Statutory Responsibilities - Regulation of Navigation Back to Contents | Next Page
1 For the purposes of regulating navigation of vessels on the River Thames, the Authority utilises a wide range of legislation, including:
(a) Port of London River Byelaws
(b) General Directions for Navigation in the Port of London
(c) The Port of London Dangerous Substances in Bulk Byelaws
(d) Port of London Craft & Boat Registration and Regulation Byelaws
(e) Pilotage Directions
The Harbourmaster is also empowered to give Special Directions to vessels in the Thames. Navigational advice and information to masters of vessels is regularly promulgated through the two PLA Vessel Traffic Service Centres and is also provided through Notices to Mariners and for more long term advice, by Permanent Notices to Mariners.
2 Penalties for Infringement of Byelaws and Directions
Statutory maximum penalties which may be imposed by a court for infringement of the various sections of the Port of London Act, River Byelaws and General Directions to Masters of vessels are stated in the Port of London Act of 1968, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1982. Infringement of general rules for navigation under the Port of London Act may, on summary conviction, incur a fine not exceeding level five on the statutory scale (currently £5,000) and on conviction on indictment to an unlimited fee.
Contravention of the Port of London Dangerous Substances in Bulk Byelaws 1991 may, on summary conviction, incur a fine not exceeding the "prescribed sum" within the meaning of the Magistrates Court Act 1980 (presently £5,000) or on conviction on indictment to an unlimited fine.
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