He is a past chairman of Leander Club and a steward of Henley Royal Regatta The PLA oversees navigational safety along 95 miles of the tidal Thames, a river home to the UK's second biggest port, the busiest inland waterway for passengers and freight and a world famous centre for rowing. Running the river in trust for the benefit of future generations, the PLA shares its marine, environmental, planning and other expertise, promoting use of the river and safeguarding its unique marine environment. PLA chairman, Dame Helen Alexander, said: “I am proud of the PLA's achievements over the last six years, helping the Thames to be the busiest and safest it’s ever been. We've seen a transformation of river use. Last year modern day records were set with nearly ten million passengers travelling and over five million tonnes of freight moved between wharves. “Now the PLA is looking to the future of the river and estuary. The Thames Vision project has identified great potential. The PLA executive team, supported by Christopher, will have the exciting challenge of bringing it to fruition.” Christopher Rodrigues said: "The River Thames is the beating heart of the greatest city in the world. It has been part of my life for over 50 years, first as a schoolboy oarsman on the Tideway, then as a member of two winning Cambridge Boat Race Crews and subsequently as chairman of Leander Club, a steward of Henley Royal Regatta and a craft owning freeman of the Waterman’s Company.
