Thames local knowledge endorsement now compulsory for all commercial operators

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

How are they checking this? With numerous RIBs and operators doing a day at a time on the river with one boat to many they must have loads of resources to check??

The PLA is incredibly well resourced with numerous patrols out at any one time, and they do check boats they don't recognise. That combined with cameras that cover most of the river. You can't breath without a permit!

[C2 RIBS]

Also saw this Tim- NO dispensations allowed

Commercial operations on the river at Olympics time

Operations on the tidal river are carefully regulated to ensure navigational safety. Setting up a new operation involves careful planning so that you fulfil the requirements of the PLA and, if appropriate, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The things you will have to cover include:

Identifying then obtaining permissions and approvals from the individual owners of the piers between which you wish to operate; this is one of the more difficult areas and needs to be considered prior to making any investment
Full planning for your service, passage planning and risk assessment
Securing the appropriate operating licence for the vessel you plan to operate (PLA or MCA)
Ensuring that the vessel is fitted with Thames AIS transponder system
That the skipper and crew have the appropriate Boat Masters Licence and Local Knowledge Endorsements.

There are no dispensations from the established safety regime for short-term operations.

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

What are enforement measures and penalties for an operator using skippers on the Thames

I finally found the answer to this:

5. OFFENCES
A person who breaches these byelaws is guilty of an offence and is liable, on
conviction before a court of summary jurisdiction, to a fine not exceeding
level 5 on the standard scale.

[C2 RIBS]

Going back again on Thames LKE. I had an enquiry for a London Thames job on charter and I dont hold the LKE.

I assume I cannot operate on PLA Thames without skipper holding this endorsement?

[Tim M]

Correct. However, you could if you had an LKE holder on board. They don't even need to drive - you can bung them in the back but they have to be there. Let me know of you need someone.

[C2 RIBS]

Cheers Tim ,thought that was the case, was a non starter really due to costs, so gave them London boys tel numbers.

PLA obviously dont accept MCA advanced commercial endorsements, not worth the fines etc

[CJL]

Even this boat needed a LKE holder - not a commercial event but required before the PLA would even consider allowing it on the river!!

Chris

[Tim M]

Curiously, the RNLI don't need it.