Agenda item

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

 

 

(1)   Resolved to note and accept the report.

 

(2)   Response to the Department of Transport's consultation paper 'Strengthening enforcement of the dangerous use of recreational and personal watercraft’ and this committee preferred option 3, namely creating legislation under section 112 of the Railways and Transportation Safety Act 2003 to extend the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and relevant regulations, to include recreational and personal watercraft.

 

 

(1)   Resolved to note and accept the report.

 

(2)   Response to the Department of Transport's consultation paper ‘Strengthening enforcement of the dangerous use of recreational and personal watercraft’ that this committee preferred option 3, namely creating legislation under section 112 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 to extend the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and relevant regulations, to include recreational and personal watercraft.

 

 

Update on Harbour Management Matters from the Senior Harbours Officer. He noted the main points as follows:

 

-    That 76 boats were on moorings compared to 47 in 2020. He reiterated generally, that Gwynedd harbours had seen an increase in the number of boats on moorings.

-    It was assumed that the increase was due to relaxing Covid-19 restrictions and the continued restrictions on travelling abroad.

-    He shared that the on-line registering procedure for power boats and jet skis was a success.

-    The total number of registrations was summarised at 1,308 and the total number of personal watercraft (jet ski) registrations at 1,302.

-    He noted that the Committee was aware that the service complied with the Port Marine safety code, and it was added that members should inform them regarding any comments.

 

An update on staffing matters was presented as follows:

 

-    It was noted that the staffing level had not changed since the last report and it was reiterated that the service was able to call on staff from Porthmadog or Barmouth if need arose.

-    Two beach wardens were appointed to assist with supervising the management of Aberdyfi's main beach and it was added that according to feedback from residents this was a success.

-    In relation to Committee matters, pride was noted in the support available for this Committee, and it was shared that there is currently a vacant post. He said there was a request from the RNLI to fill the post, and the members’ support was requested to ensure that the post was filled by the next meeting in the Spring.

 

 

 

Financial matters were presented by the Maritime Manager, who explained the Harbour’s financial situation by noting the budget, expenditure and actual expenditure and explained any overspend or underspend to the members.

 

He discussed the consultation document on strengthening enforcement of the dangerous use of recreational and personal watercraft. It was explained that the closing date of the consultation had passed, however a letter had been written to the Department of Transport in London noting the date of this committee and explaining that Gwynedd Council's comments would be shared following the Committee.

 

It was noted that 4 options were associated with the consultation with the preferred one being to revise the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 to extend the relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and relevant regulations, to include recreational and personal watercraft. It was explained that the Committees of other harbours had already decided to support this option. He added that there was no obligation to follow this option and the Members were asked for their opinions.

 

 

During the discussion, the following observations were made by members:

 

-    Pride was expressed in seeing that the number of boats had increased as it was very good for the service in terms of additional finance.

-    It was asked for accuracy in the figures as the English copy was different to the Welsh copy in term of registrations.

-    A comment was made regarding the beach wardens hut and it was asked if it was possible to replace it with something more in-keeping with the area.

-    It was noted that the staff had faced a very busy season and thanks were expressed to all staff that were available around the harbour.

-    A member asked for clarity on the expenditure on Equipment and Tools compared to the previous year.

-    It was suggested to differentiate between navigation items and other equipment on the budget.

-    In relation to the consultation, the members noted they were happy to go with option 3 but some added that they didn't see it as being much different to the current procedure.

In response to the observations, the Senior Harbours Officer and the Maritime Manager noted that: 

 

-    Many of the cabins were to protect staff during rough weather, however there was a need to encourage staff to be out talking and engaging with the public and completing work on the beach. It was added that it was on the work programme to upgrade the cabins.

-    In response to the question on the amount spent on Equipment and Tools, it was invested in navigational aids, chains, lamps as they were statutory requirements under the safety code. It was noted that it was essential to maintain this equipment.

-    Differentiating on the budget was considered, however it was decided that it was not appropriate. It was agreed to consider differentiating between the navigation costs as there was a cost for replacing and relocating with navigation. Assurance was given that there would be differentiating in the next budget.