Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

To note and accept the report.

The following reports were presented, and Members were invited to give observations on their content and to ask questions.

The Senior Harbours Officer's report, giving a brief update to the committee on harbour matters for the year ending March 2024. 

Moorings and Boat Registration

·        There had been 73 boats on annual moorings in Aberdyfi Harbour in 2023 and this was an increase of one boat compared to the number in 2022. It was hoped that this upward trend would continue in 2024, however the prevailing economic situation and in particular the current cost of living, remained a factor when trying to attract customers to the harbour. 

·        It was noted that most members of the public wishing to launch powered craft into the waters of the Gwynedd coast now registered their powered craft on-line, via the Cyngor Gwynedd website and 1269 powerboats and 1240 personal watercraft had registered in Gwynedd this season. 

Port Marine Safety Code

·        It was explained that the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) set out a national standard for every aspect of port marine safety and that its aim was to enhance safety for everyone who uses or works in the post marine environment.

·        It was noted that the Service regularly reviewed the Code for the harbours under its jurisdiction to remain in full compliance with the current requirements of the Code.

·        Members were reminded that it was essential, as part of the review process, that the Service received the comments and views of Consultative Committee Members on the suitability of the Port Marine Safety Code.

·        Reference was made to the incident in the estuary in March that involved three personal watercraft and a powerboat. It was confirmed that the Service was collaborating with the Police regarding the investigation to the incident's circumstances and this was in relation to potential offences disclosed under legislation that had recently come into force, the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023.

·        Concern was expressed about individuals who went out on the water without a certificate or appropriate training. It was asked whether it was possible for the harbourmaster to request evidence of certificates prior to them going out on the water? 

o   In response, it was explained that the Harbourmaster did not have any statutory enforcement powers to see certificates or insurance documentation.

o   It was noted that many people attended training and officers in the Harbour office were pro-active in encouraging people to attend training courses and an increase had been seen in the number of people who attended training courses.

·        In response to a question, asking whether it was possible to get the necessary statutory powers to see certificates, it was explained that the powers regarding this were in the hands of the Westminster Government. 

o   However, it was explained that new regulations had been introduced and a 'jet ski' now fell under the definition of a 'vessel' or 'boat'.  It was noted that this was a step in the right direction.

o   It was explained that the Council also had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7