Marine Operations Code for Ports: Bulletin No.14 (January 2000)

Bulletin No.14 - January 2000

This is the fourteenth 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 next meeting is on 17 January.

The deadline for comment on the final draft was 31 December 1999. Forty sets of considered and detailed comments were received.

The comments are overwhelmingly supportive, and include many suggestions to improve the detail. A few general concerns continue, especially about the impact on smaller harbours, and the connection between risk management and cost.

Although the deadline has now passed, copies of the letter and draft are available for information on our internet site or from Jackie Shaw at the above address.

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

Details of the launch will be settled later this month and it is hoped to announce them in the next monthly Bulletin. It is planned to have the next meeting of representative bodies on the same occasion.

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

It is hoped to submit a final text for accreditation as soon as an assessment strategy has been completed. A decision is also to be taken on the proposed level in the NVQ framework.

The Department has had helpful meetings with the Merchant Navy Training Board, QCA and MCA to review connections between this project and other work on maritime standards. Some of these are likely to be submitted to QCA at about the same time as the pilot standard.

Plans are being made to commence work after 17 January on a draft national occupational standard for harbour masters: a Steering Group is being assembled by BPIT.

It is agreed with MNTB that national guidelines will be prepared on PEC awards - these may be in a slightly different format because there is no proposed national qualification; but the Code will give them an equivalent status to the competence standards.

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 was 31 December 1999 and many of those commenting on the Code have provided contributions on the Guide also. Those involved intend to meet in February with a view to this part of the project proceeding more actively.

Competent Harbour Authorities

A presentation was made to the meeting on 22 October of a review the Department of harbour authorities which may not be competently exercising pilotage powers conferred by the 1987 Act. A consultation paper will issue later this month.

Presentations

The Department will make a second presentation of the project to IMO's STCW31. Future engagements include the European Marine Pilots Association (end March); and a further UKHMA seminar on 5 April.