1.1
DETR Ports Division
published the Port Marine Safety Code in March 2000. The aim of the code is to establish an agreed standard by which
all harbour authorities discharge their legal duties and functions.
1.2
The Langstone Harbour
Board is a safety conscious and publicly accountable authority and this
statement explains how it discharges its duties in order to meet the standards
in the Port Marine Safety Code.
1.3
A Safety Management
System (SMS) based on risk assessment supports the Board’s marine
operations. The Board has adopted
policies and procedures to enable monitoring and review of the SMS.
2.0 SETTING
A STANDARD
2.1 The
core plans and policies of the Board are contained in the Langstone Harbour
Management Plan. They aim to discharge
the roles and duties of the Board in accordance with the Piers & Harbours
(Langstone Harbour) Confirmation Act 1962 and subsequent Orders.
2.2 The responsibility for compliance with the Port Marine Safety
Code lies with the Board (duty holder).
The responsibility for executing the plans and policies of the Board
rests with its officers. The delegation
of responsibility is contained in the detailed job descriptions for all harbour
staff and in relevant procedures.
2.3 The Designated Person is the Engineer to the Board, whose role
is to provide independent assurance to the Board that the Safety Management
System is working effectively.
2.4 Employees of the Board are recruited and selected on their
suitability to fill the Job Descriptions for the post. Employees are subject to annual performance
review; training needs are established in accordance with the evolving
requirements of the Board and appropriate best practice for the industry.
3.0 SAFETY
MANAGEMENT
3.1 The Board’s Health & Safety Policy is supported by a
Safety Management System and risk assessments for all activities undertaken by
the Board’s staff. In addition, risk
assessments are undertaken for activities that, in the opinion of the Designated
Person, have potential for causing risk to the public and to those making use
of the harbour amenity for the purpose of commerce or recreation within the
harbour area regulated by the Board.
The Langstone Harbour Board is committed to undertaking and regulating
marine operations in a way that safeguards the harbour, its users, the public
and the environment.
3.2 Effective control and supervision, including emergency
response, will be based on the implementation of control measures in Orders,
Directions, Notices, Publications, Guidance and Operating Procedures.
3.3 The safety of harbour operations is kept under review. A record of all incidents is maintained and
each incident is investigated promptly and appropriately. Follow-up action, including reports to other
organisations as necessary, is taken and recorded.
4.0 CONSERVANCY
DUTIES
4.1
Hydrographic records of
the harbour are maintained at the Harbour Office. The navigation channels are monitored and surveyed as
required. Where appropriate, the Board
promulgates Hydrographic information through Local Notices to Mariners
4.2 Weather forecasts and tidal conditions are displayed at the
harbour office and public slipways during peak periods. The Board’s web site also carries this
information.
4.3 The Board inspects and maintains navigation marks under its
jurisdiction to conform to General Lighthouse Authority standards. A record of maintenance is maintained at the
harbour office.
5.0 REGULATION
AND MANAGEMENT OF NAVIGATION
5.1 The Board’s directions and arrangements for Port Passage
Planning are contained in its CHA Arrangements as reviewed in 1999. Navigational safety arrangements for vessels
subject to compulsory pilotage are reviewed periodically in the light of
incident statistics and national requirements.
5.2 The Board operates harbour patrols for the purpose of
enforcing harbour byelaws and regulations.
There are procedures for the conduct of patrols and enforcement. Enforcement procedures are undertaken in
accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Code.
5.3 The Board endeavours to provide a fair and balanced
opportunity for all recreational sectors to enjoy the harbour in safety through
the application of local rules and directions, zoning, and where applicable,
permits and licences. The Board will
apply restrictions and controls in accordance with risk assessments for
specific activities and will insofar as this is reasonably practicable consult
with user groups in identifying and imposing control measures.
6.0 PILOTAGE
6.1 There is a Pilotage Direction for Langstone Harbour where
pilotage is compulsory for vessels of 48 metres and over. The Board aims to provide a safe and
efficient pilot service, which meets the needs of users in accordance with
national standards for safety and competence.
6.2 The Board’s pilotage arrangements, including arrangements for
the issue of PEC’s, were reviewed in 1999.
To comply with the Code, a Harbour Revision Order is being promoted to
extend the Board’s area of jurisdiction for pilotage.
7.0 MARINE
SERVICES
7.1 The Board maintains certain moorings in the harbour. Standards have been established for various
categories of mooring. The safe
operation of the Board’s workboats is based on Standard Operating Procedures
and risk assessment.