Port of London Authority
The Port of London Authority's London VTS department provides 24/7 operational support for vessel traffic management, navigation safety, and incident reporting on the tidal Thames from Crayfordness to the Outer Limits. This service is essential for ensuring safe and efficient navigation in one of the world's busiest waterways. Callers typically contact this number for real-time traffic updates, safety coordination, and incident management. While the service is available around the clock, it is crucial to have all necessary vessel details ready before calling to ensure a smooth interaction. The VTS team is trained to international standards, providing expert guidance and support.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Manage vessel traffic
- Ensure navigation safety
- Report maritime incidents
- Coordinate traffic movements
- Receive real-time traffic updates
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Vessel name
- Current location
- Nature of enquiry
- Incident details
- Time of incident
- Description of incident
Known issues
While there are no specific known issues reported, it is advisable to have all relevant vessel information ready before making a call to ensure efficient service. The VTS operates 24/7, so there is typically no wait time. However, during peak traffic periods, there may be brief delays. For non-urgent matters, consider using any available online forms. Always ensure you are contacting the correct department for your specific needs to avoid unnecessary transfers or delays.
