River Users Incident Report Form

The achievement of safe marine operations in the Thames is the responsibility of all users, not solely the PLA. Vessel masters and those in charge of vessels and craft using the Thames are required, under the provisions of River Byelaw 7, to report specific categories of accident to the PLA. In addition to this legal requirement, all river users are invited to report any navigational incidents or occurrences, including near misses, so that any safety matters arising can be properly addressed.

To assist users in the reporting of such incidents, and to report other information, the PLA has devised the River Users Incident Report Form. Copies can be downloaded in two formats by following the links at the foot of this page.

URGENT navigational matters must always be reported immediately to the Harbour Master through the appropriate VTS Centre at Gravesend or Woolwich. The form may be used whenever a further, written, report is required.

Telephone or Radio Reports should be made to:

Port Control Centre, Gravesend - for incidents between the outer PLA limits at the NE Spit and Sunk pilot stations and Crayfordness.

for incidents between Crayfordness and the landward PLA limit at Teddington.

Harbour Master Lower, London River House, Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BG for incidents between the outer PLA limits at the NE Spit and Sunk pilot stations and Crayfordness.

, Bakers' Hall, 7 Harp Lane, London EC3R 6LB for incidents between Crayfordness and the landward PLA limit at Teddington

The form is available for download in two formats.

River Users Incident Report form - Word Document 64kb

River Users Incident Report form - Adobe PDF 82kb

Incidents involving rowing craft

The Thames Regional Rowing Council (TRRC) has set up an online incident reporting system for all incidents involving rowers on the Thames. This is the first of its kind in the country.

The system is not limited to the rowing community and the TRRC would be grateful to non-rowers if they would be willing to use it. The system does not replace the requirement to complete a PLA Incident Report Form when this is required. 

The online reporting system can be accessed here (opens in a new window).

Harbour Master Upper

Written reports should be sent to

Thames Barrier Navigation Centre -