Marine Services - Lighthouse Service

Back to Overview Marine Services

The Marine Services team provide and maintain more than 60 permanent aids to navigation, including 38 floating buoys, 18 fixed buoys and central London bridge lights. The team is also responsible for installing and maintaining any temporary buoys to mark obstructions, and for the maintenance of tide gauges located at strategic points along the River. During 2005, the PLA completed work to switch all its buoys over from conventional incandescent lamps to light emitting diodes (LEDs). This process, which was spread over a period of 18 months, has led to reduced costs, increased safety and a more environmentally friendly operation.

The LED lamps give a brighter and clearer light, which is easier for mariners to see. Requiring much less maintenance, they are more reliable - usually lasting for about ten years, whereas conventional lamps need to be replaced twice a year. In addition, PLA Marine Services is also responsible for the inspection and upkeep of more than 230 PLA moorings.