The Port Marine Safety Code establishes a national standard for ensuring safety in ports, harbours, marinas and other marine facilities.
Its main aim is to protect the people who work in or use these facilities. The Code is designed to be flexible, reflecting the differences between organisations in terms of roles, powers, risks and responsibilities, so that its principles can be applied proportionately to local requirements.
The Code was introduced in 2000 following the Sea Empress incident in 1996, with ongoing input from the maritime sector. Although compliance is not mandatory, there is a strong expectation that port and marine facility operators will incorporate the Code’s principles into their safety management systems. The Code also highlights certain statutory responsibilities, but it does not cover every relevant legal duty. Therefore, it is essential for organisations to ensure that their safety policies and management arrangements are coherent and consistent across all applicable safety requirements and legislation.
The Marine Safety Management System (MSMS) is key to delivering the functions described in the Code. It outlines how Gwynedd Council will promote and facilitate safe vessel operations and safe navigation within the statutory limits of our harbours.
As part of our commitment to promote and facilitate the safe navigation and operation of vessels within the statutory limits of our harbours, Cyngor Gwynedd will:
Implement and maintain a marine safety management system to safeguard its harbours, its users and the environment.
Consult with employees, stakeholders / customers and the wider community regarding marine safety issues.
Develop a risk assessed approach to identify hazards and risks implementing control measures to reduce these to as low as practicable.
Ensure that emergency plans are in place.
Act as a statutory harbour authority.
Employ suitably qualified personnel and provide training as required to maintain a quality workforce.
Provide sufficient resources to maintain port facilities and functions.
Monitor and manage the safe navigation of all vessels within harbour limits.
Provide and promulgate marine safety information advice to harbour users and to consult with stakeholders on an ongoing basis.
Maintain the conservancy of the harbours, undertaking dredging operations as necessary to maintain as far as practicable charted depths and to provide and maintain navigational aids assisting safe harbour passages.
Monitor and measure performance of the safety management system through internal/external audit and publish the performance results.
Marine safety management system
As the harbour authority, Cyngor Gwynedd commits to implementing a risk-based safety management system (SMS) for its harbour undertakings as part of its statutory duty.
This SMS has been developed and is managed jointly by Hafan Pwllheli and Harbour Service Manager and the Maritime Service Senior Harbours Officer and where necessary in consultation with their officers, harbour users and stakeholders. The monitoring and assessment of the SMS will be undertaken by the ‘Designated Person’ in conjunction with Cyngor Gwynedd staff from Hafan Pwllheli and Harbour Service and the Maritime Service.
Internal and external audits will be completed to assess the SMS performance and compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code.
The ‘Designated Person’ shall provide independent assurance to the ‘Duty Holder’ that the SMS, for which the Duty Holder is ultimately responsible, is working effectively.
The Duty Holder’s responsibility and accountability cannot be assigned or delegated
The position of independent Designated Person is held by Mr Owen Morgan, who has direct access to the duty holder.
Marine Safety Plan
The Marine Safety Plan outlines the procedures, policies and guidance needed to ensure safe and effective marine operations. It has been developed to meet the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code and is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
