Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)

The Port of London Authority manages all vessels calling at the Port of London or transiting through its waters to adjacent ports through “London VTS”.  London VTS is fitted with state-of-the-art VTS equipment.  The VTS Area is divided into three sectors managed from two Control Centres as shown on the diagram below (click on image to enlarge). 

Port Control Centre, Gravesend (click on image to enlarge)

Port Control Centre Woolwich (click on image to enlarge)

The Estuary and River sectors are managed from the Port Control Centre at Gravesend and the Barrier Sector is managed from the Thames Barrier Navigation Centre at Woolwich.  London VTS offers an Information Service, Traffic Organisation Service and a Navigational Assistance Service in accordance with IMO Recommendation A.857(20) and the associated IALA Recommendations and Guidelines.   For more detailed information on the provision of VTS Services click here.  Information on London VTS can also be found on the World VTS Guide.

Masters of smaller vessels not mandated to carry AIS A under SOLAS should also note the special mandatory carriage requirements for Thames AIS which is an AIS A derivative.  Details of this carriage requirement and the area within which it applies can be found in the PLA Byelaws.

Temporary hire arrangements are available on a first-come-first-served basis; for details click here.

The Duty Port Controller acts as the representative of the Harbour Master Lower and manages the Port Control Centre at Gravesend; he is qualified both as a pilot and as a VTS Supervisor.  A VTS Supervisor acts as the representative of the Harbour Master Upper and manages the Thames Barrier Navigation Centre at Woolwich.

Port Communications

Click here for information about VHF Channels

Notification Prior to Entry into Port

Click here for more information and the necessary forms.

Ship Movements

Click here for information on ship arrivals and departures

VTS Management

Kevin Gregory – VTS Manager – 01474 562299
Tom Southall – Deputy VTS Manager – 01474 562242

Or use this Enquiry Form.

More information

Click here to read an article about the PLA's VTS operations.