INCIDENTS
The achievement of safe marine operations in the Thames is the responsibility of all users, not solely the 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 categories of accident 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 arising can be properly addressed.
To assist users in the reporting of such incidents, and to report other information, the PLA has devised the Marine Incident/Near Miss Report Form.
Copies can be downloaded in two formats by following the links at the foot of this page.
URGENT navigational matters must always be reported immediately to the Harbour Master through the appropriate VTS Centre at Gravesend or Woolwich. The form may be used whenever a further, written, report is required.
Telephone or Radio Reports should be made to:
Port Control Centre, Gravesend - for incidents between the outer PLA limits at the NE Spit and Sunk pilot stations and Crayfordness.
| Callsign: | London VTS | |
| VHF Channels: | Outer Limits to SR No.4 Buoy - | Channel 69 |
| SR No.4 Buoy to Crayfordness | Channel 68 | |
| Telephone: | Duty Port Controller | 01474 560 311 (24hrs) |
Thames Barrier Navigation Centre - for incidents between Crayfordness and the landward PLA limit at Teddington.
| Callsign: | London VTS | |
| VHF Channels: | Crayfordness to Teddington | Channel 14 |
| Telephone: | Duty Officer | 020 8855 0315 (24hrs) |
Written reports should be sent to
Harbour Master Lower, London River House, Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BG for incidents between the outer PLA limits at the NE Spit and Sunk pilot stations and Crayfordness.
Harbour Master Upper, Pinnacle House, 23 - 26 St Dunstans Hill, London EC3R 8HN for incidents between Crayfordness and the landward PLA limit at Teddington
Click here for a PDF version of the Form. This can be printed and completed by hand or completed online.
Incidents involving rowing craft
Incidents between rowing craft should also be reported to British Rowing - Click here. Only if anyone has been injured or damage to the rowing boat will cost more than £500 to repair should the PLA be informed by the appropriate method above.
Incidents involving rowing craft and other types of craft should be reported to the PLA in the usual way.
