PLA gains MCA survey approval

This means that the PLA is now one of the few Small Commercial Vessel (SCV) Code Certifying Authorities nationally assessing workboats, tugs and other commercial vessels operating under the SCV Code.

PLA already inspects and licenses inland waterways commercial vessels operating in the Thames and inner estuary.

Every year, the PLA – which has the UK’s only in-house port marine surveying team – undertakes around 600 inland waterway vessel inspections around the Thames Estuary.

David Snelson, the PLA’s chief harbour master, said, “Our licensing role and regular vessel surveys are an important part of the Port’s navigational safety management system and help to reduce the risk of marine accidents, which might result in vessels sinking, losing cargo or damaging the environment.”