Vessel licensing and surveys (2024)

The Port of London Authority is responsible for the licensing of inland waterways vessels operating commercially on the tidal Thames

Vessels operating on the tidal Thames are required to be licensed by the PLA, through powers granted to it by the Port of London Act 1968 (as amended), unless they are certificated by another recognised authority, such as the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, another navigation authority or local authority.

The PLA’s Vessel Surveying and Licensing teams inspect and licence nearly 800 commercially operated vessels a year, fulfilling the PLA’s statutory licensing duty.

The links below provide additional information about which vessels are subject to licensing and information relating to the standards utilised by the PLA in inspecting and licensing vessels on the Thames.

Vessel licensing information and links

Follow the links below to download information or access external websites:

Vessel survey application form

Vessel licensing application form

PLA Vessel Licensing Byelaws

Thames Freight Standard Requirements

Thames Freight Standard Issue 1 June 2013

Equipment Checklist

Powered Vessel Inspection Cycles

Dumb Craft / Pontoons / Collar Barges Inspection Cycles

Thames Freight Standard IWFV2 Inspection Form for Powered Vessels

External Web Links

Inland Waterway Small Passenger Boat Code

Ship Towage Tugs

Click here for information on tugs licensed by the PLA to undertake ship towage operations.

Requirements for a Certificate of Compliance

Read the full 'Technical Requirements for the issue of a Certificate of Compliance (Thames Byelaw 16)' document.

Guidance for Coaching Launches

Coaching Launches - Wash Testing

Wash, and the effects of wash, can be a major danger on the tidal Thames, especially in the main rowing and leisure section above Wandsworth Bridge. This area is subject to a strict eight-knot speed limit, which applies to all powered craft.

However, under the Port of London Thames Byelaws, rowing coaching launches are permitted to exceed this speed limit when escorting a rowing vessel for training purposes or during a boat race or regatta.

Anyone wishing to operate a coaching launch for these purposes, and where the craft will carry more than two people, must first undertake a PLA Wash Test. This ensures that any such vessel does not produce excessive and potentially dangerous wash when exceeding the eight-knot speed limit.

The PLA Wash Tests are subject to a moderate administration charge of £20 per vessel and will check the vessel's wash at varying speeds. We would encourage you to contact the Port of London Authority (PLA) Marine River Inspector to arrange a mutually convenient time. Requests for assessment are to be made by telephone to 07711 640 095 (08:00 hours to 17:00 hours) or by email: [emailprotected].

Once approved the wash assessments will remain valid for the life of the vessel or until the vessel is subject to a major modification, such as the installation of a different outboard engine. In the event of a proven case of excessive wash against a coaching launch, the wash approval may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Harbour Master.

Filming from Coaching Launches

Any and all professional filming or photography on the water with a professional or commercial film/tv/camera crew/photographer requires a PLA filming licence (whether or not a financial transaction occurs).

Boats owned by clubs (including coaching boats, safety boats and tinfish etc) should NEVER be used for professional/commercial filming UNLESS the vessel is licensed by the PLA as a passenger vessel.

A very cautious approach needs to be taken with any filming on the tidal River Thames. This includes any filming by a club for training/analysis purposes etc. However, ‘training filming’ by an appropriate person directly attached to a rowing club – eg using an action camera, such as a GoPro or similar device, to be used for technique/training purposes would not normally need a film licence.

It must be emphasised that:

filming should never impede the ability of the person at the helm to navigate or to keep a good lookout at all times (in other words it would be considered similar to using a phone whilst driving!)
therefore filming should be done, either:
- i. by a second appropriate person, who is a member of the rowing club, or
- ii. from a GoPro rig or similar attached to the boat/appropriate clothing, or
- iii. safely from the shore and/or safely from bridges over the river, etc.

More information on filming and photography can be found at this link.

Human-powered vessels

Human-powered vessels in commercial use on the tidal Thames must be licensed by the PLA.

Human-powered vessels are those intended for carrying persons but not propelled by mechanical means, such as rowing boats, kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards. These types of vessels are often hired to the public or used for guided excursions, and must be licensed.

A self-declaration scheme is now in place for human-powered vessels. Owners and Operators should fill in a HPV Form, listing all vessels in their fleet and submit this along with the required supporting documentation to [emailprotected]. Once the HPV form has been assessed by the Harbour Master, it can be used to apply for a fleet licence from the PLA's vessel licensing team.

If you are in any doubt as to whether your vessels require a licence from the PLA, or you have any queries regarding licensing of human-powered vessels, please contact [emailprotected].

HPV Construction Standards

Rowing Boats

Rowing Boats should be able to demonstrate a 5 year safe working history or be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive (2013/53/EU, 2003/44/EC or 94/25/EC) for the equivalent pleasure vessel.

Kayaks & Canoes

Kayaks and Canoes should be constructed to BS 7852:1997 Code of Practice for Design of Canoes and Kayaks or an equivalent standard acceptable to the PLA. Inflatable kayaks and canoes should not be used for commercial operations below Putney.

Stand-up Paddleboards

Stand-up Paddleboards should be constructed by a reputable manufacturer to an appropriate standard acceptable to the PLA.