Explanatory note

This Order confers additional powers on the Port of London Authority (“the PLA”) in the interests of securing safety of navigation on the river Thames. In particular it—

• extends the PLA’s power to make directions so as to allow it to require vessels not covered by a currently valid formal risk assessment to undergo a specific risk assessment;

• makes provision for a new licensing regime for vessels navigated, worked or moored within the whole or a part of the vessel licensing area specified in the Order;

• widens the PLA’s byelaw-making powers to include the regulation of equipment of vessels (including safety equipment) and requirements as to competence and experience of persons navigating vessels and their crew.

The Order also contains miscellaneous ancillary and consequential amendments to the Port of London Act 1968 and byelaws made under that Act including powers for the repeal of the exemption from navigation tolls for pleasure boats and vessels navigating westward of London Bridge to or from a point eastward of Strand-on-the-Green.