PLA News Releases

As a result of the lessons identified from a PLA investigation into an accident involving a hired narrowboat on the tidal Thames, the Port of London Authority (PLA) and representatives from the British Marine Federation (BMF) and the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators (APCO) have worked together to address the key safety and technical issues.

The Port of London Authority has begun its first ever ‘Safe Boarding Week’ today (27 February), a seven-day safety initiative that is the first of its kind in Europe. ‘Safe Boarding Week’ aims to increase awareness of safe access to and from vessels along the 95 miles of the tidal Thames that is in the PLA’s jurisdiction.

The Port of London Authority’s (PLA’s) first annual, week-long event ‘Safe Boarding Week’ has been a great success. The total number of inspections was 265, far exceeding the target of 200, and included gangways, ladders from berths, piers and linkspans, along the 95 miles of tidal Thames in the PLA’s jurisdiction.

Tower Hamlets Canoe Club is helping visually impaired paddlers (VIPs) take to the capital’s waterways, with the help of Active Thames, founded by the Port of London Authority (PLA).

The Port of London Authority has appointed James Stride as new chief harbour master, following the announcement of Bob Baker’s retirement.

In just three months’ time, a fleet of international Tall Ships will arrive in London for the start of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta - a visual maritime feast over the Easter weekend that will see dozens of majestic Tall Ships set sail for Quebec in Canada from the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

This June, three trainee pilots joined the PLA to start an intensive, six-month course, with more set to follow in their footsteps later this year.

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle Price joined seafarers, port and shipping representatives at London Tilbury Seafarers Centre late last week for the official opening of the centre’s new £50,000 basketball court and sports area.