Notice to Mariners

The above form has been updated to reflect recent operational changes.

Background
The achievement of safe marine operations in the Thames is the responsibility of all users, not solely the Port of London Authority (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 incidents 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 can be properly addressed.

To assist users in the reporting of such incidents and to report other information, the PLA provides the attached Report Form, which may be copied as required.

The Form may also be downloaded from the PLA’s website at www.portoflondon.co.uk (under Navigational Safety/Marine Safety).

URGENT navigational matters must always be reported immediately to the Harbour Master through the appropriate PLA VTS Centre.  However, the Form may be used whenever a further, written, report is required.

Contact details for the Upper and Lower District Harbour Masters and PLA VTS Centres are included below.

A copy of the updated Form is linked to this Notice. [Click here for a pdf version (requires Acrobat Reader) or here for a Microsoft Word version.]

This Notice replaces Notice to Mariners No.26 of 2002.

CONTACT DETAILS

Completed Incident Report forms should be sent to the appropriate District Harbour Master:

Telephone or Radio Reports should be made to:

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

Thames Barrier Navigation Centre, Woolwich for incidents between Crayfordness and the landward PLA limit at Teddington.