Agenda item

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

Resolved to accept and note the report.

 

The following reports were presented, and members were invited to give observations on their content and to ask questions.

 

a)      The Senior Harbours Officer's report, giving a brief update to the committee on harbour matters for the year ending March 2022. 

In the absence of the Senior Harbours Officer the Maritime Service Manager noted that it was pleasing to announce that it had been a successful year with an increase in the number of visitors and customers reflecting the gradual relaxation of Covid restrictions and barriers to overseas travel.

 

Attention was drawn to the following matters:

 

Moorings and Boat Registration

 

It was reported that the on-line registration and payment facility would be open for customers to register their vessels via the Council's website on 31 March 2022.   It was reported that the system introduced in March 2021 had been very successful and for the first time there was a waiting list for moorings in Pwllheli Harbour.

 

Port Marine Safety Code

 

It was noted that the Service regularly reviewed the Port Marine Safety Code to ensure that they continued to fully conform to the safety standards in Gwynedd harbours - an external audit of the code would be undertaken by a designated individual.   It was added that a compliance statement had been signed and submitted to the Coastguard Agency.  Serious concerns were highlighted regarding the condition of the quay in Aberdyfi (not in terms of its structure but the high risk to other users).  Although there was information and signage on the quay highlighting the risks and concerns to public safety, more had to be done and it was inevitable that the Maritime Unit should act urgently to ensure the site's safety.  It was noted that the risk of not moving / putting fishing tackle away had been addressed by creating a storage area within the compound and it was accepted that cooperation was needed from the fishermen to prioritise public safety.  It was added that when the clearance work commenced for the quay wall, the equipment would be moved permanently to the compound.

 

Members were encouraged to submit regular observations regarding the suitability of the Port Marine Safety Code. 

 

Staffing Matters

 

All the staff (harbour and beach) were praised for their service throughout the pandemic to ensure the safety of the harbour and beach by fully complying with the Welsh Government guidance.   It was noted that there were 2 permanent posts in Aberdyfi Harbour and it was intended to employ 2 seasonal posts there and 3 in Tywyn.   It was added that the response to the posts had been very disappointing, however, it was pleasing to report that Mr George Watson would return - he was experienced in the field, a strong team leader and a good communicator.

 

Financial Matters

 

It was highlighted that the proposed fees and charges for Aberdyfi Harbour, together with the powerboats and personal watercraft launch fees for the 2022/23 season, would increase in line with the rate of inflation.

 

The members expressed their thanks for the report. It was pleasing to report that the financial situation was positive and although the income was small, the contribution of Aberdyfi Harbour and beach were valuable to the local economy.

 

(b)     The Harbourmaster's report, summarising the Navigational and Operational matters that had arisen between October 2021 and March 2022, including maintenance matters.

 

The Harbourmaster expressed his thanks to the Maritime Unit for their support and for all the messages he and his family had received during his wife's illness. 

 

It was noted that two Local Notices to Mariners were in operation regarding the navigational marks in the channel - the service had been in contact with a local contractor to undertake the essential work when weather permits. 

 

It was reported that the Outward Bound Trust had conducted a full programme of events on the river and commercial fishing activities had continued over the winter months.   It was noted that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency had been operational in March with a team undertaking random checks on commercial fishing boats.

 

Reference was made to a low water check undertaken on 03/03/22 in the Cliffside area near the former RNLI slipway.  It was noted that officers would continue to monitor the situation before the moorings contractor commences the work.

 

It was reported that maintenance work would continue during the next few months in preparation for work on the quay wall and the busy season of visitors and events.

 

The members expressed their thanks for the report. Wil Stockford (Harbour Master) and Oli Simmons (Aberdyfi Harbour Assistant) were thanked for the clearance work undertaken around the Harbour and for facing all sorts of challenges from visitors.

 

 

In response to a question regarding the arrangements for removing sand that collects in the car park prior to the Easter holidays, it was noted that the promenade area and the RNLI area had been cleared and discussions were being held with the Transportation Unit and YGC regarding slipway maintenance.  It was added that the responsibilities of the Maritime Unit regarding Harbour management were being implemented.

 

In response to a supplementary question regarding the suggestion of using the money from the car park to pay the Maritime Unit for sand clearance, it was noted that there were no arrangements in place to transfer money, however, it was possible to encourage more collaboration between departments. Although accepting that the side-effects of the savings were evident by now and that removing sand was a battle against nature, it was recognised that a plan was needed in response to local concerns.

 

D George highlighted that members of the TMS company when they visited the site had suggested using their machinery, that would be on the site, to remove sand.  It was suggested that Aberdyfi Yacht Club could make a contribution to any costs, with further contributions possibly from Gwynedd Council and the Boat Club.  

 

RESOLVED

 

To note and accept the reports.