1. Ship Security Level Information
With the introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in July 2004, vessels subject to the ISPS Code, transitting the Port of London Authority (PLA) area of jurisdiction to and from the Medway Ports were not required to advise PLA Vessel Traffic Services (London VTS) of the vessel’s ISPS Ship Security Level. (PLA Permanent Notice to Mariners P3 of 2005 refers).
However, following a review of procedures, and in order to enhance the overall provision of security in the Port of London, vessels bound to or from the Medway Ports are now required to notify the PLA of their security level status by VHF on arrival at PLA Port Limits in addition to any prior notification required by Medway Ports.
This Notice therefore amends Permanent Notice to Mariners P3 of 2005 in that vessels subject to the requirements of the ISPS Code, bound to and from the Medway Ports are, from 1 September 2006, when arriving at port limits, required to report their ISPS Security Level status to London VTS.
2. Dangerous Substances Information
In addition, the attention of Masters and Agents of vessels bound to and from the Medway Ports is drawn to the contents of PLA Notice to Mariners No L5 of 2006, a copy of which accompanies this Notice.
Vessel Masters and Agents are reminded that it is an offence under the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987, to fail to notify the PLA Harbourmaster of dangerous substances (in bulk) being transported to and from the Medway Ports, through the PLA area of jurisdiction.
