Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To elect a Chair for 2025/26.

To elect Councillor Wendy Cleaver as Chair of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee for 2025/26.

To elect Councillor Wendy Cleaver as Chair of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee for 2025/26.

To elect a Vice-Chair for 2025/26.

To elect Councillor Eryl Jones-Williams as Vice-Chair of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee for 2025/26.

To elect Councillor Eryl Jones-Williams as Vice-Chair of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee for 2025/26.

To receive any apologies for absences

Apologies were received from Robert Williams (Barmouth Town Council), Ashley Field (Three Peaks Challenge), Robert Aeron Williams (Barmouth Resort Improvement Group).

To receive any declarations of personal interest.

There were no declarations of personal interest.

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

To note and accept the report.

The report was presented by the Senior Harbours Officer and the Barmouth Harbourmaster.

Performance Data

The report was submitted by the Senior Harbours Officer.

Pride was expressed that the number of moorings contracts in the harbour had increased during the season. In addition, there had been a 10% increase in the number of powerboats registered this season compared to last year.

The on-line registration system that is used to try to save paper was mentioned.

Feedback received about Barmouth Harbour

It was explained that QR codes can be seen around the harbour so that customers can give feedback on the harbour. It was revealed that there had been an increase in the positive feedback received from the 2023/24 period to this year.

The committee was guided through the positive feedback received, highlighting the fact that the harbour is staffed by a team of young staff. It was noted that they provide the highest quality service, as can be seen from the feedback.

It was reiterated that the new visitor moorings had worked brilliantly, making it easier and safer for visitors to come into the harbour.

They then proceeded to discuss the negative feedback received, noting that all feedback was acknowledged and that continuous efforts were being made to improve the harbour.

Port and Marine Facilities Safety Code (PMSC)

It was noted that this Safety Code outlined the national standard for all aspects of marine safety in ports. It was explained that audits by an external expert were carried out to ensure that the harbour complies with the requirements of the Code. It was added that a new auditor had been appointed.

It was recognised that ensuring regular training for staff was a key part of the Code. The Barmouth Harbourmaster was congratulated on successfully completing the Harbourmaster Diploma this year.

The security measures taken were mentioned, emphasising the use of body cameras by staff. It was noted that the introduction of these cameras this year had reduced the number of incidents of abusive behaviour towards staff and offered reassurance in the event of an incident taking place.

It was asked if there had been an incident where the content of the recordings had had to be reviewed to respond further. It was confirmed that North Wales Police had requested recordings from the harbour cameras and CCTV cameras to respond to incidents.

Pride was expressed that no incidents or accidents had been reported to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch so far this year. It was noted that incidents had taken place, such as a boat catching fire and another boat sinking, but these had not been serious enough to report.

Trinity House GLA (General Lighthouse Authority)

It was noted that the Council is a registered Local Lighthouse Authority, responsible for ensuring that navigation aids were correctly positioned and working safely along the coast. It was explained that staff assess these regularly to ensure customer safety. It was reiterated that the information from the surveys being carried out was inputted to Trinity  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Submitted by the Maritime Service Manager.

He talked about an application that had been received from a local fisherman to sell seafood from the harbour quay. He elaborated by stating that local seafood would be sold there. It was reiterated that it was a Welsh language space that will enable customers to learn about sustainable fishing practices. It was confirmed that this will not affect the harbour's other activities. The members stated their support to this application. It was emphasised that the purpose of the item was to get the views of the members on the application, and that no decision would be made about it at this meeting.

To note that the next meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on the 24^th of March, 2026.

It was confirmed that the next meeting would be held on the 24 March, 2026.