Bridging Documents

Following the re-publication of the Ports & Marine Facilities Safety Code (PMSC) by the Department for Transport (DfT) in April 2025, the PLA has conducted a comprehensive review of its Marine Safety Management System (MSMS) and how it interfaces with Stakeholder organisations within the PLA’s SHA area.

Under the updated Code, it is essential that the PLA’s MSMS framework is seamlessly integrated with those of stakeholder organisations within the PLA’s SHA through a formal Bridging Document to ensure clear communication and deconfliction of policies.

On this page you will find draft Bridging Document templates designed to facilitate this purpose. These are titled “Tier 1 & 2” and “Tier 3”.

If your organisation is an SHA itself, or if it is a large commercial berth or multi berth facility the Tier 1 & 2 document is the most appropriate for you.

If your organisation is a leisure facility, including marinas and clubs with associated berths and facilities then the Tier 3 document is the most appropriate for you.

Important: If there is any doubt which document is the most relevant for your organisation, please contact the PLA on [email protected] for confirmation.

Your Action Items:

1. Technical Review: Please download and review the relevant Bridging Document against your own MSMS and statutory powers as appropriate.
2. Identify Conflicts: If you identify any procedural overlaps or conflicts between your operations and the PLA’s MSMS as detailed within the document, please revert to the PLA for clarification so we may collaborate on amendments.
3. Update Details: Add in contact details, including emergency contacts, so the PLA can ensure that its records are up to date.
4. Sign and Date: Please sign and return the document to confirm our shared commitment to the updated national standard. Signed documents should be sent to [email protected]  

Failure to maintain a verified Bridging Document may impact our joint ability to demonstrate "good practice" compliance as defined by the DfT.  

Once signed the PLA will maintain a copy of this document and return a copy to you for your records. The PLA will initiate a review of all Bridging Documents at intervals not exceeding three years, more often if changing circumstances require it.