Agenda item

To consider a report by the Maritime and Country Parks Officer.

5.         REPORT OF THE MARITIME AND COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER

 

Submitted:       A report by the Maritime and Country Parks Officer updating the Committee on Barmouth Harbour management matters.  

 

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer guided Members through the contents of the report.  

 

The Senior Harbours Officer read the report regarding maintenance to members and specific reference was made to the following: 

 

(a)  Barmouth Harbour

 

·         In terms of how busy the harbour was, there was stability in terms of numbers with five boats leaving the harbour by the end of 2015/16. The Harbour Master would contact customers to find out why they had left the Harbour.  

·         There was an increase in the number of powerboats and personal water craft registered compared to 2015, and it was pleasing to note that the complaints had reduced regarding personal water craft and there was a consistency in the numbers that had registered.

·         In response to a query from a Member regarding complaints and was this as a result of buoys not being installed? It was explained that through discussion there had been an agreement by the Consultative Committee not to install buoys, however, if this caused concern the position could be reconsidered and it was confirmed that buoys had been installed east of the Railway Bridge.   However, it was further noted that the Service had not received a complaint regarding misuse by powerboats in the harbour.

·         It was added that the Council had formal arrangements and a process to follow when a complaint was submitted and the Service complied with and contacted the appropriate officers when a complaint was received.  

·         In terms of oral complaints, the procedure was explained namely that any complaint would be noted in the Harbour office diary as occurred in every other Council harbour.  Any written complaint would be recorded via the Council's Complaints system.

·         That the Marine Safety Code was relevant to every Harbour and was reviewed regularly.    In January 2017, an external inspector would spend time with the Harbour master to review the code and the systems of all the harbours under the Council's control.

·         During the summer no issues relevant to the Harbour's statutory duties had been raised and it was trusted that this would continue. 

·         Reference was made to the tragedy that occurred in August when two young lads had lost their lives and a tribute was given to Harbour staff, service Staff, the RNLI and the local community for their praiseworthy efforts during this tragic incident.  

·         As a result of the above, a meeting took place with the Dwyfor/Meirionnydd Member of Parliament and other relevant agencies to discuss public safety issues and specifically a scheme for signage in order to try and improve future information to visitors and beach users.

·         One boat broke free from its mooring during strong winds and the Railway Bridge had to be closed for a short period in order to enable the Coastguard and the RNLI crew to pull the boat from the bridge.  It was confirmed that no damage was caused to the bridge following this incident.  The railway had been examined by railway experts to ensure that no damage had occurred to the bridge itself.

·         In terms of discussions regarding beach lifeguards, it was explained that discussions were on-going with the RNLI.  It was noted that the current arrangements in place along the coast were consistent.  It was noted that the Council was willing to consider local solutions in response to local problems. It was noted that there were significant financial implications regarding appointing beach lifeguards.  In the context of signage, a package of suggestions had been submitted by the RNLI on how to improve this and it was resolved to implement some of the suggestions by 2017, however, it was important to note that this would be part of a wider discussion.

·         In response to an enquiry regarding the Red Flag status, it was explained that if the red flag was flying then this indicated danger.

 

Resolved:        To accept and note the above.

 

(b)          Operational Issues

 

·         Investments had been made in terms of navigational aids and it was heartening to note that all the buoys had remained on station.

·         A new buoy had been installed by Trinity House on behalf of Welsh Water to mark the outfall pipe. It was stated to Welsh Water and Trinity House that the remains of the navigational aid had to be removed from the outfall as a matter of urgency, as the remaining pole was a hazard to boats navigating in this area, especially on high tide.  

·         In response to a query from a Member regarding the installation of a buoy in place of a pole, it was explained that a buoy endured the weather better and there was a tendency for a pole to be damaged, however, the Maritime Service did not get an opportunity to give their observations.

·         It was understood that Cllr. Rob Triggs had written to Trinity House expressing concern regarding the hazard due to this pole and several members stated their concerns regarding the safety of mariners and the matter should be drawn without delay to the attention of Trinity House.  

 

Resolved:  To accept and note the above.

 

(c)          Work Programme

 

The Senior Harbours Officer submitted a work programme for the Harbour from October 2016 to March 2017 and Members were guided through the list noted on the work programme.  

 

In response to an enquiry from a Member regarding the workload, the Maritime and Country Parks Officer confirmed that assistance would be available from staff in other Harbours to undertake some duties.  It was further noted that the employment of the two Harbour Assistants in Barmouth and Aberdyfi had been extended up to the end of December 2016.

Eight applications had been received from volunteers to assist in the Harbour and the next step would be to conduct risk assessments and discuss the type of work to be undertaken ensuring that it was acceptable to them.  The need for appropriate arrangements to be in place was emphasised and volunteers were thanked for their interest and enthusiasm.  The individuals who had stated a willingness to volunteer in the Harbour were thanked.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(ch)     Other matters

 

It was noted that since the pontoon had been installed on the quay wall close to the SS Dora building, the Maritime Service had thus far contributed approximately £20,000 for maintenance as well as regular inspection.  It was noted that the weather and waves had an adverse impact on the pontoon.   Whilst accepting that the pontoon had been of benefit to Barmouth with mariners getting better access to the water, however, the Maritime Service was of the view following the receipt of comments from the Council's Engineer that the fingers should not be re-installed on the main pontoon structure in the future as they were not suitable for this location.  It was explained that the fingers had been taken off the pontoon on 31 October 2015 as they were a strain on the main pontoon structure and had caused several cracks to the pontoon framework.  Currently the fingers had been moored safely in the Bathhouse area.   It was further noted that there was significant work to be undertaken to repair the pontoon.  It would soon be necessary to receive confirmation regarding the pontoon's ownership as well as a maintenance plan from the group.

 

A representative from the Yacht Club noted that a small group had come together and had received substantial grants namely £50k from the National Lottery and £20k from Snowdonia National Park to purchase the pontoon and she was of the view that it had to be repaired and it was a valuable asset to Barmouth and its main purpose was for visiting boats to be able to gain convenient access to come and go in the Harbour and not to moor boats permanently.  She was aware that the Yacht Club had offered £2,000 towards the maintenance costs and to repair the damaged sections.    Another member stated that the pontoon was popular and in the short term, as the fingers had been taken off, there was a gap on the pontoon that prevented any use to be made.

 

The Chairman noted that clarification was required regarding the situation with ownership and to have arrangements in place for better communication.  It was further suggested that a sub-group should be established with representation from the relevant organisations to discuss the way forward and in the meantime the Yacht Club representative was requested to contact the pontoon manufacturers to find out if it could be repaired.    It was also suggested that local engineers should be asked to inspect its condition.

 

Resolved:       (a) To establish a sub-group to include representatives from the following organisations:

 

Dr John Smith, Barmouth Viaduct Access Group

Mrs Wendy Ponsford Meirionnydd Yacht Club

Mr Martin Parouty, Barmouth Harbour and Estuary Users Group

Cllr. Rob Triggs, Barmouth Town Council 

Maritime and Country Parks Officer

Harbour Master

 

                        (b) In the meantime, prior to convening a meeting of the above Sub-group, that the following members further investigate the condition of the pontoon and if it could be repaired: 

 

Mrs Wendy Ponsford to contact the manufacturers

Cllr. Rob Triggs to contact the engineers to examine its condition

 

(d)        Ferry Licences

 

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer reported that complaints had been received this year regarding the conduct of ferry operators and as a result a draft plan was submitted before Committee indicating the navigation course for each ferry to follow.  It was felt that following one course would prevent vessels racing each other and cutting across other boats.

 

The process of licensing ferries was explained and it was ensured that there were arrangements in place for inspections on land as well as an inspection of the boats on the water. 

 

Although he had declared an interest, one of the ferry operators was granted the right to express his opinion and noted that ferry operators were experienced and they would assess the conditions and choose the safest route.   

 

In response therefore to a request for opinions in relation to 'Ferry Licences'  and 'Navigation' a member suggested that, under certain circumstances (such as on a spring tide ebb), a pilot might choose to navigate further to the east, away from the channel and directly across the harbour in a southerly direction thus avoiding Trwyn y Gwaith (the Ynys y Brawd breakwater) and the rough water which can develop at the harbour entrance in wind against tide situations.

He suggested that this choice would be in accordance with safe navigational practise, as it may give the pilot; more room to manoeuvre; more time to take effective avoiding action should it be needed, (as the give way vessel meeting another entering the harbour); a less restricted view; and a smoother passage. 

 

The member also reminded the committee that the pilots regularly engaged in carrying passengers to and from their vessels, and in providing boat trips, both of which would require alternative route planning.

The member also voiced the opinion that the ferry pilots, with their considerable day to day experience of navigating the waters within the harbour, were in a very strong position to make good decisions about safe pilotage.

Reflecting on the 2016 season, the member was of the opinion, (in terms of amicable relations between the pilots)  that the season had been a good one thanks to; suggestions and encouragement from the Senior Harbours Officer and  the Barmouth Harbour Master; the efforts of the pilots themselves and the changes they had collectively made to the operating procedures of the service; and lastly, in no small part, because the service had operated in equilibrium ie. that with three boats supplying a seating capacity of twenty four, demand for the service had been met with a comfortable margin.

 

To conclude, the member noted that he was willing to discuss suggestions with Maritime Service staff.  

 

During the ensuing discussion, the following main points were highlighted:

·         It was suggested, if possible, to consider an option for a navigation route that would be suitable for the operators.

·         That passenger safety was tantamount 

·         Three licences were released this year and a fourth licence was granted for trips up the estuary.

 

Resolved:       (a) To approve that the ferry uses the navigation route as outlined in the plan submitted to Committee when the tide allows, and uses an alternative route to be discussed and agreed between the operators and the Harbour master.  

 

                        (b) To request that the Maritime Officer submits information regarding the procedure for licensing pleasure boats to the next meeting.  

 

(e)        Financial Matters

 

Reference was made to the financial balance sheet and the Maritime and Country Parks Officer guided members through the budget and noted that an under expenditure was anticipated on Harbour income of £11,332.  

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(f)           Fees and Charges

 

It was anticipated that there would be an increase of 2% on Fees and Charges in 2017/18.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.

 

(ff)       Events

 

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer thanked everyone associated with the arrangements of events in Barmouth Harbour and it was heartening to see so many boats in the Three Peaks competition that took place on 11 June 2016.  It was noted that the race would celebrate 40 years in 2017.

 

The 2017 'Mawddach Paddlefest' would take place on 15/16 July.

 

Resolved:       To accept and note the above.