Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Nia Jeffreys (Cyngor Gwynedd) and Chris Fisher (Cricieth RNLI).

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

To consider any items which are urgent matters in the opinion of the Chairman.

It was noted that three individuals had put their names forward to represent different interests on this committee:

• Jenny Howell (Porthmadog Sailing Club) – representing leisure interests.

• Richard Owen (Robert Owen Marine) – representing industrial interests.

• Richard Aherne (Rowing Club) – representing the rowing club.

It was reported that following consultation with legal advisers, it had been decided that these individuals would need to be formally appointed by the Cabinet. The members of the committee were asked to consult on the matter, and to commit to deciding whether these individuals should be admitted as members of the Committee.

The members of the committee agreed to admit the three individuals to represent different interests on this committee.

The Chairman will propose that the minutes of the meeting of this committee, held on 01/10/24, be signed as a true record.

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee held on 01/10/24 as a true record.

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

To note and accept the report.

The reports below were submitted, and members were invited to give feedback on safety matters and harbour operational matters.

(1)        The Senior Harbours Officer's report gave a brief update to the committee on harbour matters for the period between October 2024 and March 2025.

Porthmadog Moorings and Boat Registration

It was reported that the restoration and maintenance of the l chains and moorings, which are located in the harbour, was being completed by a locally appointed mooring contractor. It was confirmed that customers wishing to have a mooring in the harbour or register their watercraft for the upcoming season were expected to complete the relevant on-line process promptly from 1 April onwards, via Cyngor Gwynedd's website. If assistance or guidance was required to complete the necessary processes, it was emphasised that customers were welcome to contact the harbour office, where staff would be happy to help. Hope was expressed that this year's summer period would be a busy one.

Port Marine Safety Code

It was reported that the service regularly reviewed the Marine Safety Code for the harbours within its jurisdiction, to ensure that it continued to fully comply with the current requirements of the Code. It was noted that, as part of the review process, it was necessary to receive the comments and views of the Consultative Committee Members on the suitability of the Marine Safety Code, and to receive regular comments on its content.

Staffing Matters

It was reported that Mr Daniel Cartwright, former Harbourmaster of Barmouth Harbour, had been appointed as Senior Harbours Officer to replace Mr Arthur Jones. Mr Daniel Cartwright took up responsibility for his role on 1 December 2024, as Mr Arthur Jones officially retired from the Service on 31 March. Mr Arthur Jones was thanked for his work in the service and on this Committee over the years.

It was noted that the Harbourmaster, Mr Malcolm Humphreys, and his assistant, Mr Richard Hughes, continued to provide a service to visitors and customers of the harbour, with maritime staff based in Barmouth and Aberdyfi harbours also available to assist if required.

It was noted that officers had undertaken maintenance work in the harbour, as well as additional work at Borth-y-Gest and on the nearby beaches of Morfa Bychan and Cricieth. It was further noted that seasonal beach officers would be appointed at Morfa Bychan and Cricieth beaches for the busy summer season.

It was reported that the owner of the ‘Terra Marique’ transport vessel had contacted the Senior Harbours Officer to discuss the possibility of returning to Black Rock. It was noted that a further report would be submitted to the Committee when further details became available.

Financial Matters

The Maritime Service Manager provided a brief summary of the Harbour's budgets for the period 01/04/24 – 31/03/25 (November 2024 Review), included as an appendix to the report. It was specifically noted:

•           That there was an overspend under the Employees heading due to overtime costs. It was noted that Harbour staff had been assisting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To note that the next meeting of the Porthmadog Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on 30/09/25.

It was noted that the next meeting would be held on 30/09/25.