Marine Operations Code for Ports: Bulletin No.13 (December 1999)

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Bulletin No.13 - December 1999

This is the thirteenth of a series of monthly bulletins issued by the Department to report progress with development of a Port Marine Safety Code, following recommendations in the Department's review of the Pilotage Act. The review of the Pilotage Act 1987 followed a Marine Accident Investigation Branch report on the SEA EMPRESS. The report's main proposal was that such a Code should be developed, covering all port marine safety functions, and not just pilotage. Enquiries, contributions and comments (including e-mails) may be made to Andrew Burr, Colin Morris, Cameron Clark or Jackie Shaw at the previous address.

This Bulletin gives a monthly summary of progress with the Code project, which is in three parts:

  • The Code itself, setting a standard for the discharge of duties and powers of harbour authorities
  • Competence Standards, for all disciplines managing the safety of port navigation
  • A Good Guide Practice, giving operational guidance on the requirements of the Code.

The project is led by the Department with help from ad hoc groups of professionals from the industry providing copious port and seafaring experience at a high level.

Consultation

Representative bodies have been kept informed through periodic meetings at which key issues can be discussed. The last was on the 22 October. Following this meeting, the Department has issued the draft Code for final comment with an explanatory covering letter. This letter sets out the latest position in some detail. The deadline for comment on the draft is 31 December 1999. Copies of the letter and draft are available on the Department's web site (or from Jackie Shaw at the previous address).

The results of the consultation will b e reported at a meeting of representative bodies on 17 January, and it is hoped publication (planned for February 2000) will be arranged immediately thereafter.

Competence Standards

British Ports Industry Training have undertaken a separate consultation on a draft national occupational standard for marine pilots. These are obtainable from them at:

8 Kings Court, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7SG
Tel: 01638 616161
Fax: 01638 616160
E-mail: info@bpit.co.uk

The deadline for comment on this draft was 30 November 1999. About 190 questionnaires were issued and almost half have been returned. the Steering Group on this draft is meeting on 6 December to prepare to submit the text for QCA accreditation.

The Department hopes to meet the Merchant Navy Training Board and QCA during December, among other things to review connections between this project and other work on maritime standards.

Plans are being made to commence work (it is hoped in the New Year) on a draft national occupational standard for harbour masters: a Steering Group is being assembled by BPIT.

Best Practice Guide

A group of senior port managers has undertaken to assemble material for a best practice guide. The Department's consultation letter enclosed a first outline - also available on the Internet site. Views are welcomed on how far this sort of document can go - and what is required beyond that. The deadline for comment is 31 December 1999.

Presentations

UKHMA held a major seminar in London on 9 November on the project, attended by the Minister for Shipping, Keith Hill MP. UKPA held a very positive question and answer session at their Conference on 11 November, also in London. The Department has also presented its work to the European Commission's DGVII: they are preparing proposals relating to the provision of port services following their Green Paper on Ports and Maritime Infrastructure.

Thames Safety Inquiry

At the request of the Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Justice Clarke has been undertaking a review of safety on the Thames. This review looks at whether responsibilities are properly assigned and discharged; and at whether there is a case for a further investigation or inquiry into the MARCHIONESS disaster. His interim report, published on 2 December, commends the Port Marine Safety Code as an important document because it sets out 'a blueprint for the safe operation of ports in the future'. Enquiries for copies of the report should be directed to:

Penny Mansell
Shipping Policy 2
DETR
Zone 2/32
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 3DR
Tel: 0171 890 5447
Fax: 0171 676 2180
E-mail: penny-ward@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Lord Justice Clarke has invited urgent comments on his interim report - not later than 10 December 1999.