Reporting Navigational Incidents & Safety Concerns

The achievement of safe marine operations on the Tidal Thames is the responsibility of all users, not solely the PLA.  Vessel masters and those in charge of vessels using the Thames are required, under the provisions of PLA Byelaws, to report specific categories of incident to the PLA.  All navigational incidents are fully investigated by the relevant district Harbour Master with some incidents also investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and occasionally the Maritime & Coastguard Agency

In addition to this legal requirement, all river users are invited to report any navigational incidents or occurrences (including near misses or any general safety concerns) so that any matters arising can be properly considered by the PLA 

URGENT navigational matters must always be reported immediately to the Harbour Master through the appropriate VTS Centre at Gravesend or Woolwich. 

In this instance Telephone or VHF Reports should be made to:

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

Thames Barrier Navigation Control Centre, Woolwich - For incidents between Crayfordness and the landward PLA limit at Teddington

When reporting Non-urgent Navigational incidents, or following a request from the investigating harbour master to provide a written report, one of the following Report Forms should be completed as appropriate:

Ship Incident Report Form

This form should be used by the Master, Authorised Pilot or PEC holder of a ship to report a navigational incident or near miss.

Click here for a Microsoft Word version of the Form.  This can be saved locally as a Word Document for completion electronically.

Click here for a PDF version of the Form.  This can be printed and completed by hand.

River User Incident Report Form

This form should be used by the Master of intraport or recreational vessels to report a navigational incident or near miss.

Click here for a Microsoft Word version of the Form.  This can be saved locally as a Word Document for completion electronically.

Click here for a PDF version of the Form.  This can be printed and completed by hand.

Berth Deficiency Report Form

This form assists river users and port service providers in reporting deficiencies of safety equipment, unsafe practices, or contravention of regulations at a jetty, wharf or pier.

Click here for a Microsoft Word version of the Form.  This can be saved locally as a Word Document for completion electronically.

Click here for a PDF version of the Form.  This can be printed and completed by hand.

Incidents Involving Rowing Craft

The Thames Regional Rowing Council (TRRC) has an online incident reporting system for all incidents involving rowers on the tidal Thames. 

This reporting system is not limited to the rowing community and the TRRC would ask non-rowers to use it if they are involved in or witness an incident involving rowing craft.  This system does not remove 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)

All incident and near miss reports should be sent to the relevant district Harbour Master: