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Local Knowledge Endorsement
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) National Boatmasters’ License for skippers of commercial vessels on inland waterways, was introduced in 2007. The more challenging reaches of the Thames between Margaretness and Putney Bridge fulfils the MCA’s criteria for a Local Knowledge Endorsement (LKE), and anyone holding a Boatmasters’ Licence navigating in this area is required to hold one. In July 2012 the PLA’s Thames Byelaws 2012 were implemented. They require any Master operating a commercial vessel navigating and/or working in the LKE are that is:
· Between 13.7m and 40m length overall to hold an LKE
· Less than 13.7m length overall and engaged in passenger carriage or towage to hold an LKE.
Please read the Guidance notes below and then click below to begin your application.
LKE Application Form
Once your application has been approved and an invoice raised, you will receive a link to book your examination.
Information for both Masters of Commercial and Recreational Craft
- MCA Boatmasters’ License Endorsements (Initials and Revalidations).
- PLA LKEs to endorse commercial licenses other than a Boatmasters’ License (Initials and Revalidations). PLA LKEs are restricted to the classes of vessels that you apply for.
- PLA LKE holders can also apply for amendments to their endorsement to include additional classes of vessels.
- A Harbour Master will review these applications to determine whether an examination will be necessary to amend your endorsement. For amendment applications, make sure to include Licenses, Testimonials and Details of Service that cover all classes of vessel applied for.
- The validity period of an amended LKE will remain the same as the original, unless a new examination is needed. In such a case, a new validity period of 5 years will be initiated if successful.
Before applying for your LKE, it is important that you check the Qualifying Service Time (QST) requirements in MSN 1853. In short, they are:
· “Not less than 60 days’ qualifying service, undertaken in varying conditions including trips in different directions and trips during the hours of darkness, with the last day of that service being undertaken not less than 6 months after the first day.”
Applicants are required to fill out the Details of Service in a format that includes these details for each trip:
- Vessel Name
- Employer
- Route and Direction
- Date and Time From
- Date and Time To
- Total Days
- Onboard Role
- Class of Vessel (For PLA LKEs)
Testimonials must support the information contained in the application, and particularly the Details of Service. The following are accepted forms of evidence for service:
- A company letter signed by an appropriate person (e.g. the owner or fleet manager).
- A letter from a representative of the statutory navigation/port authority responsible for the area in which the applicant operates.
- A letter from a shipper or customer who can verify the applicant has the relevant experience.
- A letter from a trade association who can verify that the applicant has the relevant experience.
From 1st January 2024, all Masters must be participating in the Thames CPD Programme.
The Thames CPD Programme is regulated by the PLA through the General Directions (GD 34), administered by the Thames Skills Academy (TSA), and supported by the Company of Watermen & Lightermen.
A minimum of 10 points is required every year, and a minimum of 150 points over a 5-year cycle to complete requirements.
MCA Initial LKEs take place in front of an MCA Approved Examiner, a Harbour Master and allow for 90 minutes.
MCA LKE Revalidations take place in front of a Local Thames Practitioner, a Harbour Master and allow for 60 minutes
PLA LKEs take place in front of a Harbour Master and allow for 60 minutes.
All exams will follow the LKE Syllabus and include aspects on passage planning, local geography and movements, and PLA regulations.
Original qualification certificates must be brought to the exam.
Any candidate failing to submit the required documents will not receive a link for booking the examination.
Once we have received an application and it is approved, we will arrange an invoice to be raised and then the candidate will receive a link to book their examination.
Information on fees can be found in the annual PLA Charges booklet on our website. Rates & Charges
If you are not currently in our customer system, please fill out a ‘New Customer Form’ and send to [email protected].
Information for Masters of Recreational Craft only
All of the above information is still relevant for Masters of Recreational Craft.
The below information is relevant for Masters of Recreational Craft only.
This document is intended to provide a record of attendance within the Thames Local Knowledge Endorsement (LKE) area for Masters of Recreational Craft.
The record may be used as supporting evidence when demonstrating practical exposure to an LKE area as part of an application process for local knowledge endorsement.
Attendance must be verified by a member of the Harbour Service Launch (HSL) crew.
