DOCKYARD PORT OF PLYMOUTH PORT MARINE SAFETY POLICY ANNUAL REPORT Commander C Necker Royal Navy, Queen s Harbour Master Plymouth

Transcription

1 Foreword DOCKYARD PORT OF PLYMOUTH PORT MARINE SAFETY POLICY ANNUAL REPORT 2014 Commander C Necker Royal Navy, Queen s Harbour Master Plymouth Throughout 2014 the Dockyard Port of Plymouth has continued to support the MOD s strategic defence aims while ensuring that commercial, leisure and other activities operate effectively in a harmonious and mutually beneficial fashion. Safety and environmental compliance have remained at the top of our priorities. The Port s fourth Dockyard Port Marine Safety Policy (DPMSP) formal compliance audit was eventually conducted in Feb 15; this determined that Plymouth was compliant with extant policy. Our aim for 2015 is to maintain and, where possible, improve marine safety within the port for all water users. Indications are that naval and commercial moves will remain steady and other marine activity will increase slightly with QHM already being approached for permission to conduct a considerable number of leisure and sporting events throughout the year. I commend this report to you. Carl Necker Contents The Report ANNEX A - Report Targets

2 The Report BACKGROUND The Department for Transport Ports Division published the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) in March 2000 and it was updated in The aim of the code is to establish an agreed national standard for port marine safety. It provides a measure by which harbour authorities can be held accountable for their legal powers and duties to run their harbours safely. Although the code does not apply to the regulation of Dockyard Ports by Queens Harbour Masters, here in Plymouth, it sits very comfortably with our existing procedures and practices. In May 2010 the Dockyard Port Marine Safety Policy (DPMSP) was implemented using the Port Marine Safety Code as a basis. The DPMSP details the over-arching policies to be adopted by the MOD Dockyard Ports to achieve standards at least equivalent to those provided for in the PMSC, so far as is reasonable and practicable. Relevant information can be found in the QHM web site: This report is issued annually to demonstrate levels of performance achieved against the DPMSP. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The DPMSP mandates that Dockyard Ports are to maintain an effective Marine Safety Management System (SMS). The purpose of the SMS is to improve the level of safety for everyone using the waters that constitute the area of jurisdiction for the Dockyard Port of Plymouth (DPoP). The application of the SMS is the responsibility of the Queen s Harbour Master through the Delivery Duty Holder (Naval Base Commander) and under the review of the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Support) as the Operational Duty Holder. The responsibilities of Senior Duty Holder transferred from the Chief of Defence Material to the 1st Sea Lord on 1 Apr 14, when the governance of the Naval Base moved, from the MOD s Defence Equipment and Support area, to Navy Command. AIM The aim of this document is to describe how the Queen s Harbour Master Plymouth has demonstrated compliance with the DPMSP for the Year 1st January 31st December COMPLIANCE UPDATE The Dockyard Port Order is under review. Plymouth Notices to Mariners have been published throughout 2014 specifically annotated as Directions or Information notices. All incidents are reviewed by QHM and any further actions recorded and followed up on the incident database. The Safety Management System is regularly reviewed with amendments being generated through the periodic HAZMAN risk reviews in June and December. The Harbour Safety Plan was reviewed and also republished in June 2014, the results of that review contributing to this report. The HAZMAN database was reviewed in its entirety during 2014 and all hazards audited for validity and appropriate mitigation measures applied. HAZMAN will be replaced by an updated risk management tool (MarNis) during The HAZMAN risk database will be migrated to the new system. MarNis will integrate all 3 Dockyard Ports and host the incident database.

3 MANAGED CHANGE Website The QHM Plymouth website was relaunched during 2014 on the gov.uk server, with many improvements. Mariners can obtain all current Plymouth Local Notices to Mariners (LNTM), PLYMNAVWARNS and Daily Movements. In addition, access the Safety Management System and Whole Port Risk Assessments are available on-line. CONSULTATIVE BUSINESS CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION QHM continues to consult and share information with a wide variety of authorities, organisations and groups in order to discharge his statutory duties, ensure navigational safety and to promote collaborative working, thereby enabling a diverse and fair use of the waters within the bounds of the DPoP. THE HARBOUR AUTHORITIES LIAISON COMMITTEE (HALC) The HALC consists of QHM and the Harbour Masters of Cattewater Harbour, Millbay Docks and Sutton Harbour. The Plymouth City Council Boat Master joined the group in This forum brings together regulatory stakeholders to promote the delivery of integrated safety management for the DPoP. A key function of the HALC is to annually review all the hazards within the HAZMAN whole port risk assessment database. TAMAR ESTUARIES CONSULTATIVE FORUM (TECF)/ PORT OF PLYMOUTH MARINE LIAISON COMMITTEE (PPMLC) TECF comprises all the organisations with statutory powers or functions relating to the Tamar Estuaries. It has developed and oversees the Tamar Estuaries Management Plan which delivers statutory compliance and best practice in the management of Plymouth Sound and Tamar Estuaries European Marine Site. It is supported by the PPMLC which provides a mechanism for consultation with port users. The last few years have seen significant change for the marine and coastal environment with the emergence of new legislation to safeguard and protect this precious resource. The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 introduced far-reaching measures which included the establishment of the Marine Management Organisation, the introduction of marine planning, new structures for managing fisheries and the proposed establishment of a new network of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). A great deal of work has been done to produce a comprehensive management plan for the period published in Oct 12 incorporating updated legislation, new structures for managing fisheries and Natural England s European Marine Site Risk Review. A rolling two year tactical level action plan has been developed to detail how TECF members are achieving strategic outcomes. TECF supported the consultation for the proposed Marine Conservation Zones in advance of the designation of the Tamar Estuary MCZs in December 2013 and has continued to work closely with Natural England to develop appropriate management guidance. The Plymouth Waterways Guide for Small Craft continues to provide the necessary information to allow all water users to navigate safely and with due regard to the environment within the DPoP. A updated edition will be published in 2015.

4 CONSERVANCY BUOYAGE QHM s team conduct monthly checks of all navigation buoys within the Dockyard Port. Any buoys found to be off station or operating incorrectly are reported by NAVWARN and corrected at the earliest possible opportunity. This is a key responsibility of the Port Conservancy Officer. If the post should be temporarily vacant, safety is maintained through monitoring the position of the buoys remotely from the Port Control Stations and through reports from QHM staff when afloat. As the Design Authority for QHM, SERCO have undertaken to upgrade the existing large navigation buoys. The project has now commenced with a rolling replacement programme aligned with the planned maintenance schedule. With inbuilt GPS and GMS communities the new buoys will report position and state of charge on a daily basis providing QHM/Longroom with additional confidence that the aids are sited correctly. The upgraded lights and system embrace new technology and consume less power which necessitates both smaller batteries and solar panels. The upgraded lights and buoys conform to International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (I.A.L.A.) standards. PANAR (Port Aids to Navigation Availability Reports) All the Dockyard Port navigation buoys and beacons are monitored for availability and the results inputted into PANAR. PANAR is distributed by Trinity House in order to assist QHM, as the Local Lighthouse Authority for Plymouth, fulfil his responsibility to maintain records of Aids to Navigation availability and to provide summaries of these to Trinity House as the General Lighthouse Authority for England. Availability for the year exceeded the requirement of 98%. The annual Trinity House inspection of Aids to Navigation was satisfactorily conducted on 02 June The 2015 inspection is planned for June. HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY Pre and post dredge and monitoring surveys of all dredged areas have been conducted by Boskalis Westminster Dredging Company in March and September Limited maintenance was conducted in November shortly before the licence to dredge was withdrawn by the MMO due to procedural shortcomings following legal challenge. An application for a new licence is being submitted to ensure that safe depths within the port can be maintained.

5 MOORINGS The number of moorings and marina berths within the DPoP has remained static at about The availability of useable waterspace and proximity to slipways combined with lack of shoreside infrastructure, especially parking, and environmental pressures will preclude further significant expansion. All mooring areas are licensed by QHM and checks are be ongoing to ensure compliance with the licence conditions. PORT OPERATIONS NAVIGATIONAL HAZARDS AND UNUSUAL ACTIVITY During this reporting period 39 Local Notices to Mariners (LNTMs) were issued, 14 for information and 25 as directions. 10 of the Notices were associated with water space management in support of recreational events within the Port. A total of 44 Navigation Warnings (NAVWARNs) were issued during the period, the majority of which concerned unlit or out of position aids to navigation; a considerable number, resulting from the severe storms encountered in February HARBOUR ROUNDS QHM and his team are regularly afloat. The purpose of these patrols includes monitoring water activity within the confines of the port limits, ensuring compliance with the DPoP Order, checking the shoreline interface and inspecting navigation aids. A harbour launch flying QHM s flag and operated by Serco is used together with a RIB which allows access to the shallower areas of the port. Additionally, the regular MOD police waterborne patrols assist in this role and Admiralty Pilots report any observations back to QHM as required. PILOTAGE Plymouth s Admiralty Pilots undertook 1126 acts of pilotage during 2014; this provision is a key risk reduction measure in support of the Port s Safety Management System. Providing round the clock cover 365 days a year, they are also available to give advice and guidance on ship handling, berthing and towage operations. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE POLICE (MDP) - The MOD Police Marine Unit continues to provide security to MOD assets and RN vessels within the confines of the dockyard port. In addition to their constabulary powers, they are granted authority by QHM, through a Memorandum of Understanding, to give directions to fulfil the requirement of the Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order Using a combination of launches and RIBs, they deploy a minimum of 3 vessels throughout the port at any time. Given this 24/7 presence on the water, they are frequently first on the scene to respond to mariners in distress and other emergency situations saw the police marine unit respond to a wide variety of incidents ranging from illegal fishing and speeding to assisting grounded vessels.

6 INCIDENT SUMMARY Incidents within the Dockyard Port of Plymouth in 2014 were as follows: 51 Reportable Incidents Fire/explosion 3 Collision 1 Foundering 0 Grounding 0 Pollution 13 Striking 1 Contact 4 Near Miss 5 Propulsion Failure 4 Other 20 All incidents were investigated in compliance with the DPMSP. Recommendations and conclusions were forwarded to the organisations and personnel concerned and, where applicable, to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). OIL POLLUTION CONTROL- During this reporting period 8 oil spills were reported, all relatively small scale requiring minor clean up operations. Of the reported spills, 7 were within the Naval Base with one in the Hamoaze; they were all dealt with using in-port equipment and personnel. A periodic review of the Oils Spill Plan was undertaken in 2014 and is awaiting formal endorsement before being re-issued. The next major Oil Spill Response Exercise will be undertaken concurrently with a Maritime Emergency Exercise in October Full equipment deployment checks have been conducted throughout the year to demonstrate the effectiveness of Tier 1 & 2 equipment. The oil spill plan and port contingency plan both follow the same exercise system: o Year 1 - communications and callout check o Year 2 - table top exercise o Year 3 - multi-agency / integrated exercise. VTMS A safe and effective Vessel Traffic Service has been provided throughout the year from the 2 Port Control Stations. There was a temporary reduction in radar coverage of the Hamoaze in September due to equipment defects and the planned replacement of the radar mast. Additional controls were implemented to ensure that safe management of vessels was maintained. A recent independent review of the current and future provision of VTMS for the Dockyard Port concluded that the VTS policy and procedures are robust and comprehensive and the risks to navigation are a low as reasonably practicable or lower. The report identified that the current radar suite does not fully meet the latest IALA guidelines. Subsequently the provision of a full Navigation Assistance Service has been suspended pending the long term equipment replacement programme. There continues to be a relatively high turnover of VTS staff primarily due to recent promotions within the organisation and staff retirements. All VTS Supervisors are fully qualified and there is a rolling programme to achieve full IALA 103/1 qualification for all Operators.

7 LOCAL EVENTS The popularity of the natural amphitheatre of Plymouth Sound as a venue for waterborne events continues. A full range of events were held in 2014 ranging from local sailing regattas, gig rowing regattas, power boat and water ski racing, breakwater swimming challenges to air displays in support of Armed Forces Day and the National Fireworks Championships. All events passed without incident following careful planning, review of the appropriate risk assessments and the imposition of proportional safety measures such as traffic restrictions to ensure the safety of both participants, spectators and other water users. NAVAL ACTIVITY FOREIGN VISITORS Plymouth Naval Base played host to a number of overseas vessels during the year including a variety of war ships, auxiliaries and submarines from France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and the USA. The majority of which were undergoing operational sea training NUCLEAR VISITS There were no foreign visits by Nuclear Powered vessels but this year. However base ported Trafalgar Class submarines have continued to transit the port many times. MARINE SERVICES CRAFT FOR THE PORT Serco Ltd continued to provide the Marine Services for the Naval Base. They conducted more than 30,000 moves within the port in 2014.

8 ANNEX A ANNUAL REPORT TARGETS Description Target Report Period of in-year Monitoring/ Measuring ACCOUNTABILITY Method of Reporting Reporting period 1 Jan Dec 14 This report Report publication By 30 April 15 This report Vessel Recording (commercial & military) 3601 Monthly imap Vessel Recording (ferries) 720 Monthly imap No. Of leisure berths/moorings in DPoP Various Marinas, Yacht This report Clubs, Boat yards and 487 Plymouth City Council totaling approximately Marine incidents 51 Incident Notices to Mariners 41 VTMS Consultations N/A Dedicated Report Staff Development Ongoing Reviewed Feb 15 Training Matrix / PADRs Pilotage 1126 acts of pilotage Quarterly Pilot VTS Radar Coverage 95 % Quarterly Daily Brief VTS VHF Coverage 100 % Quarterly Daily Brief Hydrographic Surveys 2 (Boskalis) PCO Physical inspections of Navigational marks Monthly Jan - Dec Monthly PCO VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES (VTS) STANDARDS Suitably qualified/experienced personnel 100% Refresher training to IALA Training Matrix V103/1(2) Standard Provision of a continuous 24 hour service 100% Achieved Daily Brief Timely promulgation of navigation warnings 100% Achieved Quarterly Daily Brief Justified complaints from customers 100% Nil Monthly Daily Brief Maintain Radar/VHF records for 3 months 100% 100% Quarterly VTMS Maintain CCTV records for 30 Days 100% 100% Quarterly VTMS Staff Training 100% Ongoing Training Matrix

9 Maintain radar coverage 100% 95% Quarterly Daily Brief Maintain VHF coverage 99% Achieved Quarterly Daily brief QHM Reissue of Local Notice to Mariners ly Ongoing Website Survey of maintained channels Nil survey Dredge safety trigger level reached Monitored Monitored by Boskalis Dredging reports Westminster Dredging Issue navigation warnings within 24 hours 100% 71 Issued, all within 24 hrs Website Abbreviations used VHF - Very High Frequency VTS - Vessel Traffic Service CCTV - Closed Circuit Television OSCP - Oil Spill Contingency Plan HALC- Harbour Authority Liaison Committee FROM DPMSM Serial Compliance Measure Source Reference Performance measure Formal method of Recording for Safety Management System Period of in-year Monitoring/Measuring Method of Reporting Navigational Safety Management System 1 Collision ship to ship DPMSP 5.0 Nil occurrences - Report to WCA as soon as possible. 2 Striking with ship (moored) Nil occurrences - Report to WCA as soon as possible. 3 Striking with floating mark Nil occurrences Report to 4 Equipment failure causing significant impact on port safety or operations (e.g. Tug/Pilot Boat/Radar/VHF/CCTV) WCA as soon as possible. 100% availability. Report length of delay and nature. 5 Equipment failure - vessel Report incident where vessel equipment failure (propulsion/steering) 1 - QHM incident 0 - QHM incident 1 - QHM incident 0- QHM incident 7- QHM incident Daily

10 requires QHM intervention. 6 Grounding Nil occurrences - Report to WCA as soon as possible. 0- QHM incident 7 Sinking and capsizing Nil occurrences - Report to 2- QHM incident WCA as soon as possible. 8 Impact with port structure Nil occurrences - Report to 2- QHM incident WCA as soon as possible. 9 Fire/explosion Nil occurrences - Report to 3- QHM incident WCA as soon as possible. 10 Pollution (Minor and Tier 1) Record pollution data for 13- QHM incident trend analysis. 11 Pollution Tier 2/3 Nil occurrences Report to 0- QHM incident WCA as soon as possible. 12 Outstanding legal issues. DPMSP All outstanding legal issues. 0 Conservancy 13 Up to date General Light House Authority PANAR records submitted. 14 Contingency plans for an emergency or non-routine incident - e.g. SOUND OFF/OPRP/NARO/Explosives Safety Plan 15 Up to date emergency exercise schedule. DPMSP 4.2 DPMSP 4.17 DPMSP 4.18 JSP Report incidents of Navigation Marks unlit DPMSP 4.2 Sector Category 1 Navigation marks in position 17 Survey of maintained channels not less than one year out of date DPMSP Issue navigation warnings within 24 hours of verified problem DPMSP4.1 Date last PANAR report submitted and 100% of all improvement notices completed. Date contingency plans approved and date OPRP submitted and approved by MCA. 100% exercise schedule completed iaw JSP 375 Vol 2 Leaflet 1. Report any issues arising from exercises. Sector 1 Lights lit 99.8% Navigation marks in position 98% correct. Channels surveys to be not more than one year old. Report where NAVWARN s have been Submitted monthly audit by Trinity House in JUNE MARITIME EMERGENCY AND CONTINGENCY EXERCISES PLAN - Review of plan PLAN - Revision to plan PLAN - Resource adequacy Yes Brittany Ferries / Millbay Oil Spill Ex - Spring 2014 NARO Exercise (Level 1 Site Exercise)- 08 Oct 14 Off Site monitoring 11 Feb 15 OSCP EXERCISE - Validation Mar 15 EXERCISE - Conduct TT/Limited LIVEX Oct lights unlit VTMS NAVWARN Six monthly surveys of maintained depths have been conducted by Boskalis Westminster, the MOD s dredging contractor. Nil VTMS Daily Brief

11 Admiralty Pilotage Service delayed beyond 24 hours and reason why. 19 Provision of 24 hour service has any vessel s programme been amended because of non-availability of an Admiralty Pilot. 20 Safe embarkation and disembarkation of pilots incidents or accidents 21 Have all pilots completed Peer review to ensure compliance with National Occupancy Standards (NOS) DPMSP 4.3 DPMSP % availability. Report reason for nonavailability. Nil occurrences. Report immediate to WCA any incident involving pilot embarkation and disembarkation. Incident/accident investigation report to be with WCA within four weeks of incident. 100% of pilots are to be in date for annual peer review. Nil Weekly Brief 1 Near Miss Completed PADR