Navigational Safety Management System
Introduction
The Port of London Authority (PLA), as a Statutory Harbour Authority, has a primary responsibility to facilitate the safety of navigation and associated marine operations on the tidal Thames.
The Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) requires the PLA to maintain a dedicated Safety Management System (SMS), for marine operations, within the port. The SMS must be based on a formal risk assessment of these operations.
Initial Formal Risk Assessment
Accordingly, the PLA has, with the assistance of consultants and involving port and river users, undertaken a safety of navigation risk assessment. This study embraced all types of vessel navigating within the PLA’s area of jurisdiction during the period of the work. It also included traffic movements within the Sunk Precautionary Area.
The study was undertaken jointly by BMT Reliability Consultants Ltd and Marico Marine Ltd. The final report - Operational Risk Assessment of the Port of London 1999 – 2001, can be viewed by clicking here.
Maintenance of the SMS
It must be appreciated that risk assessment is a continuing process. This report therefore, provided the starting position from which the ports Navigational SMS continues to evolve and changes to the operational requirements of the port and tidal River. The system will naturally evolve as each of the hazards identified in the initial assessment is re-assessed, either routinely, or for example, following an incident which raises a doubt as to the effectiveness of a risk control measure. The scheduled review process is based on a four-year cycle with the individual ranked hazards being reviewed periodically, dependent upon their perceived level of risk. New hazards are also be identified and assessed and included within the SMS as traffic patterns and trades change within the port.
The Report recommended the introduction of certain new or enhanced risk controls and other measures. Whilst the majority of recommendations have been implemented, the remainder continue to be given active consideration.
The PLA confirmed its compliance with the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code, to Government, in February 2002.
Navigational SMS Manual
A high level overview of the structure and function of the PLA’s Navigational SMS, in the form of a Navigational SMS Manual has been published following widespread consultation with port and river users. The Manual (PDF file) can be viewed by clicking on the link provided on this page.
Should you have any comments on the report or the recommendations arising from it, would you please address these to Capt. Julian Parkes.
Navigational Safety Polices
The PLA has developed and maintains a Navigational Safety Policy which is supported by a number of associated Policies. Click on the links below.
Navigational Safety Policy
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Policy
Pilotage Policy
Hydrographic Policy
Enforcement and Prosecution Policy
Consultation Policy
Marine Training Policy
Updated: January 2011
