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Port Marine Safety Code
In February 1996, the crude oil tanker known as the Sea Empress was grounded off the coast of South-West Wales resulting in what has been by far the largest oil spill in the region, involving the release of the order of 70,000 tonnes of North Sea light crude.
Following publication of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report on the incident and comments made about pilotage, the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 16 July 1997 a review of the arrangements for harbour pilotage under the Pilotage Act 1987.
The outcome of that review was:
To develop a Port Marine Safety Code covering all port safety functions in addition to pilotage.
The code would serve as a national standard for such issues as training, best practice, and preparation of published policies and plans by harbour authorities in consultation.
Complying with the Code
Following this Dart Harbour, in common with all UK ports, was asked to prepare a Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC). The preparation and operation of such a Code is not optional and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has to ensure PMSC compliance by all UK ports.
The Chairman of the Dart Harbour has to give written assurance of compliance to the MCA. An annual internal audit is carried out by the Designated Person (Harbour Master) who then reports on the operation of the Code to the Duty Holder and the Board.
Dart Harbour gave written assurance of compliance to the MCA in the autumn of 2005.
The Code is a living document and takes the form of set procedures for activities undertaken within the harbour and additionally contains the detailed Risk Assessments of such activities.
Accident reporting is covered by the Code and the Regulations governing merchant shipping accident reporting and investigation also changed in 2005. These new Regulations provide the legislative framework for the operation of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and create a new obligation on harbour authorities to report accidents within the harbour.
Reportable Accidents are shipboard occurrences including loss of life, loss of vessel, abandonment, damage from fire and explosion, grounding, collision, disablement, and environmental harm.
If you would like to view the Code please contact the Harbour Office.