour Authority within the provisions of the Pilotage Act 1987.

The PLA provides conservancy, pilotage and vessel traffic services for ships and craft using the Port, including the maintenance of navigational channels, moorings, lights and buoys and the provision of hydrographic, tidal and other information. We are also responsible for licensing intra-port commercial vessels and river works that extend into, over, or under the Thames below mean high water level.

Navigational Information Information to support passage planning along the Thames including Tide Tables, Critical Depths and Hydrographic Surveys	Regulations and Guidance Directions, Byelaws, Notices to Mariners, Codes of Practice, Guidance Notes, and other regulations governing navigation within the Port of London
Marine Safety The PLA maintains a Port Navigational Safety Management System (SMS) under the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code.	Thames Barrier Operation Scheme Details of programmed closures of the Thames Barrier
Ship Movements Current and expected shipping movements and VHF communications channels. Note: Naval Vessels In the interests of security, the PLA does not release details of the movement of naval vessels within the port. However, the London Naval Regional Officer (Tel: 020 7481 7324) may be able to answer queries.	Notices to Mariners Essential, up to date information and advice to those navigating in the port
Notices to Agents, Berth and Ship Operators Dedicated Notices containing pertinent information of specific interest to Agents, Berth and Ship Operators	Pilotage Information about pilotage requirements and arrangements in the Port of London.
The Harbour Masters Information about the PLA's local Harbour Masters	Port Security The PLA's responsibilities in terms of port security.
Navigational Incident Data A summary of navigational incidents on the tidal Thames in the past four years	Thames AIS Information about the Thames AIS scheme
Vessel Licensing Information on the requirements and procedures for vessel licensing	Emergency Management Information, policies and procedures about the management of marine incidents in the Port.
Navigational Safety Policies The PLA maintains a Navigational Safety Policy supported by associated policies.	Boatmasters' Licence Information about the National Boatmasters Licence introduced in 2007

Navigational Safety

Latest Notices