Our latest safety campaign is urging river users to use their head more. Human Factors was launched after an analysis of accident data showed that human error was the leading cause of "navigational incidents" on the tidal Thames in the past two years.

The campaign draws heavily on Maritime and Coastguard Agency guidance which shines a light on some of the top causes of these kinds of accident.

Launching the campaign at our annual forum, our chief harbour master, Bob Baker, told stakeholders: “Over the last two years, human error was linked to more than 40% of accidents on the river. Often it’s the simplest of things that trip people up, whether recognising that their mind’s not on the job or suddenly thinking ‘I wasn’t clear in my instructions’.”

“Our campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the Deadly Dozen,” Bob added. “Over the next 12 months we will be giving hints and tips to river users on a variety of elements, including best practice, communication and avoiding distractions. Our statistics show, for instance, that the risk of an accident increases in October, between 5 pm and 6 pm. It’s a real accident ‘hot spot’ people need to be aware of."

This recent hi-tech visitor to the Port of London, pictured behind a Svitzer tug, won admirers on her way to central London for a corporate event.

Globetrotting IMOCA 60 racing yacht Hugo Boss finished runner-up in last year’s Vendee Globe, a world-famous round-the-world yacht race. It saw skipper Alex Thompson singlehandedly circle the planet in 74 days, 19 hours and 35 minutes. It crossed the line off the coast of France.

Welshman Alex, 42, matched Dame Ellen MacArthur as the best British competitior in the Vendee Globe. Our picture shows Alex sailing the yacht to a recent event in Canary Wharf.

IMOCA yachts are one of the world’s fastest racing monohulls. Built using composite materials, to keep them as light as possible, they are able to withstand harsh conditions all over the world.