Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

(1)   Resolved to note and accept the report.

(2)   Response to the Department of Transport's consultation paper 'Strengthening enforcement of the dangerous use of recreational and personal watercraft’ and this committee preferred option 3, namely creating legislation under section 112 of the Railways and Transportation Safety Act 2003 to extend the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and relevant regulations, to include recreational and personal watercraft.

(1)   Resolved to note and accept the report.

(2)   Response to the Department of Transport's consultation paper ‘Strengthening enforcement of the dangerous use of recreational and personal watercraft’ that this committee preferred option 3, namely creating legislation under section 112 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 to extend the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and relevant regulations, to include recreational and personal watercraft.

Update on Harbour Management Matters from the Senior Harbours Officer. He noted the main points as follows:

-    That 76 boats were on moorings compared to 47 in 2020. He reiterated generally, that Gwynedd harbours had seen an increase in the number of boats on moorings.

-    It was assumed that the increase was due to relaxing Covid-19 restrictions and the continued restrictions on travelling abroad.

-    He shared that the on-line registering procedure for power boats and jet skis was a success.

-    The total number of registrations was summarised at 1,308 and the total number of personal watercraft (jet ski) registrations at 1,302.

-    He noted that the Committee was aware that the service complied with the Port Marine safety code, and it was added that members should inform them regarding any comments.

An update on staffing matters was presented as follows:

-    It was noted that the staffing level had not changed since the last report and it was reiterated that the service was able to call on staff from Porthmadog or Barmouth if need arose.

-    Two beach wardens were appointed to assist with supervising the management of Aberdyfi's main beach and it was added that according to feedback from residents this was a success.

-    In relation to Committee matters, pride was noted in the support available for this Committee, and it was shared that there is currently a vacant post. He said there was a request from the RNLI to fill the post, and the members’ support was requested to ensure that the post was filled by the next meeting in the Spring.

Financial matters were presented by the Maritime Manager, who explained the Harbour’s financial situation by noting the budget, expenditure and actual expenditure and explained any overspend or underspend to the members.

He discussed the consultation document on strengthening enforcement of the dangerous use of recreational and personal watercraft. It was explained that the closing date of the consultation had passed, however a letter had been written to the Department of Transport in London noting the date of this committee and explaining that Gwynedd Council's comments would be shared following the Committee.

It was noted that 4 options were associated with the consultation with the preferred one being to revise the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 to extend the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and relevant regulations, to include recreational and personal watercraft. It was explained that the Committees of other harbours had already decided to support this option. He added that there was no obligation to follow this option  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4