Agenda item

To receive a presentation from Captain Forkanul Quader from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Inspectorate.

Mr Forkanul Quader of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Inspectorate was welcomed to the meeting.

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer set out the context, noting that the Maritime Service had responded to the recommendations noted in the report received from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Inspectorate on the safety arrangements and systems of Gwynedd municipal harbours and compliance with the Marine Safety Code following an inspection in 2017. He noted his appreciation of the Senior Harbours Officer and the Harbour Masters' work. He explained that a follow-up inspection had been held on 5-6 March 2019 where the inspector noted that the Service had firm foundations noting suggestions for improvement. He noted that all Harbour Committees members had received an invitation to the Committee for the presentation. He stated his appreciation for Forkanul Quader's work and professional guidance.

A presentation was given by Forkanul Quader, who noted that the Code was not statutory but that it was relevant and the need for safety control systems and risk assessments to be in place and that they correspond with the scale of activities undertaken at the Harbour. He listed the relevant legislation noted in the Code.

He noted the following main points in terms of what required the Council's attention:

·         That Porthmadog Harbour had a status of a Competent Harbour Authority, as no commercial vessels had navigated the harbour in 23 years, the Council should consider whether or not it intended to keep the status which imposed additional requirements on the Council.

·         That internal review arrangements had been set up but that operational work was needed with an opportunity for Harbour Masters to collaborate.

·         There was a need to review the Porthmadog Harbour Bye-laws to ensure that they coincided with current practices.

·         Pwllheli Harbour may be exempted from some of the requirements relating to pollution.

·         Hafan Pwllheli generated an income, with the narrowing channel it was difficult for vessels to cross and navigate the channel. A hydro-graphic survey was needed and dredging works.

He confirmed that the Maritime Service had very good practices including the use of telemetrics. He noted that there was commitment to the safety controls system with the Duty Holders taking responsibility on the first page of the Council's Marine Safety Code.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development noted that he had met with the inspector to discuss his report and a few things needed addressing. He elaborated that he was quite confident that it would be possible to respond to the matters raised by the inspector. He explained that the inspector had praised the professionalism and commitment of the Maritime Service officers.

In response to a question by a member, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer noted that it was intended to contact the Council’s Legal Unit, the Welsh Government and the British Government to submit an application to remove the status of Porthmadog Harbour as a Competent Harbour Authority. He explained that the status entailed substantial work and responsibility under the Piloting Act 1987 and that removing the status would not prevent any ships from traversing the Harbour as part of the transformer work in Trawsfynydd and Ffestiniog. He noted that he hoped that the members would support the proposal.

In response to a further question, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer noted that removing Porthmadog Harbour's status as a Competent Harbour Authority would mean that Porthmadog Harbour would have the same status as the other harbours managed by the Council. The inspector explained that there were two types of statuses, Statutory Harbour Authority and Competent Harbour Authority, Porthmadog Harbour would continue as a Statutory Harbour Authority. He noted that given that no commercial ships had navigated the harbour in 23 years, what reason was there for retaining a status that imposed additional requirements on the Council in terms of training?

Members noted their appreciation of the presentation.

RESOLVED to accept the information.