To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.
Decision:
(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.
Minutes:
(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.
Supporting documents: