Welcome to Thames CPD
Working together to support the Thames Community
The Port of London Authority (PLA), Thames Skills Academy (TSA) and Company of Watermen & Lightermen (CWL) have introduced the first Port-wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme for all Masters in command of an Intra-port Commercial Vessel, whether newly qualified or with years of experience. The Programme is open to other navigational crew too.
The prime objective is to improve safety on the Thames by everyone participating in the Thames CPD Programme to maintain and refresh their current skills and to learn new skills as the industry changes.
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 no. 34), administered by the Thames Skills Academy (TSA) and supported by the Company of Watermen & Lightermen.
The Thames CPD Programme consists of Mandatory, Accredited and Skills & Experience training/activities. This allows you to achieve a minimum of 10 points every year and a minimum of 150 points over a 5-year cycle to complete the requirement to remain active on the River.
Why is CPD being introduced on the Thames?
CPD refers to the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours that you gain formally and informally as you go about your work beyond initial training. By participating in the Thames CPD Programme, you will be able to:
- Be more productive and effective by reflecting on your development and highlighting gaps in your knowledge and skills
- Cope positively with change by constantly updating your skillset and capabilities
- Plan and achieve your career goals by focusing on your training and development
- Maintain and boost Thames operators’ collective profile and credibility as a profession
As a Master in command of an Intra-port Commercial Vessel, you must enrol by 1st January 2024 or on the date you became a Master on the Thames. Your first 5-year CPD cycle will be until 31st December 2028 or 5 years from the date you became a Master.
Further information including the types of training activities you can select from and how to enrol and participate in the Programme can be found here:
Thames CPD Programme of Activities
The Thames CPD Programme requires participants to achieve a minimum of 150 points across three categories of Mandatory Courses; Accredited Training; and Skills & Experience during each 5-year CPD period. Participants must achieve a minimum of 10 points per year.
Mandatory Courses
All participants must complete three Mandatory Courses in first aid, firefighting and personal survival techniques over each 5-year period.
Accredited Training
All participants must gain a minimum of 50 points from Accredited Training Courses over each 5-year period. These include MCA, RYA and other accredited training and endorsements.
Skills & Experience
All participants must gain a minimum of 50 points from the Skills & Experience activities over each 5-year period. This recognises years of experience on the Thames and includes informal training such as experience on a different industry sector vessel, visiting regulatory bodies to understand their roles on the Thames and mentoring.
