Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Rob Triggs (Cyngor Gwynedd) and Councillor Louise Hughes (Cyngor Gwynedd) as well as Daniel A Cartwright (Barmouth Harbourmaster), Arthur F Jones (Senior Harbours Officer) and Mark James (RNLI).

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declarations of personal interest were received.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee held on 8^th November, 2022

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous committee meeting held on 8 November 2022, as a true record.

To submit

a) a report by the Senior Harbours Officer

b) a report by the Harbourmaster

To note and accept the report.

Everyone was welcomed to the meeting, and it was noted that many were attending for the first time, and the opportunity was taken for everyone to introduce themselves. In addition, it was noted that many were off sick, and it was agreed to send a message to wish them a speedy recovery.

Due to the sickness absence of the Senior Harbours Officer, the report was presented by the Maritime Services Manager. The Maritime Services Manager took the opportunity to remind the Committee that Barry Davies, the former Maritime Services Manager, would be retiring on 31/3/23 after 27 years' service to the Council.  Barry Davies was thanked for his work and guidance. 

Barmouth Moorings and Boat Registration

It was confirmed that maintenance work had been undertaken to the trots moorings and the condition of the equipment was acceptable.  A Local Mooring Contractor had confirmed that 2 out of 3 visitors' moorings had been raised as they stood on a sandbank, however the contractor had found it difficult to raise the mooring nearest to the railway bridge. 

The on-line registration system for powerboats was now in operation, and this was a great help with GDPR regulations. It was confirmed that the teething problems had been resolved and generally the system ran smoothly.

Port Marine Safety Code

Reference was made to the New Act for Powerboats that would be operational from 31/3/23 namely, the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023, and it was noted that further guidance was needed, although an initial meeting had taken place with the Police.

It was confirmed that the Senior Harbours Officer was leading on the Safety Code, and that improvement work had been undertaken to ensure that the Harbour was as safe as possible, in collaboration with Captain Matt Forbes, Conwy Harbourmaster.

Staffing Matters

It was reported that Kane A Triggs had been appointed as Assistant Harbourmaster and he was welcomed to his first meeting. The intention to appoint five beach officers was confirmed, with two of these commencing in post before Whitsun, and the officers would continue with the maintenance work, and there was no intention to employ more staff in the Harbour.

Members were invited to offer observations on the above, and it was noted as follows:

The on-line registration system was in operation, and any concerns had been resolved.

A request had been received for the Seasonal Beach Officers to receive further first aid training.  It was expanded that the time for training last year was insufficient, however prior to Covid advanced first aid training was part of the induction training, and this was something that had slipped, but it was intended to organise training this year.  It was noted that the Police and the RNLI had also raised the same point.  It was reported that there was good cooperation on the beaches with the Coastguard, the RNLI and the Police and that they all appreciated each other. The Assistant Head of Economy and Community reinforced the comment regarding the change in Legislation for personal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider matters at the request of the Members.

None to note.

To note that the next meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on 24^th October, 2023

It was confirmed that the next meeting would be held on 24 October 2023.

The meeting commenced at 3.00pm and concluded at 4.05pm

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(Chair)