http://www.ukhma.org/ukhma-rss.php Latest Harbour Master News - UKHMA - The Harbour Masters Association of the United Kingdom, The Channel Islands and The Isle of Man English http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article137 An official invitation has been received by the UKHMA to contribute to a ’think-tank’ industry meeting to determine the possible, and practicable, options for future Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) provision in British waters.

The invitation, in a letter from MCA Chief Executive Sir Alan Massey to UKHMA President Kevin Richardson, seeks to bring together opinions from throughout the maritime sector so that ETV provision, in some form, may be provided after the current service is withdrawn in September 2011.

The meeting is to be chaired by MCA Head of Marine Services Peter Naylor at a date and location to be announced shortly.

Association Members who wish to contibute at the meeting, or those who wish to submit suggestions for the process, are asked to contact the Secretary, Peter Moth, without delay (Email here)]]> UKHMA Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:45:33 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article226
As a major stakeholder in this sector, Members of the UKHMA are invited to participate in this refresh and review process.

The existing Plan may be viewed via the External Website link below.

The letter of invitation from the MCA is attached here.

Comments need to be received by the MCA by 22 February 2011.

A topic thread is open in the UKHMA Members’ Forum. Please contribute to an Association response via the Forum.
]]> UKHMA Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:49:13 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article124 In response to the withdrawal of the ETV and MIRG provision under the Comprehensive Savings Review, the UKHMA has written to Sir Alan Massey, Chief Executive, MCA, to express its concern that maritime safety is being compromised in the name of financial prudence.

"Most, if not all, of Lord Donaldson’s recommendations remain valid today", commented UKHMA President, Kevin Richardson. "We believe that there remains a justifiable case for ETV cover in the Western Approaches, the Eastern English Channel and the north of Scotland, as shown by incidents in the last month alone."

"In short, we believe this action is a gamble and as such poses serious and unacceptable risks to the marine environment."

UKHMA Members may view the complete letter in the Member Area>>Documents>>Open Correspondence]]> UKHMA Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:25:35 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article229 It is with regret that we report the tragic death of Captain Michael Evans, Deputy Harbour Master, Belfast, and Full Member, UKHMA.

Capt. Evans was a passenger on the Manx2 flight which crashed at Cork airport yesterday morning after a flight from Belfast.

An active and valued contributor to UKHMA debates, Capt. Evans was well respected in his local community and was held in high regard by colleagues throughout N. Ireland ports and harbours, and beyond.

In tribute, the Irish Times reported this morning:

Capt. Michael Evans was Deputy Harbour Master at Belfast port and was married with a family. He was originally from England before moving to the North.

He completed his Master’s certificate in 1989 while employed with the China Navigation Company of Hong Kong, where he was supervising container, bulk, break bulk, forest product and tanker vessels as officer, master and shipbuilding superintendent.

In 1996, he moved to PO ferries to become involved in their fast ferry operation in Northern Ireland and joined Belfast Harbour in 2002 as Assistant Harbour Master before being promoted to Deputy Harbour Master in 2005.

He specialised in conservancy, increasing recreational usage and event management.

Harbour Master Kevin Allen said: “We’re all devastated by the news of Michael’s death. He was phenomenally committed to his job and to his colleagues, helping ensure that the harbour stayed open to shipping every hour of every day.” He added: “Michael was tremendous fun and unique to work with, and was well known and respected throughout the shipping industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Andrea, and family.”

Len O’Hagan, Belfast Harbour chairman, said: “Capt Michael Evans joined Belfast Harbour in 2002 and quickly established himself as a lynchpin in the day-to-day management of the port’s operations . . . Michael will be sorely missed by the harbour, but our thoughts are first and foremost with his family.”

The Association will send a message of condolence to Capt. Evans’ family later today.

Arrangements will be advised to Members by separate email.
]]> UKHMA Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:19:13 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article154 Ports of Scotland is now available, free-of-charge, to UKHMA Members.

To order a copy, please email: Ports of Scotland
]]> UKHMA Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:11:36 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article241
Members wishing to view the document should Login, and select Documents>>Safety from the Member’s Area menu.]]> UKHMA Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:25:24 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article242 Additional Q&A arising from Senior Management internal staff briefing. Published 15/2/2011

As outlined in the consultation document ’Protecting our Seas and Shores in the 21st Century’ the MCA has undertaken to publish answers to frequently raised queries for clarification during the course of the consultation.

The questions relate to the modernisation of the Coastguard that have been received and answered during the course of internal management briefings to Agency staff.

To view the Q&A, follow the External Website link below.]]> UKHMA Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:03:12 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article208
Key issues:

Concern at the increasing trend in serious lower back injuries to passengers on small high-speed craft.

Helmsmen, owners and operators need to be alert to the dangers to passengers and crew of small high-speed craft as described in MGN 353 (M+F).

The full report may be viewed by following the External Website link below.
]]> UKHMA Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:54:38 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article207
The MAIB Report requested that all UKHMA Members be advised of new guidelines for workboat crew engaged in harbour towing activities.

The letter advises also that the matter is being drawn to the attention of the port Marine safety Code Steering Group, "with the aim of widening its impact to include harbour masters who are not Members of the UKHMA".
]]> UKHMA Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:46:09 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article147 From 1 April 2010 the process for depositing time expired pyrotechnics (TEPs) with HM Coastguard will change.

Following legislative changes in 2005 covering the transport and storage of explosives, the number of HM Coastguard sites which are able to accept TEPs has been reduced to 17 licensed locations. The RNLI also have one facility that is licensed to accept TEPs. Other HM Coastguard facilities will not be able to accept out of date flares.

The facilities provided by HM Coastguard should only be used if all other disposal options have been exhausted. If you have out of date or damaged flares you should first contact the supplier from whom you originally brought them to see if they offer a take back scheme. Some Local Authorities also operate disposal facilities.

HM Coastguard is not responsible for the disposal of TEPs and accepts them at its own discretion and subject to storage availability. HM Coastguard will only accept TEPs from recreational water users and does not make active collections of TEPs under any circumstances.

If you wish to handover TEPs, like old distress flares, to HM Coastguard you must contact your local Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to make an appointment to arrange handover.

When contacting your local MRCC you must inform them of the number, condition and age of the TEPs that you are looking to dispose of. The MRCC will check current storage levels and will advise you on a date and time that your TEPs can be deposited.

HM Coastguard will not tolerate threatening or abusive behaviour to members of our staff and will actively seek to prosecute offenders.

In some cases where a TEP has deteriorated and is considered to be in a dangerous condition, the MRCC will arrange for its immediate disposal, but this will be at the discretion of the MRCC and subject to the condition of the TEP. It should be noted that pyrotechnics are manufactured to very high standard, but incorrect storage and handling of a pyrotechnic may affect its stability over a period of time.

DO NOT turn up at an MRCC or other Coastguard location on speculation that it will take TEPs. From 1 April 2010, only 17 HM Coastguard and 1 RNLI locations will have the facilities to accept TEPs; all other HM Coastguard sites will not have facilities to accept TEPs and you will be turned away.
DO NOT anonymously deposit large quantities of TEPs at any HM Coastguard Sector Base, Coastguard Rescue Equipment Stores, RNLI Lifeboat Houses or Police Stations. Many of these locations maybe unmanned and the depositing of potentially dangerous TEPs is a safety hazard and is illegal. Irresponsibly discarded TEPs could potentially result in serious or fatal injury.
DO NOT put TEPs in general household rubbish or public litter bins where they could cause extensive damage to refuse collection facilities and could potentially result in serious or fatal injury.

Under NO circumstances will HM Coastguard collect or accept TEPs from commercial organisations. Commercial organisations must make their own arrangements for the collection and disposal of their TEPs.

It is important to note the following Regulations and Guidance:

It is an offence to fire distress-signal pyrotechnics on land, in harbour or at sea for either testing purposes, practice or as fireworks (whether the pyrotechnics are out of date or not).
It is an offence to dump pyrotechnics at sea.
Out of date pyrotechnics should be landed ashore as soon as possible after the date of expiry for safe disposal.
Damaged or out of date pyrotechnics should not be used.
]]> UKHMA Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:25:19 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article164
As a consequence, the UKHMA was invited to produce a "Guidance Statement" on DP appointments for consideration at the next PMSC SG meeting as a further strengthening of the guidance already contained in the Guide to Good Practice.

UKHMA Vice-President Capt. Phil Holliday (ABP Southampton) has agreed to compile the statement. Any UKHMA Members who wish to comment on or contribute to the Guidance Statement, should contact Capt Holliday on: PHolliday@abports.co.uk
]]> UKHMA Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:49:12 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article163
In announcing the consultation, the HM Coastguard stated: "These proposals will enable Coastguard Officers to better use their skills and training with a salary that reflects this.

"We also want to change and improve the leadership, management and support we give our volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers, and make better use of their local knowledge and training."

The consultation contains opportunities for comments and suggestions from industry stakeholders as well as from the wider general public.

The consultation started on 16 December 2010 and run for 14 weeks until 24 March 2011.

Documents and instructions relating to the Consultation may be accessed via the External Link below.

See also the comments posted on the UKHMA Forum
]]> UKHMA Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:50:58 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article239 This is Somerset

The family of Robert Tallack, who would have been 68 last Thursday, has spoken about the tragic incident.

An inquest into how Captain Tallack died in freezing waters has been opened.

Widow Patricia and daughter Charlotte, of Compton House in Axbridge, released this statement.

"On Sunday, January 30, Captain Robert Tallack was assisting another resident of Axbridge move an ex-Royal Naval vessel from Dartmouth to another mooring in Plymouth harbour.

"About four miles from Plymouth the vessel began to take on water but reached its mooring before sinking.

"The three crew members, including the owner of the boat, were safely ashore when the boat sank but unfortunately Robert, who, because of his experience at sea, was acting as ship’s captain, was still on board. Captain Tallack served as a senior officer on merchant ships and held the rank of commander in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve."

Captain Tallack was a pillar of the town through his ownership of Compton House Hotel, his work on the chamber of commerce and friendship of St John’s Church, among other activities.

Captain Tallack’s naval experience led him to form IDG Maritime Ltd with partner Peter Bingham in 2000.

The firm advised on anything port related, with most of its work done abroad in developing countries like Albania, Iraq, Kuwait, Malawi and Pakistan.

Mr Bingham said he couldn’t believe the news, leaving him shocked and disturbed. But he added that Captain Tallack enjoyed a good reputation for his ship-related work and ran a highly respected training course for harbour masters.

The boat Captain Tallack was transferring, the Yarmouth Navigator, was one of the few surviving boats of its class that escaped the Normandy beach landings intact on D-Day in 1944.
]]> UKHMA Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:50:20 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article247 www.parliament.co.uk
17.2.2011

MPs to conduct full inquiry into the Coastguard, emergency towing vessels and the Maritime Incident Response Group

The Transport Committee is to conduct an inquiry into the Government’s proposals for modernising the Coastguard. It will also examine the impact of the Government’s decisions not to renew the current contract for emergency towing vessels when it expires in September 2011 and to review arrangements for the Maritime Incident Response Group, which responds to incidents at sea for which fire-fighting, chemical hazard and/or rescue teams may be required.

The inquiry will build on the oral evidence provided to the Committee by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on 8 February. The Committee expects to hear further oral evidence from a range of interested parties, beginning after Easter.

Written evidence would be welcome on these issues from any individual or organisation affected by, or with a view on, the Government’s proposals. This could take the form of a paper or letter written specifically for the Committee or we would be grateful to be copied into responses to the Government’s consultation exercise on the future of the Coastguard service. We would be grateful to receive written submissions by Tuesday 26 April.

In responding to the news of the proposed inquiry, UKHMA President, Kevin Richardson, commented: ’This is a most welcome development and will provide the opportunity for the Association to make its concerns known at the very highest level. We intend to grab this opportunity with both hands and to submit both written and oral evidence.

’Our experience in giving evidence to the Transport Committe in connection with the Draft Marine Navigation Bill gives us the confidence that we can present our case with good effect.’

UKHMA Members who intend to make submissions individually to the Transport Committee are requested to copy such documentation to the UKHMA Secretary so that a full dossier of opinion may be compiled.

Picture: Sir Alan Massey, MCA chief executive, gives evidence to the Transport Committee on 8 Feb (Source: BBC)

]]> UKHMA Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:40:18 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article236
The purpose of the consultation is to identify issues that may assist in refreshing the Plan , and to review its performance over the last four years.

All comments need to be received by the MCA no later than 22nd February 2011.

THe UKHMA recognises the need for a review of the NCP but quetsions whether an effective consultation may be achieved within the timescale proposed, and at a time when other associated issues - notably the HMCG review consultation, the withdrawal of ETV and MIRG provisions, and changes in the MCA’s Counter Pollution and Salvage Branch - are underway and may impact significantly upon the content of the NCP.

The UKHMA President, Kevin Richardson, has written an open letter to Philip Naylor, Director of Marine Services, MCA, in which he expresses these concerns.

To view the letter, follow the Attached File link below.
]]> UKHMA Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:05:17 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article179
See attached file for full details.

]]> UKHMA Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:46:31 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article178 In spring 2011, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will launch a six week review of the UK Oil Spill Treatment Product Approval Scheme.

This review is timely for several reasons. The Gulf of Mexico incident in particular has raised new questions over the use of dispersants; for example the subsea injection of dispersants at a wellhead.

More generally, UK oil spill contingency and response is going through a period of self-examination and renewal. This review will ensure that the Approval Scheme is kept up to
date with the new National Contingency Plan and ongoing work by oil & gas review groups.

To ensure the Oil Spill Treatment Product Approval Scheme review addresses all pertinent issues, UKHMA Members are invited to suggest questions, supported by an explanation of their relevance.

All responses will be treated in confidence, and will be considered for inclusion into the review. Deadline for submissions for initial scoping exercise is close of play on Friday 28th January. The subsequent review will be open for a period of a further six weeks ending 18th March (provisional).

Responses should be sent by email to
oilspillapprovalreview2011@marinemanagement.org.uk

]]> UKHMA Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:04:11 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article185
The Final Minutes of Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) Steering Group meeting of 1 December 2010, at the DfT, London, are attached here.

Note: The Port Marine Safety Code, which includes the information summary sheet (at pages 8 – 10), and associated ‘Guide to Good Practice on Port Marine Operations’ are downloadable from the DfT via the External Website link below.
]]> UKHMA Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:55:58 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article219 Maritime & Coastguard Agency
01/02/2011

8 FOREIGN SHIPS UNDER DETENTION IN THE UK DURING DECEMBER 2010

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that 8 foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during December 2010 after failing Port State Control (PSC) inspection.

Latest monthly figures show that there were 3 new detentions of foreign flagged ships in UK ports during December 2010 and 5 vessels under detention from previous months. The overall rate of detentions compared with inspections carried out over the last twelve months was 2.87% this is slightly down from Novembers twelve month rate.

Out of the detained vessels 3 were registered with flag states listed on the Paris MOU white list, 3 were registered with flag states on the grey list 1 was registered with a flag state on the black list and 1 was unregistered.

1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldsons Inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (95/21/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes full details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.

2. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the MCA. Where a ship is found to be deficient or lacks the required documentation, MCA surveyors can take a range of actions leading to detention in serious cases. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as SIReNaC. This allows the ships of flags with poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.

3. Detained ships have to satisfy surveyors that remedial work has been carried out before they are allowed to leave port.

4. When applicable the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).
Notes on the list of detentions

• Full details of the ship.

• The accompanying detention list shows ships name, the flag state and the ships International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ships life and uniquely identifies it.

• Company.

• The company shown in the vessels Safety Management Certificate or the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.

• Classification Society.

• The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship and not necessarily the party issuing and/or carrying out surveys for certificates relevant to the defect found.

• Recognised Organisation.

• The organisation - responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates, (on behalf of the Flag State).

• Defects.

• The list gives a summary of the main grounds for detention and includes information where the ship has been released to sail to another port for repairs.

Vessels detained in December included
A 1,949 GT. ship was detained in Belfast with 19 deficiencies and 4 grounds for detention. The manning arrangements were not in accordance with the Safe Manning Document (SMD) with respect to the engineer. The SMD requires a Chief Engineer on board and the current engineer was only qualified as a 2/E. The Nº 1 fire pump and the main engine auxiliary gear box pump were not operational. This vessel had been previously detained once during 2008 and again during 2009.

SHIPS DETAINED IN DECEMBER 2010

Date & Place of detention: 30/12/2010 Belfast
Vessel Name: ANARCHOS Bulk Carrier
GT: 27,011
IMO No:9119983
Flag: Liberia
Company: Entrust Maritime Co Ltd
Classification Society: Class NK
Recognised Organisation: Class NK
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Class NK. DOC Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
Summary: 13 deficiencies 7 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Belfast because 7 grounds for detention had been identified including 3 major non conformities which were: the emergency preparedness; the maintenance of ship and equipment and documentation; which were not as per the Merchant Shipping Regulations. In addition the fire doors and dampers were not functioning correctly and the BA set was inoperative. Other deficiencies identified included: the cargo information manual was incomplete, instructions were missing for the dangerous goods code and there was insufficient documentation in respect of bulk cargoes.
The vessel was still detained at 31/12/2010.

Date & Place of detention: 03/12/2010 – Portland
Vessel Name: FIDELITY (General Cargo)
GT: 19510
IMO No 8307648
Flag: Panama
Company: Fidelity Management
Classification Society: Polski Register (PRS)
Recognised Organisation: Overseas Marine Certification Services (OMCS)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Overseas Marine Certification Services (OMCS)
Summary: 18 deficiencies 1ground for detention

The vessel was detained in Portland for 14 days because the hull had cracked in 2 places on the starboard side. Other deficiencies identified included: a number of engine room sounding pipes self closing devices were not functioning; engine room bilges aft of the main engine were covered with oil residue; the galley & cold rooms were dirty and there was insufficient segregation of food items, in addition at the time of inspection there were numerous fire zones isolated without a reason given.
The vessel was released from detention on 16/12/2010.

Date & Place of detention: 30/12/2010 – Belfast
Vessel Name: BALLYHEALY (General Cargo)
GT: 1,949
IMO No: 8104553
Flag: Panama
Company: KQ Shipping Limited
Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL
Recognised Organisation: Germanischer Lloyd (GL
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Germanischer Lloyd (GL
Summary: 19 deficiencies 4 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Belfast because the chief engineer was not qualified as per the flag state safe manning document. The safe manning document requires a chief engineer on board however the engineer on board was only a 2nd engineer, the main engine auxiliary gear box pump and the Nº 1 fire pump were not operational.
Other deficiencies identified included: the main engine heating system was not as required; 2 VHF hand held radios were not working; temporary wiring in the galley needed repairing ; various light fittings throughout the vessel were missing and it was apparent during the boat drill the crew lacked training.
The vessel was still detained at 31/12/2010.

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

Date & Place of detention: 04/03/2010 – Lowestoft
Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)
GT: 106
IMO No: 8944446
Flag: Unregistered
Company: Open Window Inc
Classification Society: Unclassed
Recognised Organisation: Not applicable
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Not applicable
Summary: 30 deficiencies 7 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Lowestoft because the main fire pump was inoperative and there was no alternative fire pump outside the machinery space. There were insufficient liferafts, the sanitary water system was inoperative and there was no fresh running water to the galley, pantry and shower room. There were no nautical publications and charts were incomplete for the operational area.
Other deficiencies found were insufficient provisions for the intended voyage and medicines were out of date. In addition the following items were found to be missing:
distress flares; line throwing appliances; lifebuoys; life jackets with lights; immersion suits; satellite EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon); fire extinguishers and the fire hose nozzle.
The vessel was still detained at 30/12/2010.

Date & Place of detention 12/10/2010 Penzance
Vessel Name: MY LADY NORMA 1
GT: 902
IMO: No:6523602
Flag:Kiribati
Company: Silvership Maritime Group
Classification Society: Not Classed
Summary: 1 deficiency, 1 ground for detention.

The vessel was detained in Penzance because the statutory certificates were not available on board ship.
The vessel was still detained at 30/12/2010.

Date & Place of detention: 28/10/2010 Portsmouth
Vessel Name: ELSEBETH (Refrigerated Cargo)
GT: 10,519
IMO No:9175901
Flag: Liberia
Company: Triton Schiffahrts Gmbh
Classification Society: Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation: Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation for ISM Lloyds Register (LR)
Summary: 12 deficiencies 4 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Portsmouth because the ship was dangerously unsafe as the engine room bilge wells were full of thick black oil and other parts of the engine room were also covered in oil; the engine room bilge alarm system was in a permanent alarm mode, also the main engine cooler discharge pipe was holed.
Other deficiencies identified: included: both the fire doors of the reefer machinery space did not close properly; the radio log was not as required in respect of recording that MH/HF test calls had been carried out; several small engine room floor plates were missing and lagging was missing on several steam and fuel pipes, valves and filters.
The vessel was still detained at 30/12/2010

Date & Place of detention: 08/11/2010 Birkenhead
Vessel Name: MOST SKY General Cargo
GT: 1,972
IMO No:9389370
Flag: Panama
Company: ER Em Denizcilik
Classification Society: Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS)
Summary: 12 deficiencies 4 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Birkenhead because the engine room was very dirty, there were fuel oil leaks and a major non conformity was identified with respect to the lack of maintenance of the ship and equipment.
Other deficiencies identified included: the crew/officers records of rest were not signed; the crew accommodation was no longer provided with steam heating; the galley needed cleaning; there was insufficient fruit and vegetables on board; the crew showers and toilets were dirty and the shower curtains missing and the laundry washing facilities were inadequate. In addition the lifejacket lights were out of date; the aft deck was slippery underneath the deck generator and several fire doors were tied open.
The vessel was still detained at 31/12/2010.

Date & Place of detention 29/11/2010 Portland
Vessel Name: SARA Oil Tanker
GT: 4,156
IMO No:8814861
Flag: Malta
Company: Aegean Bunkering Services Inc
Classification Society: Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation: Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Lloyds Register (LR)
Summary: 11 deficiencies 3 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Portland for 5 days because the fire drill showed a lack of training and was not to an acceptable standard. The number and nature of the deficiencies identified was indicative of a failing of the SMS. Deficiencies identified included: the rescue boat drill was not up to standard; 2 inflatable life jackets were not ready for use as they were outside their service time; gas cylinders had been stored on the aft deck instead of a suitable area; the crew were not familiar with the stability and book limitations they were also unfamiliar with the CO² system.
The vessel was released on 03/12/2010.
]]> UKHMA Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:22:08 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article257 Following on from earlier high level discussions with the MCA, the UKHMA has received an invitation from the Director of Marine Services, Philip Naylor, to participate in a review of the proposed withdrawal of Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) cover in UK waters.

The meeting, to be held at the Chamber of Shipping on 11 March, offers the MCA "an opportunity to present the current position and facilitate discussions among the interested parties and to consider options that will be available following the withdrawal of the tugs".

See Attached file for copy of the letter of invitation, list of other attendees and meeting agenda.

In view of the interest in this issue already expressed by numerous Members, and as only one representative per organisation is invited to attend the meeting, a new Forum thread is open on which comments may be posted for consideration by our representative, Kevin Richardson, UKHMA President.
]]> UKHMA Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:03:09 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article258 www.mcga.gov.uk
28 February 2011

The UKHMA have received the following update from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency:

On 16th December we published our consultation on modernisation of the Coastguard. Since then we have added additional background information to the consultation webpage. This background information includes risk assessments, our answers to the freedom of information questions asked (FOI), and ’Questions & Answers’ arising from internal meetings. You may find it useful to review this information before you respond.

Our consultation closes at 5pm on 24th March 2011. All responses will then be considered by an independent review team. If you have already submitted your response please ignore this reminder, if not we look forward to hearing from you.

With best wishes,
Coastguard Consultation Team

The consultation document can be found at;
Link to Consultation Document

To go straight to the response form please use this link;
Link to HM Coastguard Review Response Form

]]> UKHMA Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:37:42 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article265 Port Skills and Safety
2 March 2011

Port Skills and Safety (PSS_ is custodian of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for ports. The portfolio includes NOS for Harbour Masters. These were reviewed and re-drafted in 2010 as they were over 5 years old.

The revised version was offered out to PSS members and other stakeholders for consultation and a final version was produced as a result of the consultation feedback.

The report below shows the information gathered in the consultation and the changes that were made as a consequence.

The final version of the Harbour Master NOS is now being submitted for approval by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. Once this approval has been given the new Harbour Master NOS will be loaded onto the national database.

We would like to sincerely thank all of those who took the time to contribute. We believe that we have a better product as a result.

]]> UKHMA Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:01:01 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article266 www.mcga.gov.uk
10 March 2011

During Transport questions today (10th March) Mike Penning, the Minister with responsibility for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, announced an extension for submission of written responses to the consultation on the proposals for modernising the Coastguard service. The extension will run for six weeks until 5 May.

Because this is a complex and sensitive issue, a decision was taken to give those affected by the proposals the greatest possible opportunity to contribute to the debate, particularly those who are currently developing detailed submissions.

If you have already responded to the proposals this extension does not affect your response.

If you have not yet responded and would like to do so you can find the consultation document, answers to FOI question and risk assessments on the consultation pages of the MCGA website, by following the link below.]]> UKHMA Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:26:30 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article274
The primary purpose of the study is to obtain a comprehensive picture of legislative framework and procedures on granting of the pilotage exemption certificates in Member States.

Furthermore, the purpose is to get actual and reliable information on the impacts of the exemptions to maritime safety and environment, turnaround times of ships and costs and benefits to the shipping industry.

Finally, this study will provide information for the Commission’s assessment of the need for a legal framework for granting of PECs in the EU.

The study is expected to start during summer 2011 while the report is expected to be ready in spring 2012.

See the External Website link below for additional information on the issue.


]]> UKHMA Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:57:46 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article288
In a strongly worded letter, Ms Bearder states that she believes the decision may be taking a great risk with the environmental security of the UK’s coastline and seeks reassurances on a number of issues.

Of particular concern to Ms Bearder is the lack of early consultation with the shipping industry and whether a risk assessment had taken place to back up the government’s decision.

The full letter may be viewed by following the Attached file link below.
]]> UKHMA Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:13:46 +0100 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article294
The UK Harbour Masters’ Association has submitted formal evidence to the Transport Select Committee in respect of the Government’s proposals to review the HM Coastguard service and to withdraw the Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) and Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) provisions.

The submission, which remains confidential until officially accepted by the Transport Committee, follows months of consultation with the Association’s 300 Members and a full appraisal of the results by the UKHMA Council, meeting in London on 5 April.

Separately, the UKHMA has submitted a formal response to the MCA in respect of their consultation over the proposed HM Coastguard modernisation review.

In the latter, the Association has taken the opportunity to record their strong opposition to the ETV and MIRG withdrawals, and in particular to the lack of a formal risk assessment in both cases and the omission of early industry consultation ahead of contract cancellations.

UKHMA Members may view the MCA consultation submission in the Member Area>>Documents>>Consultations area of the UKHMA website (login required).

15/4/2011. BREAKING NEWS: The Transport Select Committe has confirmed that the UKHMA’s submission is accepted as formal evidence. The document may now be published publicly and is available to UKHMA Members at the Member Area>>Documents>>Consultations area of the UKHMA website (login required).

Picture: UKHMA President, Kevin Richardson, briefs Members on recent developments, including the official response to the Transport Committee, at the UKHMA Spring Seminar in London on 6 April.
]]> UKHMA Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:30:22 +0100 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article310 Coastguard, Emergency Towing Vessels and the Maritime Incident Response Group inquiry.

The invitation, which has been accepted by UKHMA President, Kevin Richardson, is in response to the Association’s submission of written evidence on the MCA’s modernisation and cutback proposals, submitted earlier this month.

The Transport Select Committee session will be held in public on Wednesday 18 May at 12.15pm at the Falmouth Hotel, in Falmouth, Cornwall.

’The UKHMA clearly stated its official view with regard to HMCG, ETV and MIRG proposals in the written evidence submission,’ commented Kevin Richardson. ’This invitation to present oral evidence to the Committee offers an opportunity to lobby at the very highest level of government policy-making, and provides a formal environment in which to further explain our Members’ concerns regarding the safety and operational issues surrounding the MCA proposals.’

UKHMA Members may view the written evidence submission in the Documents>>Consultations section of the Login area.

A video of the opening session of the Transport Select Committee, held in London on 26 April, may be viewed via the External website link below.
]]> UKHMA Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:24:09 +0100 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article344 The Transport Select Committee’s call for a Government re-think of its policy on Coast Guard modernisation and the withdrawal of the Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) and Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) provision, has been wholly welcomed by the UK’s professional association of harbour masters, the UKHMA.

The findings of the Transport Committee’s recent enquiry is published today and includes conclusions drawn from both oral and written evidence supplied to the Committee during their meetings in London, Scotland and England. The UKHMA offered written evidence in the initial consultation and oral evidence at the Select Committee session held in Falmouth in May.

“We welcome the findings of the Transport Select Committee and particularly their conclusion that the whole review process was flawed due to lack of any prior consultation,” commented UKHMA President, Kevin Richardson.

“We were clear in the presentation of our evidence that we supported the principle of Coast Guard modernisation, but that we had serious doubts over the practicability and robustness of the proposals. With regard to the issues of the ETV and MIRG withdrawals, we were completely opposed to the Government’s plans, believing that they had been conceived without any real risk assessment and that the decision was based upon purely financial, rather than safety, criteria. We are most satisfied that the Transport Committee reached similar conclusions.

“To expect ports to pick-up a coastal salvage role by using harbour tugs in the absence of the ETVs is wholly impracticable and, quite frankly, dangerous“, continued Capt Richardson. “Modern-day harbour tugs are not equipped or configured for salvage roles and their crews are not trained to provide emergency response outside of port limits. That said, we are providing every assistance to the MCA, the DfT and other industry forums to find alternative solutions, in terms of funding and provision, to the wholly Government-financed ETV service.

“We concur with the Committee’s conclusion that the MCA’s proposals raise serious concerns that safety of life at sea and the protection of the maritime environment will be seriously compromised if the proposals proceed in their original form”, he concluded.

The full report is available for Member download via the Documents>>Consultations & Surveys section of the UKHMA Member Area (Login required).

The Report may be viewed online via the External Website link below.

See also Industry News>>Transport Select Committee Announcement
]]> UKHMA Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:21:08 +0100 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article361
However, the Association is gravely concerned that the Government intends to stand by its earlier announcement concerning the withdrawal of the Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) provision and that funding for the Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) offshore fire-fighting capability is similarly withdrawn.

It is the UKHMA’s contention that the decisions concerning the cessation of the ETV and MIRG services were based on purely financial criteria rather than risk-based analysis. It is the Association’s belief that the withdrawal of both services poses an unacceptable risk to the safety of life at sea, and a risk of major damage to the environment, through pollution and wreck, to a level of national strategic consequence.

The Association notes the similar concerns of other industry and maritime professional bodies to the withdrawal of the ETV and MIRG services, and in particular the statement by the Chair of the TSC, Louise Ellman MP, in which she expresses her disappointment at the decision which, she believes, will lead to “…key skills and expertise being lost and lives put at risk because of this short-sighted decision.”

Commenting on the Government’s Response, UKHMA President, Capt. Kevin Richardson, said: “As an active participant in the TSC enquiry and the MCA consultation process, we believe that an overwhelming case has been presented, by ourselves and other senior industry bodies, for the retention of the ETV capability around the UK coast. We also believe that a case for the retention of the MIRG service, in an updated version, is also well stated.

“It is therefore difficult to understand how the Government can stand by its original judgment without recognising the enormous consequences of their decision to safety of life at sea, damage to the marine environment, and the impact on the import and export of goods by sea.

“Although we continue to have dialogue with the MCA on the use of alternative salvage services, notably that offered by the CAST (Commercially Available Salvage Tugs) Agreement, it is of concern that no nationwide salvage tug provision will be available, other than on a locally improvised basis, from 30 September when the present ETV contract expires.

“With regard to the Government’s proposals on the modernisation of the Coastguard, we welcome the revised proposals and consider that the introduction of these may lead to a fit-for-purpose Coastguard service that meets the varied needs of all stakeholders in the leisure and commercial marine sectors. In particular, we welcome the introduction of centralised new technology that will be balanced by the retention of local knowledge at the regional Coastguard stations.”

]]> UKHMA Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:48:24 +0100 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article373
Reports circulated via BBC Scotland (see External Website link below) indicate that the two-vessel ETV service serving The Minches and Shetland have received a last-minute reprieve following £3m of government funding becoming available.

The reports suggested that the reprieve may be short-lived with a period of just 3-month’s further service cited. Meanwhile, ETV operators JP Knight appeared unaware that the contract had been extended and were preparing to send their vessels for off-hire dockings.

Previously, the proposed withdrawal of the Minches-based Anglian Sovereign and the Stornoway-based Anglian Prince, along with two vessels covering the Dover Strait and Western Approaches, was expected to save £32m over four-and-a-half years, the UK government said last year.

The plans received broad industry condemnation, with the Transport Select Committee branding the proposals ’short-sighted’.

Commenting on the latest news, UKHMA President, Kevin Richardson, said: ’If reports are true, the Association welcomes the late decision for a stay of execution on the ETVs in Scottish waters.

’However, the same principle should apply around the rest of the UK. The Dover Strait ETV has been the busiest in terms of taskings over the years and the risks have not diminished.

’The regionalisation of this issue is most unwelcome and further compounds the Government’s poor appraisal and management of this issue throughout.’

On behalf of the UKHMA, Kevin Richardson has written to both Shipping Minister, Mike Penning, and MCA Chief Executive, Sir Alan Massey, to express these concerns and to seek official clarification on the extent of the reprise.

The UKHMA is an active participant in the Government-hosted working groups on alternative provisions to the ETV service, but working group members were not informed directly of the possible Scottish service extension.
]]> UKHMA Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:16:55 +0100 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article390
The letter (see attached) outlines a ongoing review of the need for ETV cover in Scottish waters but categorically rejects the need for ETVs in either the South West Approaches or the Dover Strait.

He again refers to the CAST agreement as a provision of ’tug assistance of last resort’, albeit that this agreement is still in the review stage and has been dismissed by many harbour masters and marine professionals as inappropriate to the task of offshore salvage provision.
]]> UKHMA Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:58:49 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article393 15/11/2011

Environment Minister Richard Benyon today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:

As part of the Government’s commitment to implementing in full the provisions of the Marine and Coastal Access Act, we are creating a network of national protected areas in British seas to ensure our underwater wildlife flourishes in years to come. We are clear that looking after the wildlife and habitat in our seas is just as important as looking after those on land.

The Government’s first step to identifying new Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in English waters was taken forward through four regional MCZ projects managed by the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, who are Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. The regional projects provided their recommendations for proposed sites for MCZs on 8 September. These have been reviewed by the independent Science Advisory Panel (SAP) and their advice to the SNCBs and Defra is being published today on Defra’s website.

The Marine and Coastal Access Act requires the establishment of a network of conservation sites in the UK marine area. In English waters the network will comprise European Marine Sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, sites designated under the Ramsar Convention and Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). The Act requires that the network must conserve or improve the UK marine environment and protect a range of representative features.

The regional MCZ projects have done excellent work in bringing stakeholders together and making site recommendations, but it is clear from the SAP’s advice that there are a number of gaps and limitations in the scientific evidence base supporting the MCZ recommendations.

It is important that we get this right. It is vital that we have an adequate evidence base for every site if we are to create successful well-managed MCZs. An adequately robust evidence base will be essential when we come to implement management measures.

Defra will therefore be commissioning significant additional work to support MCZ designation including an in depth review of the evidence base for all the regional projects’ site recommendations and committing additional resources to carrying out seabed and habitat monitoring.

Protecting our marine environment is essential and the Government remains fully committed to establishing MCZs to contribute to an ecologically coherent UK network. However, the need to strengthen the evidence base for the MCZ recommendations means this is going to take longer than the ambitious target first put forward. We are likely to be able to designate some MCZs fairly quickly where the supporting evidence is adequate. However, for others we anticipate that more investigation will be needed before they can progress towards designation.

Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee will provide the MCZ impact assessment and their formal advice in July 2012. This is six months later than previously planned and this revised timetable will enable them to address the recommendations from the Independent Review of the Evidence Process for Selecting Marine Special Areas of Conservation (published July 2011) and take account of any further evidence obtained from the work that Defra is now commissioning. We will give careful consideration to all the advice received before undertaking formal public consultation on MCZs by the end of 2012. This consultation will include all sites recommended by the Regional Projects with clarity on how and when work on them will be taken forward. It is envisaged that the first MCZ designations will take place in 2013.

Defra and delivery partners will work together ensuring that early management measures are put in place to provide effective levels of protection for designated sites and continuing to build the evidence base for future designations. Defra will also take the opportunity, working with stakeholders and SNCBs, to look at other marine features which may benefit from spatial protection.

This phased approach to designation will also allow more scope to shape the English network taking account of sites being considered by the devolved administrations and neighbouring Member States.
]]> UKHMA Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:27:09 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article396 22/11/2011

Plans to modernise the Coastguard have been confirmed by Shipping Minister Mike Penning. The proposals, which were announced for consultation in July, are designed to make the Coastguard better coordinated, more resilient to the challenges of the future and will increase the number of regular coastguard officers working in coastal communities, who provide leadership and support to the volunteers of the Coastguard Rescue Service.

The plans - which will modernise how rescues are coordinated and do not affect the services which go out to perform rescues - will create a nationally networked system of Coastguard coordination centres comprising:

• one Maritime Operations Centre, to be established in Fareham, Hants, with a back-up facility at the existing Dover coordination centre, both operating on a 24 hour basis; and

• eight Coastguard Centres, all operated on a 24 hour basis, located at Falmouth, Milford Haven, Holyhead, Belfast, Stornoway, Shetland, Aberdeen and Humber. The station at London is also retained.

Mike Penning said:

’After many years of uncertainty, these reforms provide a clear plan for the future of Her Majesty’s Coastguard. They will deliver a resilient and fully networked national rescue coordination service. They will make much better use of the talents and skills of our Coastguards and will provide more interesting and rewarding work with better pay.

’The UK coastguard has a great heritage. This is a blueprint for a 21st century Coastguard that commands even greater respect and it will provide an organisation of which coastguards themselves and all of us can be justly proud.’

Under the plans the Coastguard co-ordination centres at Forth, Clyde, Great Yarmouth, Liverpool, Thames, Swansea, Brixham and Portland will close progressively by 31 March 2015. The centre at Solent will be replaced by the new Maritime Operations Centre.

While a rescue coordination function will no longer be required in these locations, new coastal operational hubs - providing better leadership, support and training for the volunteers of the Coastguard Rescue Service - will be established at the existing sites at Liverpool, Swansea and Thames, as well as in the Clyde area, and through the further development of the MCA’s site at the former HMS Daedalus at Lee-on-Solent.

The new Maritime Operations Centre will be housed in a purpose built emergency services centre at the vacant Fire Control Centre building at Fareham. The building’s existing facilities mean that the Maritime Operations Centre can be established quickly.

How Coastguard rescues are co-ordinated has changed little over the past forty years. Currently, operations are coordinated from 19 dispersed centres with no network of national integration. This means that there is very limited resilience in the event of high demand or technical problems and it is impossible to spread the workload evenly across the system, leaving staff in one centre struggling to cope with call volumes while workloads in another may be low. The plans confirmed today will create a resilient and nationally networked system of Coastguard coordination centres as well as giving Coastguards more opportunity to develop and apply their skills, offering increased responsibility, a recognised career path and the remuneration to reflect this.

Full Report
]]> UKHMA Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:27:12 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article406
The private meeting, hosted by Bill sponsor Lord Tony Berkeley, included representatives from port, shipping and marine leisure interests, including the BPA, UKMPG, UKMPA, Chamber of Shipping and the RYA.

The discussion centred on issues previously nominated by the DfT, including Pilot Exemption Certificates, withdrawal of CHA status, General Directions and Harbour Closure Orders.

Sections of the proposed Bill concerning Harbour Master statutory qualifications were withdrawn from the draft Bill prior to the meeting.

It is expected that the revised Bill will now proceed unopposed to Committee stage in the House of Lords in late January 2012.

UKHMA Members may view Capt Baker’s report of the meeting in the Documents>>Reports section of this website.

]]> UKHMA Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:47:09 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article410 Marine legislation will be reviewed under the Water and Marine theme, which is in the spotlight on the Red Tape Challenge website from 17 February until 23 March.

Attached is a letter from the Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries inviting you to comment on marine legislation.

On the Red Tape Challenge website, marine legislation is divided into three areas:

Fisheries and Marine Enterprises: Sea Fisheries - These regulate the sea fishing industry and include provisions on sustainable harvesting of fish stocks, shellfish and crustaceans; monitoring and enforcement of fishing activities; bycatch; fishing vessels and technical provisions (fishing gear, size of species)

Fisheries and Marine Enterprises: Conservation and Use of Marine Environment - These regulations deal with conservation of our marine ecosystems and aquatic life, and a comprehensive licensing system for potentially damaging marine activities.

Fisheries and Marine Enterprises: Freshwater and Migratory Fisheries - These regulate angling and include provisions on conservation and sustainable exploitation of freshwater and migratory fish (salmon, trout, eel); and the use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture.
]]> UKHMA Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:41:23 +0000 http://www.ukhma.org/news.php#article411
In a written response collated by the UKHMA President, Kevin Richardson, the Association offers both General and Specific feedback to the proposals outlined in the consultation document.

The response noted that Harbour Masters are the most likely source of reporting of any marine incident occurring in a UK harbour and were therefore well placed to comment on the proposals.

The full response may be viewed in the attached file.
]]> UKHMA Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:54:08 +0000