London (GBLON)

London is the UK’s busiest inland waterway, stretching approximately 150km from the North Sea up to Teddington Lock, in a combination of wet docks and riverside terminals. Cargo includes break bulk, liquid and dry bulks, containers, refrigerated cargo and new vehicles (Ro-Ro). The area also caters for project and heavy lift cargoes (used for the many property development sites in the City of London and along the banks of the river). The Port of London Authority (PLA) is a self-funding public Trust which governs the Port of London area and is based at Denton Wharf, Gravesend. There are 11 Dock Basins in the Port of London area. Throughout the 20th century the PLA owned and operated the majority of these docks and wharfs but they have now mostly been either closed or privatised. Today the PLA acts mainly as a managing authority for the tidal stretch of the River Thames, ensuring safe navigation, and the well-being of the port and its activities. Riverside berths can be found at Barking, Battersea, Canning Town, Canvey Island, Charlton, Cliffe, Coryton, Dagenham, Dartford, Erith, Fulham, Gravesend, Grays, Greenhithe, Greenwich, Northfleet, Purfleet, Silvertown, Stanford-le-Hope, Thurrock, Tilbury and Wandsworth. Major facilities are also located at the Port of Tilbury, operated by Forth Ports with the PLA managing the tidal waters on the N bank of the Thames, approx. 40km E of London Bridge. Tilbury has 56 operational berths, 31 independent operating terminals and a total of 10.2km of quayside including deepwater berths outside its locks. London Gateway, at Stanford-le-Hope, is a major container facility, also on the N bank of River Thames approx. 7.5nm NE of the Tilbury and operated by DP World, again with the PLA managing the tidal waters. Following expansion, the Terminal will shortly have six operational berths. Nov 2024, DP World launched the world's first all-electric berth at London Gateway. The fourth berth of the expansion project is able to service vessels with an all-electric fleet, setting a global standard in low-carbon shipping infrastructure. As of 2024, two further berths (No 5 & 6) are still under construction and once operational will be able to advance DP World's goal to be net-zero by 2050.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

London is the capital and principal port of the United Kingdom, on the River Thames, situated in SE England.

LOA 355m, beam 73m, draught 14.5m, 300,000DWT.

Approx 52,000,000t of cargo, 2,000,000TEUs, 6,000 vessels and 4,500,000 passengers are handled annually.

River Thames - London Bridge to the Knob, designated anchorage areas: ..... Name Area Restrictions Sunk Deep Draught 51°54'N 001°40'E - Inner Sunk 51°50'N 001°30'E - Black Deep Anchorage 51°38'N 001°21'E For deep draught vessels Knob Deep Draught Berth K1 51°31'N 001°03'E - Berth K2 51°31'N 001°05'E For VLCC only Berth K3 51°30'N 001°04'E LNG tankers only Oaze Small Ship 51°31'N 001°00'E Unrestricted Southend and Warp Deep Draught 51°31'N 000°54'E Including Berths W1 and W2 for vessels nominated by the Port of London Authority Barrow Deep 51°42'N 001°18'E Vessels required to anchor in reduced visibility Shivering Sands 51°30'N 001°08'E - Tongue Deep Draught 51°31'N 001°29'E E of Outer Tongue Lightbuoy - Also available at Southend, Westleigh Middle, Yantlet, Gravesend, St Clements Reach, London Reach, Erith, Belvedere, Halfway Reach, Barking Reach, Gallions Reach. Vessels should not anchor, except in an emergency or for the purpose of manoeuvring, in the navigable channels of the Thames Estuary or the River Thames. A report should be made whenever a vessel has anchored in a designated anchorage or, in the case of an emergency, within a fairway.

The main buoyed channels in the outer estuary are the Barrow Deep, the Edinburgh Channels, the Black Deep and Knock John Channels and the Prince's Channel, which has been dredged to 8.0m to take more southern approach traffic. The PLA issues a monthly limiting draught bulletin for vessels using the Havens (Coryton, Shellhaven, Oikos and Calor); currently determined by the depth between Sea Reach Nos 2 and 3, plus height of tide, less 0.9m UKC (for rising tide). Prevailing depths should be obtained from current surveys. Tilbury: The docks are entered from the Thames through a lock situated close N of Tilbury Ness. The depth over the entrance lock sill is 7.3m, but dredging is frequent. Dredged depths in the entrance may be less than 7.3m; the latest information should be obtained from the Dockmaster.

BA 1185, 1186, 2151, 3337, 8156. US Publications 192. Admiralty Pilot NP28, NP286(1).

Contact Thames Coastguard on VHF Ch 16 or Tel: +44 1255 675518.

1025-1020. Tilbury: 1012.

As per berth operator instructions. Tower Bridge Upper Moorings: Vessels up to LOA 158m are permitted to berth alongside "HMS Belfast" in a depth of 5.3m. Greenwich Pier; There are mooring buoys for the use of cruise liners between 128m and 220m in length, draught up to 8.0m, located on the S side of Greenwich Reach off Deptford Creek (51°29.00'N 000°01.00'W). There is a jetty to the W of Deptford Creek on the S side of the Reach. Convoy Wharf is located approx 0.5nm NW of the entrance to the Creek.

The London Pilotage District comprises River Pilot Station at Gravesend (the Port Control Centre) with three other Pilot Stations at NE Spit (Ramsgate), Warp (Sheerness) and Sunk which handle pilotage for the Thames Estuary and approaches. ..... The seaward limits of the London Pilotage District are bounded by the following positions: (a) Foulness Point (51°37.00'N 000°57.32'E) (b) Gunfleet Old Lighthouse (51°46.08'N 001°20.53'E) (c) Long Sand Head (51°48.00'N 001°40.00'E) (d) 51°36.00'N 001°23.08'E (e) 51°26.60'N 001°25.50'E (f) Warden Point (51°24.92'N 001°5.35'E) The inner limit of the London pilotage area is on the River Thames at Putney South. Vessels inbound: Should send ETA, Provisional Order for a pilot and mandatory pilotage details to London Port Control Centre, Gravesend, at least 24 hours in advance of arrival at the pilot boarding station. Note - Details required by the Port Control Centre at Gravesend should be sent using the web based ordering system PISCES. Registration for this can be arranged by telephoning VTS management on +44 1474 562299 or +44 1474 562242. In exceptional cases the standard "Port of London Authority - Movement, Pilotage and PEC Notifications" (downloaded from the Port of London Authority website http://www.pla.co.uk) may be used unless the vessel is carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods when the PISCES system must be used. Reporting vessels should send the completed notification form to the Port Control Centre 24 hours in advance of arrival/departure/shifting berth or within one hour of departure from the last port of call (if nearer), reporting any changes to the Port Control Centre. Vessels for which no provisional order is given, risk delay in the supply of a Pilot. ..... Provisional Order should include the following details: 1. Location at which the pilot is required 2. Vessels IMO number 3. GT 4. LOA 5. Operating draught 6. Full manoeuvring speed 7. Destination (name of berth, and anchorage for an inbound passage) 8. Date and time at which the pilot is required. Vessels outbound, shifting berth or leaving an anchorage: Should send ETD, Provisional Order for a pilot and mandatory pilotage details to London Port Control Centre, at least 24 hours in advance. Changes to ETD must be notified to London Port Control Centre, up to 2 hours before sailing. Thereafter the vessel may contact London VTS direct. See PISCES note above. Pilotage is compulsory in the London Pilotage District for the following vessels in the following areas: To the E of Sea Reach No 1 Buoy for: ..... 1. Vessels or tugs and tows of LOA 90m 2. Vessels or tugs and tows of LOA 50m or more which are Specified Vessels. Passenger vessels and vessels carrying Marine Pollutants in bulk 3. Vessels or tugs and tows of LOA 50m and up to LOA 90m with an operating draught of 6.0m or more. 4. Vessels or tugs and tows of LOA 50m and up to LAO 90m with an operating draught of 4.0m or more when restricted visibility exists where the vessel is, or within that part of the London Pilotage District through which the vessel in question has planned its passage or both. To the W of Sea Reach No 1 Buoy for: 1. Vessels or tugs and tows of LOA 80m 2. Vessels or tugs and tows of LOA 50m or more which are Specified Vessels. Passenger vessels and vessels carrying Marine Pollutants in bulk 3. Vessels or tugs and tows of LOA 50m and up to LOA 90m with an operating draught of 5.0m or more. 4. Vessels or tugs and tows of LOA 50m or more overall with an operating draught of 4.0m or more when restricted visibility exists where the vessel is, or within that part of the London Pilotage District through which the vessel in question has planned its passage or both. To the W of the Margaret Ness Limit (a line drawn across the Thames from the Margaret Ness Light in a direction of 334°) for vessels or tugs and tows of LOA 40m or over 50GT. Masters should refer to Pilotage Direction No 5 for full details or changes. Vessels of LOA 160m and over are required to employ berthing pilots when berthing or unberthing at the oil installations at Canvey Island and Coryton. Pilot boards in position 51°25'N 001°30'E (between NE Spit Lightbuoy and Elbow Lightbuoy). Pilot disembarkation station: Outbound vessels which are subject to compulsory pilotage in the Inner Area but not the Outer Area, disembark the pilot about 0.1nm S of Sea Reach No 1 light buoy (51°29.5'N 000°52.6'E). Deep Sea Pilots: Vessels requiring a pilot to embark or disembark at a continental port should obtain the approval of the Pilotage Manager at the PLA Pilotage Administration office not later than 3 days before the service is required. Tel: +44 1474 562362, Fax: +44 1474 562378 or Email: pilotage@pla.co.uk. Vessels requiring a pilot to embark or disembark at other UK ports should make arrangements in the area of the Thames Estuary subject to availability and a minimum confirmed notice of 8 hours of the time of the requirement. Pilotage Exemption Certificates are available on application to the PLA, Tel: +44 1474 562333.

Port limits stretch approximately 150km from the North Sea up to Teddington Lock. Precise details are set out in the Port of London Act of Parliament, 1968 (subject to amendments) as follows: ..... 1. In this schedule, the landward limit means a line drawn across the Thames from stone pillar erected at grid co-ordinates "TQ" 16371912 on Surrey bank by the Port Authority and the Thames Conservators to the nearest point of MHW level on the Middlesex bank. The former seaward limit means a line drawn from the pilot mark at the entrance of Havengore Creek in the county of Essex on a bearing of 166° reckoned clockwise from the true N point of the compass to MHW level on the Kent bank of the Thames. The seaward limit means lines drawn from position 51°37.00'N 000°57.19'E (Foulness Point in the county of Essex) to position 51°46.05'N 001°25.30'E (Gunfleet Old Lighthouse) then to position 51°26.36'N 001°25.30'E, then to position 51°24.55'N 000°54.21'E (Warden Point in the county of Kent). 2. The limits shall commence at the landward limit and shall extend down both sides of the Thames at MHW level to seaward limit and shall include: All islands, rivers, streams, creeks, waters, watercourses, channels, harbours, docks and places. But shall not include: 1. The River Medway above the seaward limit of the jurisdiction of the Conservators of the River Medway as specified in section 4 (Application of Act to part of river Medway) of the Medway Conservancy Act 1881. 2. The Swale. 3. The River Lea or Bow Creek above the S boundary stones referred to in section 3 (Description of Lea and tributaries) of the Lea Conservancy Act 1868. 4. The Grand Union Canal. 5. Havengore Creek above the former bridge which crossed the creek at a distance of approx 914m form the point where the creek joins the Thames. 6. Any waters which are not for the time being within the territorial waters of Her Majesty's dominions. Seaward limit: Line joining Gunfleet Old Lighthouse to Foulness Point, then S to position 001°25.30'E and W to Warden Point. Landward Limit: Teddington Lock. All vessels navigating on the tidal Thames must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea as modified by the Port of London River Bylaws 1978 (as amended). They must also comply with the General Directions for Navigation in the Port of London 1991 and the latest Notice to Mariners published by the Port of London Authority.

IALA buoyage system "A" and lights throughout, marking main fairways. THAMES BARRIER CONTROL ZONE: The river between Margaret Ness and Blackwell Point is subject to special navigational requirements concerning passage through the Thames Barrier. There are notice boards with lights at Thamesmead, Barking Power Station, Blackwall Stairs (north shore) and Blackwall Point (south shore). These boards are being replaced with illuminated fixed signage. ..... Navigating through the Thames barrier: Signal (Direction Lights on Barrier) Meaning Red St Andrew's Cross(lit) on pier Barrier or span closed Green arrows (lit) on pier Span open Mariners must observe traffic signals displayed on the barrier piers which indicate those spans open to navigation. Instructions will also be broadcast by Woolwich Radio on Ch 14. TOWER BRIDGE: Any vessel with an air draught of more than 9.1m above the waterline wishing to pass through Tower Bridge must request a bridge lift. Vessels should give a minimum of 24 hours notice to the Operations Manager either by fax (+44 207 9408396) or by letter to Main Office, Tower Bridge SE1 2UP. Lifting of the bridge can be done at any time over 24 hours, every day of the year. Vessels able to pass under the bridge by lowering their masts are asked to do so to avoid unnecessary openings of the bridge. To minimise the impact on road traffic, vessels are requested to arrive at the pre-arranged time. No more than 5 minutes leeway can be granted at peak traffic times. Should vessels need to change their transit time, Tower Bridge must be told as soon as possible. Bridge Security Staff can be contacted by telephone (+44 207 9403975). ..... Navigating through Tower Bridge: Signal Meaning Red light (shown day and night from piers both sides of the bascule bridge Bridge is closed, being closed or being opened. Green Light (shown day and night from piers both sides of the bascule bridge) Bridge is open. HF repetitive note of 820 cyles per second transmitted approx every 10 seconds followed by silent period of same duration. Restricted visibility (signal given while bridge is open for river traffic) Note - Morse letter 'X' can be sounded by vessels which are ready to proceed through the bridge in restricted visibility. Request for bascules to be opened

Wind Farms: The London Array, consisting of 341 wind turbines is between Kent and Essex coast and the Thanet Wind farm, consisting of 100 wind turbines, is 11km off North Foreland. A further wind farm at Greater Gabbard has recently been completed. These wind farms will be radar visible at sufficient range to take avoiding action, however at close quarters they can cause multiple echoes. Oil and Gas Jetty Exclusion Zones: With the exception of vessels berthing at an adjacent jetty, all vessels, including fishing and recreational boats, must keep a minimum distance of 60m away from oil and gas jetties and the vessels berthed alongside them. Speed: Care should be taken when passing vessels at a berth closely adjacent to the navigational channel, particular where those vessels are handling dangerous goods and are displaying a red flag by day or a red light by night. VTS will warn shipping when vessels engaged in dangerous cargo operations are berthed alongside and passing vessels should reduce speed to 8.0kt or the minimum speed to maintain adequate steerage way. In Gravesend Reach, and above this area, any speed above 10kt is excessive and potentially dangerous. Canvey Island Warning Lights: are exhibited from a structure (51°30.55'N 000° 33.95'E) on the S side of the island and from the PLA radar tower at Cliffe (51° 27.73'N 000°29.43'E). These powerful occasional lights operate day and night and warn shipping that vessels with hazardous cargoes are berthing or unberthing at the oil jetties. The lights are displayed from the time the vessels carrying hazardous cargo arrives off Canvey Island until it is securely berthed, and upon departure of that vessel until it is clear of the berth. Vertical Clearance: 53m for The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge (51°27.90'N 000° 15.54'E). VTS should be contacted in advance so that lights marking the Tall Ships Navigation Channel under the bridge, can be switched on. Tower Bridge: Any vessel with an air draught of more than 9.1m above the waterline wishing to pass through the Bridge, may request a lift. ..... Tilbury Lock: (m) Width 33.5 Length 304.8 Max draught for vessels 10.5 Max beam 32.5 Max LOA 262 Entrance to and departure from the Lock may be restricted, subject LOA and/or draught, as determined by the PLA Harbour Master.

Range 6.6m London Bridge. At London Bridge CD is 3.2m below Ordnance Datum, Newlyn; MHWS is 7.1m and MHWN 5.9m above CD. Trinity HW is taken as 3.47m above Ordnance Datum, Newlyn. Tidal information is available from gauges at Walton-on-the-Naze, Margate, Shivering Sands and Southend. Tidal heights in the outer approaches to the Thames Estuary are difficult to quantify. Master should allow a minimum UKC of 0.9m on a flood tide and 1.4m on an ebb tide to allow for these uncertainties, the possibility of negative surges and squat. Masters of vessels with a draught greater than 10.0m should allow an UKC of 1.2m on the flood and 1.5m on the ebb. Tilbury: Current approx 3.5kts. There are no tides within the Tilbury enclosed dock. The tidal range in the River Thames is up to a maximum rise and fall of 7.1m.

London VTS comprises three VTS sectors, two of which are controlled by the Port Control Centre at Gravesend and the westward section by The Thames Barrier Navigation Centre. ..... 1. Port Control Centres: (a) Estuary Sector From the seaward limits of the VTS area to Sea Reach No 4 LightbuoyS (N and S) (b) River Sector From Sea Reach No 4 Lightbuoy to Crayford Ness (51°28.94'N 000° 12.71'E) 2. Thames Barrier Navigation Centre: Barrier Sector From Crayford Ness to Teddington Lock (51°25.94'N 000°19.53'W) The VTS area for Tilbury is covered the Port Control Centre London (Tel: +44 (0) 1474 562305) based at Gravesend. All passenger vessels and vessels over 50GT and LOA 40m are Designated Reporting Vessels. Non reporting vessels over LOA 13.7m and those certified to carry more than 12 passengers are required to maintain a continuous VHF listening watch. The Master of a Reporting Vessel intending to navigate in the Thames shall report, on arrival at the outer limit of the VTS Area, at an arc of 10nm radius centred on position 51°2831'N 001°2375'E from Foulgers Gat to the CALDOVREP line (extending ESE from North Foreland Lt to position 51°1600'N 001°5140'E in the separation zone) has been established. This report to the Harbour Master through London VTS, should confirm that the vessel complies with the navigational safety requirements of PLA General Directions.Reporting vessels within the area should report when passing the designated Reporting Points, anchoring, berthing and when entering a lock. In addition, vessels should immediately report the occurrence of any of the following. Being involved in, or sighting, a collision, stranding, fire or other accident, Machinery, steering breakdown or navigational incident, Personal injury or recovery of a casualty from the river, Spillage of oil or oily mixtures. Reporting vessels outbound or shifting berth should send ETD and appropriate details from the table above 24 hours in advance reporting any changes to Port Control Centre London. Permission to Proceed. Vessels should notify London VTS on the appropriate VHF channel, 10 minutes before the time at which they propose to start navigating the Thames. They should request and obtain permission to proceed immediately before they propose to start to navigate. If navigation has not commenced within 5 minutes of the initial advice, they should inform London VTS of their intentions. Vessels should report to the appropriate Shore Station at the following Reporting Points and obtain clearance for continued transit: All inbound vessels should call London VTS on VHF Ch 69 as follows: ..... 1. Barrow Deep/Mouse Channel/The Warp Sunk Head Tr Lt buoy 2. Black Deep/Knock John/Oaze Deep Sunk Head Tr Lt buoy 3. Fisherman's Gat/Knob or Knock John Channels Arrival/departure reporting arc 4. Princes Channel Arrival/departure reporting arc Note: Vessels should report to the appropriate shore station at the required reporting points and obtain clearance for continued transit. AIS: Vessels mandated to carry AIS are to operate it at all times when underway or alongside in the Thames. London VTS is to be informed if it is required to be switched off for safety or security reasons. AIS: Vessels mandated to carry AIS are to operate it at all times when underway or alongside in the Thames. London VTS is to be informed if it is required to be switched off for safety or security reasons. For further information on London VTS, see Port of London Authority website http://www.pla.co.uk.

A variety of tug service providers operate in the Port of London Authority area under Licenses issued by the PLA. Full details can be found on the Port of London Authority website www.pla.co.uk

Prevailing winds: Variable.

LONDON 51°30.00'N 0°03.00'E UNCTAD LOCODE: GB LON For details see: GENERAL DIAGRAM SUNK VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE GENERAL DIAGRAM RIVER THAMES, ESTUARY AND APPROACHES INDEX OF DIAGRAMS GENERAL DIAGRAM (A) THAMES ESTUARY AND APPROACHES, INFORMATION RELATING TO PILOT STATIONS AND REPORTING SYSTEMS GENERAL DIAGRAM (B), (C) & (D), THAMES AND MEDWAY, INFORMATION RELATING TO PILOT STATIONS AND REPORTING SYSTEMS SUNK PILOT REQUIREMENTS GENERAL NOTES ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

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Patrol launches and tugs contacts: Thames Patrol Ch14/68/69; Tugs Oil Refineries Ch10/36; River Berths Ch08/13/72; North Fleet Hope Container Terminal Ch77.", "pilots_contact_details": [ { "station_call_name": "Port Control Centre - Gravesend", "vhf_primary_watch": "18", "vhf_secondary_working": "20;68;69", "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 560311"], "faxes": [], "emails": ["shipcon@pla.co.uk"], "websites": ["www.pla.co.uk"], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "London VTS Estuary Sector", "vhf_primary_watch": "18", "vhf_secondary_working": "69", "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 560311"], "faxes": [], "emails": ["shipcon@pla.co.uk"], "websites": ["www.pla.co.uk"], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "London VTS River Sector", "vhf_primary_watch": "20", "vhf_secondary_working": "68", "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 560311"], "faxes": [], "emails": ["shipcon@pla.co.uk"], "websites": ["www.pla.co.uk"], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "HMCo Border Force / Trinity House", "vhf_primary_watch": null, "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 562212"], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "Contact Port Authority" }, { "station_call_name": "North East Spit Pilot Station (Ramsgate)", "vhf_primary_watch": "09", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": ["+44(0)1843 583786"], "faxes": ["+44(0)1843 595664"], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "Pilot Station: H24; Pilot Vessel: When a vessel is expected" }, { "station_call_name": "Sunk Pilot Station", "vhf_primary_watch": null, "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "Details via Port Control" }, { "station_call_name": "Warp Pilot Station (Sheerness)", "vhf_primary_watch": "69", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": ["+44(0)1795 561207"], "faxes": ["+44(0)1795 561309"], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "VHF Ch69 for arrivals/departures" }, { "station_call_name": "River Pilot Station (Gravesend)", "vhf_primary_watch": "09", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 560311"], "faxes": ["+44(0)1474 352996"], "emails": ["shipcon@pla.co.uk"], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "VHF Ch09 for pilot boarding" }, { "station_call_name": "Thames Patrol", "vhf_primary_watch": "14", "vhf_secondary_working": "68;69", "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "VHF Ch14 for patrol launches" }, { "station_call_name": "Tugs Oil Refineries", "vhf_primary_watch": "10", "vhf_secondary_working": "36", "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "VHF Ch10 for oil refinery tugs; Ch36 for other operations" }, { "station_call_name": "Tugs River Berths", "vhf_primary_watch": "08", "vhf_secondary_working": "13;72", "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "VHF Ch08 for river berth tugs" }, { "station_call_name": "Tugs North Fleet Hope Container Terminal", "vhf_primary_watch": "77", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": [], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "VHF Ch77 for terminal tugs" }, { "station_call_name": "Port Security Officer", "vhf_primary_watch": null, "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 562212"], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "Contact Port Authority" } ], "procedure": { "compulsory_text_note": "Pilotage is compulsory in the London Pilotage District for vessels meeting specified criteria E of Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (length/ draught/ vessel type) and W of Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (length/ draught/ vessel type), and W of Margaret Ness Limit for vessels 40m+ LOA or 4m+ draught. Exemptions apply to UK warships, certain government vessels, and licensed activities (dredging, buoy maintenance, offshore construction). Provisional orders required 24h in advance; confirmed orders require draught confirmation. Surcharges apply for less than 8h ETA or 4h ETD notice.", "when_to_report": "Vessels must report to London VTS on VHF Ch69 when entering the VTS area (inbound) and on passing designated reporting points. Outbound reporting at Sea Reach No1 Lt buoys and specific waypoints. Cables Car reporting 24h/30min prior and 1h prior for large/high air draught vessels.", "how_to_report": "Use PISCES web-based ordering system for provisional orders and notifications. Report by VHF on specified channels for inbound/outbound, waypoints, and exceptions. For vessels not fitted with VHF, report via mobile phone to London VTS (+44(0)203 2607711).", "what_to_report": [ "Vessel's ISPS security level", "PEC number (if applicable)", "Number of persons on board", "Maximum draught (accurate to one decimal place)", "Intended route and destination berth/anchorage", "Any navigational deficiency, serious defect or safety concern", "Air draught (for vessels over 250m LOA)", "Confirmation of ladder rigged and maintained (when embarking/disembarking a pilot)" ], "pilot_boarding_positions": [ { "designator": "Tongue Boarding Area", "coordinates_or_verbose": "Centred on 51°29′00N 1°34′00E", "vessel_particular_constraints": "For vessels boarding at NE Spit; use inner boarding area when taking passage through Princes Channel or Fisherman's Gat; deeper draught vessels may use Black Deep via Longsand Head inshore route or Sunk Precautionary Area." }, { "designator": "NE Goodwin Boarding Area", "coordinates_or_verbose": "51°20′20N 1°39′00E", "vessel_particular_constraints": null }, { "designator": "NE Spit Boarding Area", "coordinates_or_verbose": "51°25′00N 1°29′80E (between NE Spit Lt buoy and Elbow Lt buoy)", "vessel_particular_constraints": null } ], "pilot_disembarkation_positions": [ { "designator": "Gravesend Pilot Station", "coordinates_or_verbose": "51°26′96N 0°22′46E (0.2 n miles N of Royal Terrace Pier)" } ], "leftover_text_notes": [ "Vessels may be required to take a pilot based on damage, equipment deficiency, or safety considerations at HR Mr's discretion.", "UK warships and vessels in long-term service of HM Customs & Excise, Border Force, and Trinity House are exempt from compulsory pilotage in any part of the London Pilotage District.", "Vessels engaged in dredging, buoy maintenance, offshore structure construction/maintenance/removal may be exempt as specified by PLA from time to time, subject to HR Mr's requirements.", "To the W of Margaret Ness Limit (line across Thames from Margaret Ness Lt to a direction of 334°T), vessels 40m+ LOA or with 4m+ draught may be required to take a pilot at PLA's discretion.", "Provisional Order: All vessels requiring a PLA Pilot must make a Provisional Order via PISCES 24h in advance (inward, outward, or shifting berth/moving within estuary).", "Confirmed Pilotage Order: Confirmation required with vessel draught; inaccuracies may cause delays or surcharges.", "Notice Requirements: Inward 8h from Sunk Pilot Station; 6h from NE Spit and Warps; 6h for E coast ports within Great Yarmouth–Dover range. Outward 6h beyond Sea Reach No1; 4h to Gravesend/Sea Reach. Vessels at anchor: 8h for Sunk area; 6h for Outer Tongue/Margate Roads; 4h for inner London anchorages.", "Surcharges: Less than 8h ETA or 4h ETD notice; exceptions for short sea voyages (min 4h after leaving previous port). Vessels anchored near Sunk, Outer Tongue, or Margate Roads require 8h notice. Vessels <7.5m draught boarding at Sunk rather than NE Spit may incur surcharge.", "Continental port embarkation/disembarkation requires PLA approval ideally 3 days ahead; shorter notice considered if resources allow.", "Other UK ports in Thames Estuary: arrangements possible subject to availability and min 8h confirmed notice.", "Vessels >250m LOA must declare calculated windage area via agent prior to arrival or to PLA on completion of loading.", "Overtaking restrictions upriver of Tilburyness and when specified vessels are involved; seek clearance from PLA.", "Channel restrictions: Black Deep/Knock John Channel normally restricted to vessels with draught over 6m; others use Princes Channel or King's Channel unless tidal/weather constraints apply. Vessels <7.5m draught piloted may incur surcharge.", "All VHF-fitted vessels within PLA VTS area must maintain continuous listening watch on sector's main VHF frequency; channels used only for safety, emergency, and urgent communications per IMO A.954/23.", "AIS: Mandatory for vessels >40m LOA, >50gt (other than pleasure <40m LOA), tugs, passenger Class IV/V/VI, and specified vessels carrying bulk pollutants within Thames. POB reporting via Thames AIS Portal (TAP). Switch off only when unmanned or out of service; report defects to PLA immediately.", "Reporting Points: Detailed list includes Barrow Deep/Mouse Channel/The Warp; Black Deep/Knock John/Oaze Deep; Fisherman's Gat/Knob or Knock John Channels; Princes Channel; Sunk Head Tr Lt buoy; Arrival/departure arc; Sea Reach No1 Lt buoys; and others.", "Cables Car: Vessels >130m LOA with air draught <55.1m must report 24h provisional and 30min confirmed ETA; high air draught vessels (>55.1m up to 60m) report 24h provisional and 1h confirmed. Listening watch on Ch14 maintained by control room.", "Tower Bridge: Bookings for air draught >9.1m required at least 24h in writing; tugs require bookings >30min before/after vessel transit. VTS operational procedures include reporting abort point at Crayford Ness, checking bridge lift program, and not proceeding without confirmation.", "Information broadcasts: Traffic, anchorages, visibility, and tidal heights on Ch69 (H+15/H+45), Ch68 (H+00/H+30), and Ch14 (H+15/H+45). More detail in fog. Span openings and flood defence closures included.", "King George V Dock: Contact KG Control Ch13; proceed to dock only after final instructions close to dock.", "West India Dock: Report on passing Margaret Ness and confirming docking instructions at Thames Barrier; report at Saundersness when bound down river.", "Pilots disembark at Gravesend Pilot Station (51°26′96N 0°22′46E)." ] } } ] }, "widget_2_vts": { "cross_reference_redirect": null, "area_groups": [ { "area_name": "London VTS", "vts_boundaries": { "description": "Inshore VTS Limit: (1) Teddington Lock (51°26′05N 1°19′68W) down river following N bank of Thames and Essex coast to Foulness Point (51°37′03N 0°57′25E). (2) Teddington Lock down river following S bank of Thames to Medway VTS limits: 51°28′53N 0°40′71E, 51°29′07N 0°52′63E, 51°24′92N 0°54′28E. (3) To Whitstable Breakwater Lt (51°21′85N 1°01′46E). (4) Along N Kent coast to North Foreland Lt Ho (51°22′49N 1°26′72E). Offshore VTS Limit: Foulness Point; 51°48′51N 1°26′50E; 51°48′51N 1°29′50E; 51°44′85N 1°35′36E; 51°41′55N 1°30′73E; N limit London Array Wind Farm points; circle radius 10nm centered on 51°28′00N 1°24′00E joining specified points.", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°37′03N", "longitude": "0°57′25E", "label": "Foulness Point (Offshore limit)" }, { "sequence_id": 2, "latitude": "51°48′51N", "longitude": "1°26′50E", "label": "Offshore corner 1" }, { "sequence_id": 3, "latitude": "51°48′51N", "longitude": "1°29′50E", "label": "Offshore corner 2" }, { "sequence_id": 4, "latitude": "51°44′85N", "longitude": "1°35′36E", "label": "Offshore corner 3" }, { "sequence_id": 5, "latitude": "51°41′55N", "longitude": "1°30′73E", "label": "Offshore corner 4 (N limit London Array Wind Farm)" }, { "sequence_id": 6, "latitude": "51°40′47N", "longitude": "1°32′67E", "label": "Offshore corner 5 (N limit London Array Wind Farm)" }, { "sequence_id": 7, "latitude": "51°40′11N", "longitude": "1°32′09E", "label": "Offshore corner 6 (N limit London Array Wind Farm)" }, { "sequence_id": 8, "latitude": "51°39′43N", "longitude": "1°33′36E", "label": "Offshore corner 7 (N limit London Array Wind Farm)" }, { "sequence_id": 9, "latitude": "51°38′61N", "longitude": "1°32′22E", "label": "Offshore corner 8 (N limit London Array Wind Farm)" }, { "sequence_id": 10, "latitude": "51°37′46N", "longitude": "1°34′32E", "label": "Offshore corner 9 (N limit London Array Wind Farm)" }, { "sequence_id": 11, "latitude": "51°28′00N", "longitude": "1°24′00E", "label": "Circle center 10nm" } ] }, "contact_details": [ { "station_call_name": "Port Control Centre - Gravesend", "vhf_primary_watch": "18", "vhf_secondary_working": "20;68;69", "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 560311"], "faxes": [], "emails": ["shipcon@pla.co.uk"], "websites": ["www.pla.co.uk"], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "Estuary Sector", "vhf_primary_watch": "18", "vhf_secondary_working": "69", "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 560311"], "faxes": [], "emails": ["shipcon@pla.co.uk"], "websites": ["www.pla.co.uk"], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "River Sector", "vhf_primary_watch": "20", "vhf_secondary_working": "68", "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 560311"], "faxes": [], "emails": ["shipcon@pla.co.uk"], "websites": ["www.pla.co.uk"], "operating_hours": "H24" }, { "station_call_name": "Thames Barrier Navigation Centre - Woolwich", "vhf_primary_watch": "09", "vhf_secondary_working": "14;22", "telephones": ["+44(0)203 2607711"], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": "H24" } ], "procedure": { "compulsory_text_note": "VTS participation mandatory for all vessels entering the London VTS area as per UK VTS Definition (NP286). Rules are those contained in ADMIRALTY List of Radio Signals Vol 6(1) NP286(1).", "general_rules": [ "All vessels entering a VTS area must participate in and comply with VTS rules.", "London VTS rules are as per ADMIRALTY List of Radio Signals Vol 6(1) NP286(1).", "Continuous VHF listening watch required on sector's main frequency.", "Use VHF only for safety, emergency, and urgent communications per IMO A.954/23." ] }, "reporting_lines_and_points": [ { "designator": "Reporting Arc (10nm)", "description": "Arc 10nm radius centred on 51°28′00N 1°24′00E from position 51°41′55N 1°30′73E to CALDOVREP line (extending ESE from North Foreland Lt to 51°16′00N 1°51′40E).", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°41′55N", "longitude": "1°30′73E" }, { "sequence_id": 2, "latitude": "51°16′00N", "longitude": "1°51′40E" } ] }, { "designator": "Sunk Head Tr Lt buoy", "description": null, "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°33′76N", "longitude": "1°10′71E" } ] }, { "designator": "Arrival/departure reporting arc", "description": null, "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°41′55N", "longitude": "1°30′73E" }, { "sequence_id": 2, "latitude": "51°16′00N", "longitude": "1°51′40E" } ] }, { "designator": "Sea Reach No 4 Lt buoys (N and S)", "description": "Outbound reporting point; report channels intended beyond Sea Reach No1 Lt buoys.", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°29′58N", "longitude": "0°44′30E" }, { "sequence_id": 2, "latitude": "51°29′58N", "longitude": "0°44′30E" } ] }, { "designator": "Mid Swatch Lt buoy", "description": "Inbound only.", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°28′65N", "longitude": "0°43′87E" } ] }, { "designator": "Sea Reach No 7 Lt buoys (N and S)", "description": "Inbound and outbound.", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°30′12N", "longitude": "0°36′80E" }, { "sequence_id": 2, "latitude": "51°30′12N", "longitude": "0°36′80E" } ] }, { "designator": "Shornmead", "description": "Inbound and outbound.", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°27′33N", "longitude": "0°26′40E" } ] }, { "designator": "Gravesend", "description": "Inbound and outbound.", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°26′95N", "longitude": "0°22′60E" } ] }, { "designator": "West Thurrock Power Station", "description": "Inbound and outbound.", "coordinates": [ { "sequence_id": 1, "latitude": "51°27′93N", "longitude": "0°17′70E" } ] } ], "reporting_requirements": [ { "report_name": "Entry Report", "when_or_where_to_report": "On entering the VTS area (inbound) or prior to departure (outbound); specific points as listed in reporting lines and points.", "how_to_report": "VHF Ch69 for most reporting; PISCES web-based system for provisional/corrected pilotage orders and notifications; mobile phone (+44(0)203 2607711) if no VHF.", "what_to_report": [ "Vessel's ISPS security level", "PEC number (if applicable)", "Number of persons on board", "Maximum draught (one decimal)", "Intended route and destination berth/anchorage", "Any navigational deficiency, serious defect or safety concern", "Air draught (for vessels over 250m LOA)", "Ladder rigged and maintained confirmation (when embarking/disembarking pilot)" ] }, { "report_name": "Exit Report", "when_or_where_to_report": "On passing Sea Reach No1 Lt buoys (N&S) when proceeding out of the Thames; also at designated reporting points when leaving VTS areas.", "how_to_report": "VHF Ch69; PISCES for confirmed pilotage orders and notifications.", "what_to_report": [ "Vessel's ISPS security level", "Number of persons on board", "Maximum draught", "Route and destination beyond the VTS area" ] }, { "report_name": "Cables Car Reporting", "when_or_where_to_report": "24h prior (provisional) and 30min prior (confirmed) for large vessels; high air draught vessels: 24h provisional, 1h confirmed.", "how_to_report": "VHF Ch14 for emergency communications; PISCES for ETA notifications.", "what_to_report": [ "Provisional ETA at Cable Car", "Confirmed ETA at Cable Car", "Any changes to ETA (more than 5min)" ] }, { "report_name": "High Air Draught Vessel Transit", "when_or_where_to_report": "24h prior for vessels >55.1m air draught; 1h prior confirmed.", "how_to_report": "VHF Ch14; PISCES for ETAs.", "what_to_report": [ "Provisional ETA at Tower Bridge", "Confirmed ETA at Tower Bridge", "Air draught confirmation" ] }, { "report_name": "Towing Operations Reporting", "when_or_where_to_report": "Prior to and during towing operations as required.", "how_to_report": "VHF Ch designated for tugs; PISCES as needed.", "what_to_report": [ "Towing plan", "Vessel details", "Movement intentions" ] } ] } ] }, "widget_3_tugs": { "contact_details": [ { "provider_name": "Thames Patrol", "vhf_channels": ["Ch14", "Ch68", "Ch69"], "telephones": [], "emails": [] }, { "provider_name": "Tugs Oil Refineries", "vhf_channels": ["Ch10", "Ch36"], "telephones": [], "emails": [] }, { "provider_name": "Tugs River Berths", "vhf_channels": ["Ch08", "Ch13", "Ch72"], "telephones": [], "emails": [] }, { "provider_name": "Tugs North Fleet Hope Container Terminal", "vhf_channels": ["Ch77"], "telephones": [], "emails": [] } ], "availability_hours": "Varies by provider; refer to individual operator hours above (generally H24 for Thames Patrol; as posted for terminal and refinery tugs).", "notes": [ "Tug channels listed per provider; ensure correct channel monitored per operational area.", "All VHF radios used in tanker mooring operations must be intrinsically safe.", "At Shell and Coryton, VHF Ch36 (P2) for vessels >11,000gt and/or >160m LOA; VHF Ch10 for all others. If two vessels >11,000gt and >160m LOA are berthing simultaneously, the vessel at Coryton uses Ch10.", "Tugs may be booked for bridge lifts at Tower Bridge; bookings must be made in writing and >24h in advance; tugs require >30min before/after vessel transit for road traffic clearance." ] }, "widget_4_port_and_notes": { "port_and_terminal_contacts": [ { "station_call_name": "Port Authority", "vhf_primary_watch": null, "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 562200"], "faxes": ["+44(0)1474 562281"], "emails": [], "websites": ["www.pla.co.uk"], "operating_hours": null }, { "station_call_name": "Port Security Officer", "vhf_primary_watch": null, "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": ["+44(0)1474 562212"], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null }, { "station_call_name": "King George V Dock Control", "vhf_primary_watch": "13", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": ["+44(0)20 75115086"], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null }, { "station_call_name": "West India Dock Control", "vhf_primary_watch": "13", "vhf_secondary_working": null, "telephones": ["+44(0)20 79877260"], "faxes": [], "emails": [], "websites": [], "operating_hours": null } ], "standalone_general_notes": [ "London VTS is a UK designated port VTS providing a full VTS service in accordance with VTS Definition within the UK (see GENERAL NOTES).", "In accepting VTS services, mariners should note that the VTS operator will not be able to devote the same level of attention to each vessel as an individual vessel is able to dedicate to its own ship domain.", "The Watch Manager is responsible for live VTS issues; the Head of Port Coordination (HPC) is responsible for coordinating all aspects of pilotage and vessel planning.", "Margate Roads and Tongue anchorages are outside the Port of London Authority limits; London VTS does not routinely monitor vessels within these anchorages.", "All vessels fitted with VHF radio anywhere within the Port of London Authority VTS area should maintain a continuous listening watch on the main frequency of the appropriate sector.", "AIS must be operated when underway or alongside in the Thames; London VTS will verify appropriate AIS status prior to granting permission to proceed.", "Vessels over 250m LOA must submit calculated windage area; large vessels and high air draught vessels have specific reporting and ETA requirements for Cable Car and Tower Bridge.", "Pilots disembark at Gravesend Pilot Station (51°26′96N 0°22′46E)." ] }, "formatted_text_original": "PILOTS LOCATION: Port Control Centre, Royal Terrace Pier, Gravesend. AREA: (1) The seaward limits of the pilotage area are bounded by the following positions: (a) Foulness Point (51°37·00N 0°57·32E) (b) Gunfleet Old Lt Ho (51°46·08N 1°20·53E) (c) Long Sand Head (51°48·00N 1°40·00E) (d) 51°36·00N 1°23·08E (e) 51°26·60N 1°25·50E (f) Warden Point (51°24·92N 0°54·35E) (2) The inner limit of the pilotage area is on the River Thames at Putney Bridge. (3) Locks giving access to docks. CONTACT DETAILS: Head of Port Coordination Telephone: +44(0)1474 562213 E-mail: HPC@pla.co.uk Pilotage Administration Office Telephone: +44(0)1474 562362 Fax: +44(0)1474 562378 E-mail: pilotage@pla.co.uk PROCEDURE: (1) Pilotage is compulsory in the London Pilotage District for the following vessels in the following areas: (a) To the E of Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) for: (i) Vessels or tugs and tows of 90m or more LOA (ii) Vessels or tugs and tows of 50m or more LOA which are specified vessels, passenger vessels and vessels carrying marine pollutants in bulk (iii) Vessels or tugs and tows of 50m or more LOA with an operating draught of 6m or more (iv) Vessels or tugs and tows of 50m or more LOA with an operating draught of 5m or more when restricted visibility exists within that part of the London Pilotage District to the E of Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) where the vessel is planning to navigate (b) To the W of Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) for: (i) Vessels or tugs and tows of 80m or more LOA (ii) Vessels or tugs and tows of 50m or more LOA that are specified vessels, passenger vessels and vessels carrying marine pollutants in bulk (iii) Vessels or tugs and tows of 50m or more LOA with an operating draught of 5m or more (iv) Vessels or tugs and tows of 50m or more LOA with an operating draught of 4m or more when restricted visibility exists within that part of the London Pilotage District to the W of Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) where the vessel is planning to navigate (c) To the W of the Margaret Ness Limit (a line drawn across the Thames from the Margaret Ness Lt in a direction of 334°T) for: (i) Vessels or tugs and tows of 40m or more LOA (ii) Vessels or tugs and tows with an operating draught of 4m or more (d) Vessels may be required to take a PIlot where in the opinion of the Hr Mr the vessel is affected in its ability to navigate due to damage, deficiency in its equipment, or due to interests of safety in prevailing conditions. (2) Pilotage is not compulsory for the following vessels in the following areas: (a) UK warships and vessels in the long term service of HM Customs & Excise, Border Force and Trinity House in any part of the London Pilotage District (b) Vessels engaged in activities such as dredging or maintaining navigational buoys and marks or the construction, maintenance or removal of offshore structures in the London Pilotage District as the PLA (Port of London Authority) may specify from time to time, subject to the requirements of the Hr Mr, and for such period as the PLA may specify. (c) To the W of the Margaret Ness limit for vessels of 40m or more LOA or with an operating draught of 4m or over, as the PLA may specify from time to time, subject to the requirements of the Hr Mr, and for such period as the PLA may specify. (3) Provisional Pilotage Order: (a) All vessels requiring the services of a PLA Pilot must make a Provisional Order to Port Control Centre. This includes inward-bound vessels, outward-bound vessels leaving a berth, buoy, tier or anchorage, as well as those moving from one berth, buoy, tier or anchorage to another. (b) This Provisional Order should be given 24h in advance of the requirement for a Pilot. The following information is required: (i) Location at which the Pilot is required (ii) Vessel's IMO number (iii) gt (iv) LOA (v) Operating draught (accurate to one decimal place) (vi) Full manoeuvring speed (vii) Destination (name of berth or anchorage for an inward-bound passage) (viii) Destination (for an outward-bound passage) (ix) Date and time at which the Pilot is required Note: Details required by Port Control Centre should be sent using the web-based ordering system PISCES. Reporting vessels should send the completed notification 24h in advance of arrival/departure/shifting berth or within 1h of departure from last port of call (if nearer), reporting any changes to Port Control Centre. Vessels for which no provisional order is given risk delay in the provision of a Pilot. (4) Confirmed Pilotage Order: (a) Confirmation of the requirement for a Pilot should be given to Port Control Centre. This constitutes Compulsory Notice and shorter notice than is set out (see Notice Requirements below) may attract a surcharge and may result in delay to the vessel. (b) A confirmed order will not be accepted without the draught of the vessel. Failure to give an accurate confirmed draught, or to keep PLA informed of any subsequent changes, may result in a delay to the vessel, or a charge for cancelling and reallocating the Pilot. (5) Notice Requirements: A confirmed order must be given in advance of the vessel's ETA at the Pilot Station as follows: (a) Inward-bound vessels: (i) 8h from the Sunk Pilot Station (ii) 6h from the NE Spit and Warps Pilot Stations (iii) 6h by vessels which are inward-bound from any E coast port within the range of Great Yarmouth to Dover (b) Outward-bound vessels (and vessels moving between berths or vessels moving from an anchorage other than in the Estuary). A confirmed order must be given in advance of the vessel's ETD as follows: (i) 6h if the vessel is proceeding beyond Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) (ii) 4h if the vessel only requires the services of a River Pilot as far as Gravesend or Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) (c) Vessels at anchor in the Estuary: (i) 8h by vessels which anchor in the general vicinity of the Sunk or are inward-bound from any E coast port adjacent to the N and NE limits of the London Pilotage District (ii) 6h by vessels which anchor in the general vicinity of the Outer Tongue or Margate Roads (iii) 4h by vessels proceeding from the inner London anchorages (Mouse, Southend and Warp Deep Water, Great Nore, Southend Lettered, Leigh Small Ships, Chapman, Mucking, Higham Bight and Gravesend Lower) (d) For vessels whose voyage is of less duration than the minimum notice requirements, the maximum notice should be given. (6) Surcharges: Any orders or changes giving less than 8h notice of ETA or 4h notice of ETD must be notified to Port Control Centre, Gravesend and will be subject to a surcharge on a sliding scale dependent on notice given. An exception is granted to vessels engaged in short sea voyages who may give notice of the confirmed order for a Pilot and ETA at the time of leaving the previous port to a minimum notice of 4h after which surcharges will be applicable. However, vessels bound for London (or Medway Ports), which anchor in the general vicinity of the Sunk, Outer Tongue or Margate Roads (i.e. at outer anchorages), or are inward-bound from any port adjacent to the limits of the London Pilotage District, are still required to give not less than 8h notice of the requirement for a Pilot. Surcharges may also apply for vessels of less than 7·5m draught embarking a Pilot at the Sunk rather than the NE Spit Pilot Station. (7) Vessels requiring a Pilot to embark or disembark at a continental port should obtain the approval of the PLA Pilotage Administration Office ideally 3 days before the service is required. Shorter notice may be considered if Pilotage resource allow. (8) Vessels requiring a Pilot to embark or disembark at other UK ports: Arrangements can be made for Pilots to embark or disembark at other UK ports in the area of the Thames Estuary subject to availability and a minimum confirmed notice of 8h of the time of the requirement. (9) Pilot boarding positions: For details see PILOT STATIONS. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PILOT STATIONS NORTH EAST SPIT PILOT STATION (RAMSGATE) CONTACT DETAILS: Call: North East Spit Pilots VHF Channel: Ch 09 Telephone: +44(0)1843 583786 Fax: +44(0)1843 595664 HOURS: Pilot Station: H24 Pilot Vessel: When a vessel is expected PROCEDURE: (1) Vessels subject to compulsory pilotage to the E of Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) may board a Pilot at NE Spit or Sunk Pilot Stations. (2) Vessels boarding a Pilot at the NE Spit Pilot Station may take passage through the Princes Channel or Fisherman's Gat. Alternatively, deeper draught vessels embarking a Pilot at NE Spit may take passage to the Black Deep via the Longsand Head inshore route or via the Sunk Precautionary Area. (3) Unless otherwise notified or instructed, it will be assumed that vessels taking passage through the Princes Channel/Fisherman's Gat will use the inner boarding area and vessels taking passage through the Black Deep via Longsand Head/Sunk Precautionary Area will use the Tongue boarding area. (4) For all inward-bound vessels, the NE Spit PV will contact the vessel on VHF Ch 69 as the PV approaches, to agree location, course and speed required for Pilot boarding. (5) Pilot boards in the following positions: (a) Tongue boarding area: Centred on position 51°29·00N 1°34·00E (b) NE Goodwin boarding area: Centred on position 51°20·20N 1°39·00E (c) NE Spit boarding area: Centred on position 51°25·00N 1°29·80E (between NE Spit Lt buoy and Elbow Lt buoy) ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ SUNK PILOT STATION For details see SUNK. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ WARP PILOT STATION (SHEERNESS) CONTACT DETAILS: Call: Sheerness Pilots VHF Channel: Ch 69 Telephone: +44(0)1795 561207 Fax: +44(0)1795 561309 PROCEDURE: (1) Pilots shall normally be boarded or landed at the Warp Pilot Station by vessels for which pilotage is compulsory only to the W of Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S). (2) Pilot embarks and disembarks in the following positions: (a) Embark: 51°30·00N 0°55·40E (b) Disembark: 51°29·38N 0°52·52E ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ RIVER PILOT STATION (GRAVESEND) CONTACT DETAILS: Call: London Pilots VHF Channel: Ch 09 Telephone: +44(0)1474 560311 Fax: +44(0)1474 352996 E-mail: shipcon@pla.co.uk PROCEDURE: (1) Pilots shall normally be boarded or landed at the Gravesend Pilot Station by vessels for which pilotage is compulsory to the W of the Crayford Ness Limit (a line drawn across the Thames from Crayford Ness on the south bank on the line of longitude 0°12·80E). (2) Pilot boards in posiiton 51°26·96N 0°22·46E (0·2 n miles N of Royal Terrace Pier). ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PATROL LAUNCHES AND TUGS CONTACT DETAILS: Patrol Launches Call: Thames Patrol VHF Channel: Ch 14 68 69 Tugs (Oil Refineries) VHF Channel: Ch 10 36 Tugs (River Berths) VHF Channel: Ch 08 13 72 Tugs (North Fleet Hope Container Terminal) VHF Channel: Ch 77 NOTES: (1) Call on main port working frequency appropriate to VTS Sector. (2) At Shell and Coryton, VHF Ch 36 (P2) is used for mooring vessels over 11 000 gt and over 160m LOA. VHF Ch 10 is used for all other vessels. If two vessels over 11 000 gt and over 160m LOA are berthing or unberthing at the same time, the vessel at Coryton will use VHF Ch 10; the vessel at Shell will use VHF Ch 36 (P2). (3) All VHF radios used in tanker mooring operations must be intrinsically safe. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE LOCATION: London VTS comprises three VTS Sectors run from two control centres. The principal control centre is the Port Control Centre London at Gravesend from which the Estuary and River Sectors are managed and the secondary control centre is the Thames Barrier Navigation Centre at Woolwich from which the Barrier Sector is managed. AREA: Inshore VTS Limit: (1) From Teddington Lock (51°26·05N 1°19·68W) down river following the N bank of the Thames and the Essex coast to Foulness Point (51°37·03N 0°57·25E). (2) From Teddington Lock (51°26·05N 1°19·68W) down river following the S bank of the Thames to the seaward limits of Medway VTS: (a) 51°28·53N 0°40·71E (b) 51°29·07N 0°52·63E (c) 51°24·92N 0°54·28E (3) Thence to Whitstable Breakwater Lt (51°21·85N 1°01·46E). (4) Thence along the N Kent coast to North Foreland Lt Ho (51°22·49N 1°26· 72E). Offshore VTS Limit: (1) 51°37·03N 0°57·25E (Foulness Point) (2) 51°48·51N 1°26·50E (3) 51°48·51N 1°29·50E (4) 51°44·85N 1°35·36E (5) 51°41·55N 1°30·73E (N limit London Array Wind Farm) (6) 51°40·47N 1°32·67E (N limit London Array Wind Farm) (7) 51°40·11N 1°32·09E (N limit London Array Wind Farm) (8) 51°39·43N 1°33·36E (N limit London Array Wind Farm) (9) 51°38·61N 1°32·22E (N limit London Array Wind Farm) (10) 51°37·46N 1°34·32E (N limit London Array Wind Farm) (11) A circle of radius 10 n miles centred on 51°28·00N 1°24·00E and joining the following points: (a) 51°35·99N 1°34·00E (b) 51°20·60N 1°33·88E (12) 51°22·50N 1°26·71E (North Foreland Lt Ho) VTS SECTORS: (1) Port Control Centre: (a) Estuary Sector: From the seaward limits of the VTS area to Sea Reach No 4 Lt buoys (N and S) (b) River Sector: From Sea Reach No 4 Lt buoys (N and S) to Crayford Ness (51° 28·94N 0°12·71E) (2) Thames Barrier Navigation Centre: Barrier Sector: From Crayford Ness to Teddington Lock (51°25·94N 0°19·53W). SERVICES: (1) This is a UK designated port VTS and provides a full VTS service in accordance with Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) - Definition within the UK (see GENERAL NOTES). In accepting such services, mariners should take note that each VTS operator may be monitoring a number of vessels within the VTS Sector. Therefore, the VTS operator will not be able to devote the same level of attention to each vessel as an individual vessel is able to dedicate to its own ship domain. Operators will endeavour to provide a higher level of oversight should navigational support be requested or observed to be necessary, however, the ability to provide such support on request will depend on the notice given and operator availability. Whenever possible, London VTS will also monitor the position of vessels anchored in designated anchorages that are identified as such within Port of London Authority Port Limits. Under all circumstances, it must, however, be clearly understood that decisions concerning the navigational safety and the manoeuvring of the vessel can only be made by the Master, who remains at all times responsible for her safety. (2) The Watch Manager is responsible for live VTS issues and the Head of Port Coordination (HPC) is responsible for coordinating all aspects of pilotage and vessel planning - see Vessel Traffic Service and Pilots sections for contact details. NOTE: Margate Roads and Tongue anchorages are outside the Port of London Authority Limits: Margate Roads is frequently used for shelter by a number of vessels not bound to or from London. London VTS does not routinely monitor vessels within these anchorages. CONTACT DETAILS: (1) Port Control Centre - Gravesend Call: London VTS VHF Channel: Ch 18 20 68 69 Telephone: +44(0)1474 560311 (3 lines) E-mail: shipcon@pla.co.uk Estuary Sector (Seaward limit of VTS Area to Sea Reach No 4 Lt buoys (N and S)) VHF Channel: Ch 18 (Secondary) 69 (Main) River Sector (Sea Reach No 4 Lt buoys (N and S) to Crayford Ness) VHF Channel: Ch 20 (Secondary) 68 (Main) Emergency VHF Channel: Ch 16; 67 Hr Mr Telephone: +44(0)1474 562200 E-mail: harbourmaster@pla.co.uk Watch Manager Telephone: +44(0)1474 562215 E-mail: Watch.Manager@pla.co.uk (2) Thames Barrier Navigation Centre - Woolwich Call: London VTS VHF Channel: Ch 09 14 22 Telephone: +44(0)203 2607711 Barrier Sector (Crayford Ness to Teddington Lock) VHF Channel: Ch 14 (Main) 22 (Secondary) Emergency Only VHF Channel: Ch 16; 67 (3) AIS: London VTS operates an AIS Network of 5 active base stations and 1 passive base station. For AIS addressed messages, send to the group MMSI: 002320900. HOURS: H24 PROCEDURE: (1) Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) - Definition within the UK (see GENERAL NOTES) requires that "All vessels entering a VTS area are required to participate in and comply with the rules of that VTS". The "rules" of London VTS means all those provisions contained in the Pilot and VTS sections of the LONDON entry within ADMIRALTY List of Radio Signals, Vol 6(1) (NP286(1)). (2) For details of the Merchant Shipping (Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004 see GENERAL NOTES. (3) It is recommended that a "read receipt" be obtained for mandatory notifications transmitted by e-mail. (4) Anchorage Bunkering Operations: (a) Anchorages in the Queens Channel are provided for the exclusive use of vessels engaged in bunkering with the permission of London VTS. (b) Bunkering at anchorages outside port limits but within the London VTS Area: (i) Bunkering in the Tongue anchorage may only be conducted by services approved by the Hr Mr (ii) Organisations wishing to carry out operations in this area should first contact the Hr Mr (Lower Thames) (iii) Bunkering in the Margate Road anchorage is not permitted (c) Notification of bunkering to London VTS: (i) All vessels intending to enter the London VTS area and be involved in ship-ship bunkering operations, shall provide standard pre-arrival and departure notifications via the PISCES system. Vessels carrying dangerous or polluting goods are required to declare them in advance of arrival and departure. (ii) In addition to the standard VTS reporting requirements, vessels must give 2h notice of their intention to receive bunkers in anchorages, providing the location bunkering will take place, type and quantity of bunkers to be received and expected time that operations will commence (iii) Vessels must report to London VTS before commencing operations and provide positive confirmation that bunker checklists are completed (iv) Operations must not commence without permission of London VTS (v) Vessels must report completion of bunkering to London VTS, together details of the exact type and quantity of bunkers (vi) Bunkering must not commence or should be suspended if local weather conditions exceed Beaufort Force 6, sea/swell heights of 2m or constant winds of 27 knots (vii) London VTS or the Master of the bunkering vessel may also direct that operations be suspended in less adverse conditions if necessary (viii) All vessels anchored for the purpose of bunkering must have their main engines available at immediate notice (ix) Vessels must exhibit code flag 'Bravo' by day and an all-round red light by night (x) During bunkering a 100m exclusion zone is established around the vessel and will be monitored by both London VTS and the vessel taking bunkers (5) Margaret Ness to Blackwall Point: Vessels intending to navigate in the area between Margaret Ness and Blackwall Point should note the special provisions for the Thames Barrier Control. (6) Vessels with air draught of 45m or more: The area between Bulls Point and Ware Point encompasses the London City Airport glide path. All vessels including pontoons with mobile cranes embarked, having an air draught of 45m or more intending to navigate between Bulls Point and Ware Point should inform London VTS of their intention giving at least 24h notice. (7) Restrictions in overtaking exist upriver of Tilburyness and at any time when a specified vessel is involved. In these circumstances, vessels should obtain clearance from London VTS. (8) Channel Restrictions: To reduce risk to deep-draught vessels, passage through Black Deep/Knock John Channel is normally restricted to vessels with a draught of over 6m. Vessels with a draught of less than 6m should normally use the Princes Channel or King's Channel unless access is limited by tidal or weather constraints. In these circumstances, clearance to use the Black Deep/Knock John Channel may be sought through London VTS. However, for piloted vessels of less than 7·5m draught, a surcharge may apply (see Pilots, PROCEDURE, section (6)). (9) Communications: All vessels fitted with VHF radio anywhere within the Port of London Authority VTS area should maintain a continuous listening watch on the main frequency of the appropriate sector. The Master shall ensure that VHF Channels utilised by London VTS are used only for reporting safety of navigation, emergency and urgent communications and for no other purpose. All such VHF communications shall comply with the guidelines contained within IMO resolution A.954/23 (proper use of VHF Channels at sea). (10) AIS: Vessels mandated to carry AIS are to operate it at all times when underway or alongside in the Thames. London VTS is to be informed if it is required to be switched off for safety or security reasons. Vessel Masters should ensure that the appropriate status is set within their AIS installation prior to navigating in the Thames. London VTS will verify that the appropriate AIS status is set prior to granting permission to proceed. (11) Thames AIS: In addition to those vessels required to carry AIS by international regulations, the following vessels are required to carry and operate Thames AIS upstream of Victoria Deep Water Terminal in accordance with local bylaws: (a) Vessels of more than 40m LOA (b) Vessels having a gt of more than 50 tons (other than pleasure vessels having a gt of more than 50 tons, but which are under 40m LOA) (c) Tugs engaged in towing or about to tow one or more vessels (d) Class IV, V and Class VI passenger vessels, and (e) Specified Vessels or vessels carrying marine pollutants in bulk. Vessels required to comply with Thames AIS must submit a POB report using the Thames AIS Portal (TAP) via the TAP web portal or Application Programming Interface (API). The AIS is to be operated when underway or alongside for short periods but switched off when unmanned or out of service. In the event of a defect with a Thames AIS installation, vessel Masters should inform London VTS of the nature of the defect immediately. Vessel Masters should subsequently provide London VTS with details of the intentions for repair/rectification within 24h of the defect being discovered. REPORTING: (1) Vessels over 40m LOA, vessels over 50 gt and tugs engaged in towing are designated reporting vessels. (2) Non-reporting vessels over 13·7m LOA and those certified to carry more than 12 passengers are required to maintain a continuous VHF listening watch. (3) Pleasure craft are encouraged to participate. (4) Reporting Information. Details required by Port Control Centre and as required by the Merchant Shipping (Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004 (see GENERAL NOTES) should be sent using the standard "Port of London Authority - Movement, Pilotage and PEC Notifications" form which may be downloaded from the Port of London Authority website: www.pla.co.uk. Reporting vessels should send the completed notification form to the Port Control Centre 24h in advance of arrival/departure/shifting berth, or within 1h of departure from last port of call (if nearer), reporting any changes to Port Control Centre, London. The following information must be confirmed prior to navigating in the Thames, whether inward-bound or outward-bound: (a) Vessel's ISPS security level (b) PEC number (if applicable) (c) Number of persons on board (d) Maximum draught (e) If intending to embark or disembark a Pilot, that the ladder is properly rigged and maintained (f) Any navigational deficiency, serious defect or any other situation where the vessel may present an additional risk to port operations during navigation (5) ULCS or vessels carrying LNG in bulk must submit a passage plan to London VTS no less than 6h prior to the planned voyage time. (6) All vessels bound for Tilbury Docks should obtain docking instructions on VHF Ch 04 when close to the lock. London VTS must be consulted regarding intended movements to the lock (see TILBURY). (7) The Master of a reporting vessel intending to navigate in the Thames shall, prior to arrival at the outer limit of the VTS area, report to the Hr Mr through London VTS, that his vessel complies with the navigational safety requirements of PLA General Directions. This report will indicate that: (a) Thames charts and associated navigational publications are up to date (b) A passage plan for the Thames has been prepared (c) The vessel is ISM compliant or, if not subject to the ISM code, the vessel has no deficiencies or defects in respect of its manning, navigational equipment, propulsion or manoeuvring machinery (d) Appropriate arrangements for mooring assistance have been made. This report should be made as a component of the vessel's advance notification to London VTS by means of the web-based ordering system PISCES or via the vessel notification form. In addition, the vessel's ISPS security level and the number of persons onboard should be reported. (8) Reporting vessels within the area should report when passing designated Reporting Points, when anchoring, on berthing, on entering a lock, before closing down on VHF, and on entering/leaving a VTS sector (a leaving report is not necessary between River and Estuary sectors as VTS operators are co-located). In addition, vessels should immediately report the occurrence of any of the following: (a) Being involved in, or sighting, a collision, stranding, fire or other accident (b) Machinery, steering breakdown or navigational incident (c) Personal injury or recovery of a casualty from the river (d) Spillage of oil or oil mixtures (e) Restricted visibility or notify VTS of the actual visibility if the distance being reported by London VTS is in error (9) Vessels over 250m LOA must submit their calculated windage area: (a) Through the vessel's agent prior to arriving in the Thames (b) To London VTS as soon as loading is completed prior to departure from a berth in the Thames (10) Permission to Proceed. Vessels should notify London VTS on the appropriate VHF Ch, 10 mins before the time at which they propose to start navigating the Thames. They should request and obtain permission to proceed immediately before they propose to start to navigate. If navigation has not commenced within 15 mins of the initial advice, they should inform London VTS of their intentions. (11) Vessels must get permission from the Hr Mr prior to commencing a new operation or expanding on an on going operation. A passage plan, navigational risk assessment and any other relevant information must be submitted to the Hr Mr prior to permission being granted. (12) Havens Safety Zone: (a) Havens Safety Zone is delimited by the area of the Thames E of Mucking No 1 Lt Buoy and W of Sea Reach No 7 Lt Buoy in the Yantlet Channel. (b) All inward-bound vessels of 190m LOA or over and/or 10·5m draught or over shall, when passing either the Blacktail Spit Lt Buoy, N Oaze Lt Buoy, SE Mouse Lt Buoy or the Shivering Sand Towers, inform London VTS of their ETA at Sea Reach No 7 Lt Buoy, the E limit of the Havens Safety Zone. (c) All outward-bound vessels of 190m LOA or over and/or 10·5m draught or over shall, either at the Crayfordness Limit or when departing the berth if the berth lies to the E of the Crayfordness Limit, inform London VTS of their ETA at Mucking No 1 Lt Buoy, the W limit of the Havens Safety Zone. REPORTING POINTS: Vessels should report to the appropriate VTS sector operator at the following Reporting Points and obtain clearance for continued transit. (1) All inward-bound vessels should call London VTS on VHF Ch 69 on entering the VTS area (see above) for clearance and traffic routeing information, stating intended route for transit. (2) A London arrival/departure reporting arc of 10 n mile radius centred on position 51°28·00N 1°24·00E from position 51°41·55N 1°30·73E to the CALDOVREP line (extending ESE from North Foreland Lt to position 51°16·00N 1° 51·40E in the separation zone) has been established. (3) All vessels are also required to report to London VTS on VHF Ch 69 when passing the following Reporting Points: Barrow Deep/Mouse Channel/The Warp Black Deep/Knock John/Oaze Deep Fisherman's Gat/Knob or Knock John Channels Princes Channel Sunk Head Tr Lt buoy Sunk Head Tr Lt buoy Arrival/departure reporting arc (see (2) above) Arrival/departure reporting arc (see (2) above) Barrow No 2 Lt buoy Black Deep No 5 Lt buoy Outer Fisherman Tongue Sand Tower Lt buoy Barrow No 6 Lt buoy Black Deep No 9 Lt buoy Black Deep No 9 Lt buoy Shivering Sand Tr Barrow No 10 Lt buoy SE Mouse Lt buoy SE Mouse Lt buoy Oaze Lt buoy (inward-bound only) N Oaze Lt buoy (inward-bound only) Oaze Lt buoy (inward-bound only) Oaze Lt buoy (inward-bound only) Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) (outward-bound only) Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) (outward-bound only) Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) (outward-bound only) Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S) (outward-bound only) Sea Reach 4 Lt buoys (N and S) Sea Reach 4 Lt buoys (N and S) Sea Reach 4 Lt buoys (N and S) Sea Reach 4 Lt buoys (N and S) (4) Outward-bound reporting vessels shall, on passing Sea Reach No 4 Lt buoys (N and S) Reporting Point, or if leaving the Medway Ports, on passing the wreck of the Richard Montgomery (51°28·00N 0°47·10E), declare the channels which they intend to use for navigation beyond Sea Reach No 1 Lt buoys (N and S). Reports should be made to London VTS on VHF Ch 69. (a) Knock John Channel and Fisherman's Gat: Reporting vessels intending to navigate in the Knock John Channel shall advise London VTS of their agreed passage plan, ETA at the Knock John Channel entrance and intentions in respect of vessel priority in the expected traffic conditions at the Knock John Channel and Fisherman's Gat, as follows: (i) Inward-bound vessels shall report at, or before, the Sunk Head Tower Reporting Point or, if using Fisherman's Gat, on passing the London Arrival/Departure Reporting Arc (limit of VTS area) or the NE Spit Reporting Points (51°26·00N 1°29·80E), giving ETA at the Knock John No 1 Lt buoy (51° 33·76N 1°10·71E). (ii) Inward-bound vessels are to report again when passing Black Deep No 5 Lt buoy or, if using Fisherman's Gat, on passing the Outer Fisherman Lt buoy Reporting Points, giving an updated ETA at the Knock John No 1 Lt buoy. (b) Princes Channel: Outward-bound vessels intending to use Princes Channel which, because of their draught, are constrained to the DW route, should inform London VTS of their intention to use Princes Channel DW route when declaring their intended outward-bound route at Sea Reach No 4 Lt buoys (N and S) or on passing the wreck of the Richard Montgomery. (5) Inshore Passages: Vessels using inshore passages should report to London VTS on VHF Ch 69 at Maplin Approach and Maplin Lt buoys, or at SE Margate Lt buoy and Four Fathoms Channel, as appropriate. (6) Medway: Vessels entering or leaving the Medway, report at Medway Lt buoy to London VTS on VHF Ch 69 (see MEDWAY). (7) All vessels are required to report to London VTS on VHF Ch 68 when passing the following Reporting Points: Name Position Sea Reach No 4 Lt buoys (N and S) (inward and outward-bound) 51°29·58N 0°44·30E Mid Swatch Lt buoy (inward-bound only) 51°28·65N 0°43·87E Sea Reach No 7 Lt buoys (N and S) (inward and outward-bound) 51°30·12N 0°36·80E Shornmead (inward and outward-bound) 51°27·33N 0°26·40E Gravesend (inward and outward-bound) 51°26·95N 0°22·60E West Thurrock Power Station (inward and outward-bound) 51°27·93N 0°17·70E (8) Reporting vessels are required to inform London VTS on VHF Ch 14 when passing the Reporting Points below. In addition, reports on entering the Thames Barrier Control Zone at Margaret Ness (51°30·50N 0°05·50E) and Blackwall Point (51°30·30N 0°00·00E) are mandatory for all vessels, irrespective of size, equipped with VHF. Name Position Remarks Crayford Ness 51°29·13N 0°12·65E 1. Inward and outward-bound 2. Mandatory for reporting vessels only inward-bound intending to enter Thames Barrier Control Zone. Report ETA Barrier or ETA destination within zone if not passing through Barrier (Note 1) Ford Motor Works, Dagenham 51°30·50N 0°09·55E 1. Inward and outward-bound 2. Mandatory for reporting vessels only Margaret Ness 51°30·70N 0°05·50E 1. Inward-bound only 2. Mandatory for all VHF fitted vessels 3. Request clearance to enter control zone (Notes 2, 3) Blackwall Point 51°30·30N 0°00·00E 1. Outward-bound only 2. Mandatory for all VHF fitted vessels 3. Confirm ETA given at London Bridge 4. Request clearance to enter control zone (Notes 2, 3) Surrey Entrance (Wapping) 51°30·30N 0°03·10W 1. Inward-bound only 2. Mandatory for reporting vessels only Tower Bridge 51°30·33N 0°04·50W 1. Outward-bound only 2. Mandatory for reporting vessels only outward-bound intending to enter Thames Barrier Control Zone. Report ETA Barrier or ETA destination within zone if not passing through Barrier (Note 1) 3. Reporting vessels keying device (Note 4) London Bridge 51°30·48N 0°05·27W 1. Inward-bound only 2. Mandatory for reporting vessels only 3. Vessels should also report the bridge arches they intend to navigate 4. Reporting vessels keying device (Note 4) Waterloo Bridge 51°30·50N 0°07·00W 1. Outward-bound only 2. Mandatory for reporting vessels only 3. Reporting vessels keying device (Note 4) Lambeth Bridge 51°29·67N 0°07·39W 1. Inward and outward-bound 2. Mandatory for reporting vessels only 3. Outward-bound vessels should also report the bridge arches they intend to navigate 4. Reporting vessels keying device (Note 4) Notes: (1) All VHF fitted vessels leaving berth/locks within the Thames Barrier Control Zone should report 10 mins before leaving the berth/lock and again, immediately prior to leaving, for permission to proceed in accordance with general traffic clearance procedures for reporting vessels. (2) Span allocation will be given with clearance to enter the Control Zone. (3) Small vessels under 13·7m not fitted with VHF radio should navigate the Thames Barrier though the span that lies furthest to the starboard side of the channel marked as open to navigation and having sufficient depth of water. Alternatively, they may report by mobile phone to London VTS (+44(0)203 2607711). Vessels under sail between Woolwich Ferry terminal and Hook Ness should keep to the starboard side of the fairway and, if fitted with an engine, should use motor power to navigate through the Thames Barrier. (4) Tower Bridge to Wandsworth Bridge - Electronically activated isophase lights. All reporting vessels navigating between Tower Bridge and Wandsworth Bridge are required to carry an electronic keying device to activate the isophase lights on these bridges. Such vessels should use bridge arches displaying these lights. (5) Reporting vessels not fitted with the keying device or experiencing technical difficulties should contact London VTS. CABLE CAR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: To facilitate the safety of navigation in conjunction with the Cable Car operating across Bugsbys Reach, it is necessary for vessels to report as follows: (1) Large Vessels (a) Vessels over 130m LOA with an air draught of less than 55·1m planning to pass underneath the Cable Car are required to report to London VTS as follows: (i) A provisional ETA at the Cable Car to be advised 24h in advance of the planned transit for inward-bound and outward-bound vessels. Where the berth of departure is less than 24h then not less than 12h notice shall be provided. (ii) A confirmed ETA at the Cable Car to be advised 30 mins prior to arrival for inward-bound and outward-bound vessels, including those departing docks or berths. Changes to the declared ETA by more than 5 mins must be notified to London VTS in order for the Cable Car control room to be notified. Updates can be accepted up to 15 mins before the ETA at the Cable Car after which time the vessel's speed must be adjusted to maintain the declared ETA. (iii) On receipt of the confirmed 30 mins ETA, the Cable Car control room will maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 14 as an emergency communication link in event of telephone failure or occupancy. (2) High Air Draught Vessels (Air Draught over 55·1m) (a) Vessels with an air draught of over 55·1m up to 60m planning to pass underneath the Cable Car are required to report to London VTS as follows: (i) A provisional ETA at the Cable Car to be advised 24h in advance of the planned transit for inward-bound and outward-bound vessels. Where the berth of departure is less than 24h then not less than 12h notice shall be provided. (ii) A confirmed ETA at the Cray Car to be advised 1h prior to arrival for inward-bound and outward-bound vessels, including those departing docks or berths. Changes to the declared ETA by more than 5 mins must be notified to London VTS in order for the Cable Car control room to be notified. Updates can be accepted up to 30 mins before the ETA at the Cable Car after which time the vessel's speed must be adjusted to maintain the declared ETA. (iii) On receipt of the confirmed 1h ETA, the Cable Car control room will maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 14 as an emergency communication link in event of telephone failure or occupancy. TOWER BRIDGE - TRANSIT OF HIGH AIR DRAUGHT VESSELS: Bridge lifts are available at no charge, H24 every day of the year, subject to the following procedures: (1) Booking Procedures: (a) Any vessel with an air draught of more than 9·1m above the waterline wishing to pass through Tower Bridge, may request a bridge lift (b) Bookings must be made in writing, either by fax (+44(0)207 9408396) or by letter to: Operations Manager, Main Office, Tower Bridge, London SE1 2UP. Bookings must be received at least 24h before the requested lift (c) Bookings can be made by a vessel’s agent, owner or Master. When a booking is made, Tower Bridge will issue a bridge lift order number to the person making the booking. The lift will also be published in the bridge lift programme (d) This Programme is distributed regularly by fax and e-mail to the following: (i) PLA (ii) Capital Radio (iii) Other media outlets as appropriate (iv) Agencies and individuals by arrangement (e) In order to minimise the impact on road traffic, vessels are to ensure that they arrive at the pre-arranged time. No more than 5 minutes leeway can be accommodated at peak traffic times (f) Should vessels have to change their planned transit times, Tower Bridge must be told as soon as possible so that a revised time can be investigated, and that previous booking arrangements are cancelled. Tower Bridge (security staff) are contactable by telephone H24 (+44(0)207 9403975) (g) Any changes requested within 24h of a lift can only be accepted after bridge staff have informed the relevant emergency services (h) Lifts for tugs are to be booked by the tug operating company. Lifts must be more than 30 mins before or after the vessel transit time in order to allow delayed road traffic to clear the bridge. When arriving vessels are to be accompanied by tugs, the tug operator will make any additional booking necessary to facilitate tug departure on completion of the manoeuvre. If vessels require an escort tug, they must be in attendance at least 15 mins prior to the transit time (i) Communication must be established with Tower Bridge control 30 mins prior to the ETA at the bridge (2) VTS Operational Procedures: (a) Vessels are to report their Passage Plan abort point to London VTS on passing Crayford Ness inward-bound (b) London VTS will check the vessel details against the latest bridge lift programme. If not listed, they will check with the Tower Bridge security staff (c) If no booking has been scheduled, London VTS will instruct the vessel not to proceed beyond its designated abort point (d) Where, exceptionally, a bridge lift is subsequently negotiated by the vessel and accepted by bridge staff, London VTS may authorise the vessel to complete its planned passage (e) London VTS is to ensure that vessels do not proceed beyond their declared abort point until two-way communications between the vessel and Tower Bridge have been established INFORMATION BROADCASTS: Navigational information broadcasts, comprising traffic, anchorages, visibility, tidal heights as appropriate, are made as follows: Channel Times Station 69 H + 15 H + 45 London VTS (Note 1) 68 H + 00 H + 30 London VTS (Note 1) 14 H + 15 H + 45 London VTS (Notes 1, 2, 3) Notes: (1) During fog, more detailed information will be broadcast. (2) Spans open for navigation will be included. (3) Notification of actual or intended closure of the Thames flood defence barriers will be included when appropriate. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ PORT CONTACT DETAILS: Port Authority Telephone: +44(0)1474 562200 Fax: +44(0)1474 562281 Website: www.pla.co.uk Port Security Officer Telephone: +44(0)1474 562212 ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ KING GEORGE V DOCK LOCK LOCATION: 51°30.12N 0°04.49E CONTACT DETAILS: Call: KG Control VHF Channel: Ch 13 Telephone: +44(0)20 75115086 PROCEDURE: All vessels bound for the King George V, Royal Albert and Royal Victoria Docks should obtain final docking instructions when close to dock. NOTE: Operated by Royal Docks Management Authority Ltd. ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________ WEST INDIA DOCK LOCK LOCATION: 51°30.07N 0°00.46W CONTACT DETAILS: Call: West India Dock Control VHF Channel: Ch 13 Telephone: +44(0)20 79877260 REPORTING POINTS: Vessels should report as follows: (1) Vessels bound up river: (a) On passing Margaret Ness (51°30.50N 0°05.50E) (b) Confirm docking instructions on clearing Thames Barrier (51°29.80N 0°02.20E) (2) Vessels bound down river: (a) On passing Cuckold's Point (51°30.40N 0°02.20W) (b) Confirm docking instructions when passing Saundersness (Greenwich) (51° 29.00N 0°00.50W) NOTE: Operated by British Waterways. ________________________________________________________________________________" }

WEEKLY CORRECTIONS FROM UKHO NtM WEEK 11/25 (Former update 50/24) Port of London Authority Notice 2/25, (RSDRA2025000085813), 11/25 ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________

..... Authority VHF Ch Contact Emergencies ONLY 16, 67 - PILOTS (24 hours): RIVER PILOT STATION and Port Control Station (Gravesend) 09 Call: "London Pilots" Tel: +44 1474 560311 Fax: +44 1474 352996. WARP PILOT STATION (Sheerness) 69 Call: "Sheerness Pilots" Tel: +44 1795 561207. Fax: +44 1795 561309. NORTH EAST SPIT PILOT STATION (Ramsgate) 09, 69 Call: "North East Spit Pilots" Tel: +44 1843 583786. Fax: +44 1843 595664. SUNK PILOT STATION (Harwich Pilots): 09 Call: "Sunk Pilots" Tel: +44 1255 243111, Email: sunk.pilot@hhs.co.uk VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE: London VTS: 16, 69. Call: "London VTS" Tel: +44 1474 560311. Email: shipcon@pla.co.uk Estuary Sector: (Seaward limit of VTS Area to Sea Reach No 4 Lightbuoy) 69, 18 - River Sector: (Sea Reach No 4 Lightbuoy to Crayford Ness) 68, 20 - Barrier Sector: (Crayford Ness to Teddington Lock) 14, 22 - Thames Barrier Navigation Centre 16, 69 Tel: +44 20 8855 0315. Fax: +44 20 8854 7422. Call: "London VTS" TUGS/PATROL VESSELS: Thames Patrol Launches 14, 68, 69. Call: "Thames Patrol" Tugs (Oil Refineries) 10, 36 Tugs (River Berths) 08, 13, 72 LONDON Area Staff: Chief Harbour Master - Tel: +44 1474 562268 Harbour Master (Lower Thames) - Tel: +44 1474 562212 Harbour Master (Upper Thames) - Tel: +44 207 2652656 Operations Manager (Tower Bridge) - Tel: +44 207 9408396 Security Staff (Tower Bridge) - Tel: +44 207 9403975 TILBURY: Harbour Master (Tilbury) 04, 15 and 17 Call "Tilbury" - Tel: +44 1375 852447. Fax: +44 1375 852251 Tugs (Tilbury) - Tel: +44 1474 359361 (24 hrs) Tilbury Docks: 04 Call "Tilbury" Tilbury Port Authority: - Tel: +44 1375 852200 Fax: +44 1375 855106. Email: tilbury@pottll.com Tilbury Lock (24 hrs): 15 River to Lock. Call "Tilbury" 17 Berth to Lock and Lock to Berth. Call "Tilbury" See also Tilbury Lock Communications and Procedure below. Note: Vessel should also contact London VTS. London Container Terminal, Tilbury (Forth Ports): - Tel: +44 1375 363700. Email: info@ londoncontainerterminal.com AIS: London VTS operates an AIS Network of five (5) active base stations and one (1) passive base station. For AIS addressed messages, send to the group MMSI: 002320900. ..... Tilbury Lock Communications and Procedure: Vessels Inbound: 1. All vessels bound for Tilbury Docks should obtain docking instructions on VHF Ch 04 when close to the lock. 2. London VTS must be consulted regarding intended movements to the lock. Vessels Departing Tilbury Dock: 1. When a departing vessel is secured in the lock and levelling down, the Master or Pilot must report to London VTS on VHF Ch 68, 10 minutes before the time that they anticipate to start navigating the Thames. In addition, the transmission should include which way the vessel intends to swing. 2. On receipt of the above information London VTS will re-broadcast on Ch 68 that a vessel or vessels will be departing from Tilbury Lock, giving the estimated time until departure and direction of the swing. If there is any potential conflict, the vessel should liaise with traffic in the area to arrange how that conflict is best resolved and this will be monitored by London VTS. 3. Once the lock gates are open, the vessel should ask for permission to proceed from London VTS and should not do so until authorisation is given. 4. If a vessel is refused permission to proceed, formal permission should again be sought once it is considered safe to do so. Notes: 1. In the event of an onboard in-dock emergency contact the Dockmaster on Ch 04, throughout 24 hours. 2. This station is also responsible for the riverside berths at the Grain Terminal, Northfleet Hope Container Terminal, the Ro-Ro Terminal and London Cruise Terminal (London) Ltd. 3. This station is operated by the Port of Tilbury Ltd. VHF: Vessels of LOA 20m or more must carry a VHF radio telephone capable of communication with the Harbour Master and must maintain a continuous listening watch on the channel appropriate to the stretch of Thames in which they are navigating. Vessels of more than LOA 40m or 50GT and tugs engaged in towing must report their arrival, passage and departure in the Port.

As per HM Customs and HM Immigration regulations.

..... Documents Copies 1. Crew List 1 2. Passenger List 1 3. Stowaway List 1 4. Bonded Stores List 1 5. Crew's Personal Effects List 1 6. Stores List 1 7. Arms & Ammunition List 1 8. Health documents or Certificate 1 9. Ship Sanitation Control Certificate 1 10. Load Line Certificate 1 11. Tonnage Certificate 1 12. Certificate of Nationality 1 13. Safety Equipment Certificate 1 14. Cargo Gear Certificate 1 15. Bills of Lading 1 16. Manifests (freighted) 1 17. Manifests (unfreighted) 1 18. Light Dues Certificate 1 19. Safety Radio Certificate 1 20. Safety Construction Certificate 1 21. International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate 1 22. ISPS Certificate, last 10 ports of call. 1

Owners/agents are required to provide pre-arrival and pre-departure information at least 24 hours in advance to the Gravesend Centre by telephone or telex. Reporting Points: ..... Vessels bound up river: 1. On passing Margaret Ness (51°30.5'N 000°05.5'E) 2. Confirm docking instructions on clearing Thames Barrier (51°29.8'N 000° 02.2'E) Vessels bound down river: 1. On passing Cuckold's Point (51°30.4'N 000°02.2'E) 2. Confirm docking instructions when passing Saundersness (Greenwich) (51° 29.0'N 000°00.50'W) Inbound: All vessels: ..... a) 24 hours before arrival; pass ETA and draught to Agents/Owners for onward transmission to the Port Control Centre (PCC) at Gravesend. Vessels from nearer ports cannot give the above notice, ETA should be passed within 1 hour of departure from the last port of call. b) In addition Agents/Owners of vessels bound for the Port of Tilbury should contact the Marine Co-ordinator, Tel : +44 1375 852456. c) On passing the first Waypoint; pass all information not previously passed through agent and pertinent to the vessels arrival in the port by VHF to PCC. Pass compliancy report in accordance with GD 13 and report security level. d) On passing each Waypoint; report by VHF to PCC for confirmation of onward clearance. e) On passing Sunk Head tower Buoy or if using the Fisherman's Gat, on passing the London Arrival/Departure arc or the North East Spit Buoy INWARD - declare a provisional ETA for Black Deep No 7 Buoy and Knock John No 1 Buoy. Vessels are to report again when passing Black Deep No 5 Buoy, or if using the Fisherman's Buoy giving a revised ETA for Knock John No 1 Buoy. Outbound or shifting berth: ..... a) 24 hours before proposed movement in the river; pass ETD and draught to Agents/Owners for onward transmission to the PCC. b) Immediately prior to commencement of movement in the river; pass all information pertinent to the vessels movement in the river by VHF to PCC. c) On passing each Waypoint; report by VHF to PCC for confirmation of onward clearance. d) On passing Sea Reach No 4 Buoy or, if departing the Medway ports, on passing the wreck of the Richard Montgomery, OUTWARD - declare the channels beyond Sea Reach No 1 Buoy which they intend to use for navigation and, if planning to use the Princes Channel, make a specific declaration if planning to use the Princes Channel DW route. e) On passing Sea Reach No 1 buoy or the Medway buoy, and planning to use the Knock John Channel OUTWARD - report ETA for Knock John No 4 and No 7 buoys, and report again at SE Mouse buoy with an updated ETA for Knock John No 7 buoy.

House flag, British Ensign and vessel country flag.

Attention is drawn to: River Bylaws, General Directions, Dangerous Goods Bylaws, Pilotage Directions, Vessel Deficiency Notice available at www.pla.co.uk. LNG vessels: Within Port of London limits, except in Knock John Channel, LNG vessels are to be considered as Specified Vessels as defined in Direction 3 of The General Directions for Navigation and the provisions of Direction 14 in respect of separation, passing and overtaking apply. In Knock John Channel between Knock John Buoy (51°33.6'N 001°11.4'E) and Knock John No 5 Buoy, 2nm WSW, a one way only traffic flow will be imposed during the transit of a LNG vessel, with a separation of 1nm ahead and 0.5nm astern of other vessels. Opposing and overtaking traffic will only be permitted if the other vessel remains outside the buoy line and has received the prior agreement of the LNG vessel and the approval of London VTS.

As per port health authority regulations.