Vessel Licensing

The Port of London Authority (PLA), through powers granted to it by the Port of London Act 1968 (as amended) is responsible for the licensing of inland waterways vessels operating commercially on the tidal Thames.

To achieve this, the PLA assesses vessels against nationally recognised standards, including the new national Fitness for Purpose Scheme and the Inland Waterway Small Passenger Boat Code. Inspections are undertaken by two qualified Marine Surveyors, who work closely with owners and operators to ensure that the required safety, technical and competency standards are met.

Vessels operating on the tidal Thames are required to be licensed by the PLA, unless they are certificated by another recognised authority, such as the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, another navigation authority or local authority. The PLA’s Vessel Licensing Team also approves Ship Towage Tugs for towing operations in the port and undertakes wash testing of Coaching Launches in the upper reaches.

The links below provide additional information about which vessels are subject to licensing and information relating to the standards utilised by the PLA in inspecting and licensing vessels on the Thames.