Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Chris Fisher (Cricieth Lifeboat) and Robert Owen (Representing Commercial Interests).

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.

None to note.

The Chairman will propose that the minutes of the meeting of this committee, held on 30/09/25, be signed as a true record.

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee held on 30/09/25 as a true record.

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

DECISION

To note and accept the report.

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

(1)   The Senior Harbour Officer's report providing the Committee with an update on Harbour matters for 2025/26.

Performance Data

It was noted that moorings agreements in Porthmadog had now increased to 109. It was noted that the figures provided remain consistent with those shared at the October meeting. However, during the winter, the Harbour office had received several enquiries regarding moorings from new customers at Porthmadog Harbour.

The members were reminded that the online service for mooring applications, powerboat registration and renewal of mooring licences would reopen on 1 April. Any new customers were asked to call into the office to provide information about their vessel to the Harbourmaster before completing the on-line form.

It was noted that signs with QR codes were placed around the harbour to receive comments from users about their experience of the harbour. It was noted that the satisfaction figures had increased significantly since 2023/24. A decline in the number of feedback responses submitted through the QR code survey was predicted over the winter. Nevertheless, feedback received through email correspondence and face-to-face discussions had been very positive and was welcomed.

Reference was made to a specific comment received about the excellent service received from the service during the winter, noting that the service's experienced staff had used maritime trucks during severe weather to support the most vulnerable residents during this period. This had enabled carers from adult services to travel to residents' homes and to work. All staff were sincerely thanked for their hard work during this challenging time.

Reference was made to a further comment about the support and information provided by the Harbourmaster to assist with a hydrographic survey of Pwllheli Harbour.

Harbour Safety

It was reported at the Committee meeting in October, that members had been advised on the appointment of Mr Owen Morgan, Harbour Manager for Ceredigion Council, as our new 'Designated Person'. Mr Owen Morgan carried out inspections of the harbours under the authority of the Maritime Department, namely in the harbours of Aberdyfi, Abermaw, Porthmadog and Hafan Pwllheli, in February. It was confirmed that the Service could now submit its Declaration of Compliance before the end of March, and to publish its PMSC documentation on Cyngor Gwynedd's website.

It was noted that adjustments had been made to the PMSC during 2025. These changes were designed to ensure that any overlapping marine safety management plans and systems fit together effectively. As a result, a national compliance exercise was issued to all harbours to confirm that they adhere to individual codes, and to ensure that appropriate measures were in place to deal with any necessary adjustments.

Winter Storms

It was reported that, during the winter of 2025/26, the area once again experienced an increase in the number of storms, mainly from the South-Southeast direction. It was noted that such storms are becoming more common, with less of a gap between them. It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To note that the next meeting of the Porthmadog Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on 30/10/26.

It was noted that the next meeting would be held on 30/10/26.