Charles Cunningham Royal Motor Yacht Club. Colin Stewart was elected as Chairman for the meeting.

Transcription

1 MEETING BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE POOLE YACHTING ASSOCIATION AND POOLE HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS AT 7.00 PM ON THURSDAY 12 TH APRIL 2012 AT HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS OFFICES. Present: Richard Lacey Poole Harbour Commissioners Jim Stewart Brian Murphy Jacky Hardy Sally Davis Royal Motor Yacht Club Charles Cunningham Royal Motor Yacht Club Barry Rolfe Parkstone Yacht Club Martin Pearson Parkstone Yacht Club Colin Stewart Lilliput Sailing Club Alex Clapperton Lilliput Sailing Club Peter Stanaway Rockley Cruising Club Allen Wilkinson Redclyffe Yacht Club Ron Gentle PYRA Inga Patterson Lake Yard Club Sally Jeans PYA 1. Election of Chairman Colin Stewart was elected as Chairman for the meeting. 2. Apologies Apologies were received from Gareth Yeoman, Peter Clark, James Sydenham and Mark Jamieson. 3. Minutes of last meeting The minutes of the meeting held on the 22 nd November 2011 were approved and noted. 4. Matters Arising Warren Pym had contacted yacht clubs to confirm ownership of race marks. Salterns YC had been written to and reminded of Notices to Mariners regarding wash etc. 5. Harbour Master s Report Safety Record Brian Murphy reported that the safety record over the quiet season from October to March has been excellent once again. He further reported that up to the end of February there have been 47 reported incidents plus 4 non attributable oil pollution reports and 24 navigation aid defects requiring attention. Brian Murphy advised that during the same period the year before these figures were 30, 2 and 45.

2 -2- He further advised that a greater number of incidents this year were around the two bridges probably due to greater monitoring resources available. Brian Murphy reported that the number of navigation aid defects are dependent on the hours of sunshine during the winter period which has an effect on battery charge. He confirmed that monthly marine safety reports can be viewed on the website. Prosecutions Brian Murphy advised that there were two pending prosecutions. He further advised that the first one was for proceeding beyond a red signal light whilst on a mobile phone and the other for causing excessive wash in the Backwater Channel. He advised that both were Byelaw 2(a) infringements of careless navigation. Byelaw Brian Murphy advised the Poole Bridges Traffic Signals Byelaw came into force on the 23 rd December He further advised that this can be viewed on the website. Two Bridge Operation Brian Murphy advised that with the completion of the second bridge, the two bridge operation is now up and running. Brian Murphy advised that due to a number of concerns over the published timetables an extraordinary meeting of the Bridges Operating Board (BOB) was called to look again at the timetables, even though they had been consulted on, agreed and approved before being published. Brian Murphy reported that the result was a temporary timetable (2 nd to 13 th April) showing three extra lifts and an easier to understand format showing three lift sequences. He further reported that BOB now have to agree on a more permanent option. Brian Murphy advised that for the operation to be as safe and efficient as possible, mariners must plan their passage carefully, taking a number of important factors into account, including the relevant timetable, latest weather and tidal information, time of year, likely density of traffic and manoeuvrability of their vessel and their level of competence/training. Brian Murphy reported that BOB will continue to monitor and review the operation going forward taking into account feedback from bridge users. He further advised that the latest bridges information leaflet is available from the Harbour Office and can be downloaded from the website, He confirmed that extra patrols would be available at peak times. Following questions, Brian Murphy confirmed that the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) were on duty to survey the basin and clear flotsam, and would be available at peak times. He further confirmed that they can advise harbour users if asked but are not there to direct traffic. Yacht Club Brian Murphy reported that the criteria for yacht racing in Poole Harbour has been reviewed with one addition regarding the use of race marks in certain areas and not navigation aids.

3 -3- Royal Marines Brian Murphy advised that following the family day incident last year, the Memorandum of Understanding has been reviewed. He further advised that were undergoing a further review to include helicopter operations adjacent to the Wareham Channel. Dorset Fire & Rescue Service Brian Murphy advised that DF&RS and have launched a partnership agreement to ensure a swift response to emergency incidents on any of the Poole Harbour Islands. Dorset Police Marine Section Brian Murphy advised that with uncertainty hanging over the future of the Marine Section post games, Poole Harbour Commissioners are consulting closely with Dorset Police to fully understand the significance and options. He further advised that this may lead to a further joint agreement in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding which would provide waterborne support in the Harbour in the event of criminal activity. Kite Surfing Brian Murphy advised that kite surfing has been enjoyed in Poole Harbour, at Whitley Lake since the sport began and has grown in popularity ever since. He further advised that this comes with ever increasing density and greater risk which has led to growing concerns for the safety of harbour users. Brian Murphy advised that a led initiative to work closely with the Poole Harbour Kite Surfing Club and local training schools has produced a Code of Conduct which can be downloaded from the website. He further advised that other control measures are being put in place and Poole Harbour Commissioners will continue to monitor this activity and work closely with the local kite surfing community. Designated Person Brian Murphy advised that at the last meeting the members were advised of a Port Marine Safety Code audit that recommended consider options for the requirement of a designated person. He further advised that the Commissioners decided they would employ the services of an independent consultant with direct access to the Board to fulfil this role. Brian Murphy reported that the designated person will be reporting to the Board twice a year to confirm compliance with the code and provide recommendation where necessary. Peter Stanaway asked to see the risk assessment for the bridge operation and was advised that the results of the HAZID Meeting were available. Brian Murphy confirmed that a detailed copy of the assessment could be viewed if anyone from PYA would like to see it. Questions were asked regarding the number of vessels that would be in the basin at one time and the waiting time anticipated. Brian Murphy advised that capacity was expected to be 46 afloat and 15 moored in perfect conditions. Charles Cunningham asked if the predominant flow of traffic waited the least time and was advised that the schedule had been designed that way.

4 -4- Brian Murphy advised that BOB would be monitoring all aspects of the operation. Charles also showed concern regarding the re-fueling of vessels at Corralls. Jim Stewart added that if anyone wanted to visit the Bridges Operating Room to see the bridges operation it could be arranged with the Harbour Master. 6. Chief Executive s Update Jim Stewart advised that Poole Harbour Commissioners had applied for the Harbour Revision Order seven years ago. He further advised that it was hoped that this document would be received shortly. He further advised that the HRO would consolidate legislation and give the Harbour Master powers of general direction. He further advised that this would also give the Commissioners unlimited borrowing powers. Jim Stewart confirmed that the Bafleur would not be returning to Poole during He further advised that the vessel was currently being chartered from Dover to Calais. 7. Draft Port Master Plan Jim Stewart advised that Government had asked every major port to produce a Master Plan for the next years. The Chief Executive reported that have gone through a lengthy consultation period and had received dozens of responses. He further reported that up to 60 presentations and meetings had taken place. The Chief Executive advised that the Commissioners had decided to proceed with an Environmental Impact Assessment which would take 2012 to complete. He further advised that would be looking at various options which would include new quays, deepening quays and a marine centre. The Chief Executive advised that were looking at two options for the Marine Centre which had received a lot of feedback. He further advised that it was envisaged that the Port Master Plan could be completed within the next couple of months. The Chief Executive advised that it was proposed to provide lift out facilities which could be incorporated on the Port Estate. He further advised that would be working with Poole Tourism to attract major events to Poole. The Chief Executive reported that there would be an education centre which would contain an environmental facility. Martin Pearson asked that if permission were to be given for a marina would be reducing their number of moorings as all the yacht clubs had been required to do. He further advised that a large amount of sailing area would be lost to the marina Richard Lacey said this would be considered. Charles Cunningham asked how the projects would be funded and was advised that each project would have to be profitable and funded but no decisions would be taken until after the EIA.

5 -5-8. Any Other Business Charles Cunningham asked if the fuel barge was to be operational shortly as it was closed at the moment. He was advised that the owners were looking at selling. Martin Pearson was concerned that yachts coming to Poole were being charged 9.20 for a 10m boat and it was discouraging visitors. The Harbour Master had looked at comparable prices and advised that Poole was the cheapest on the south coast for locals - the option was to increase these prices and lower visitor prices. Jacky Hardy suggested that this would not be popular with clubs not having visitor berths. Martin also asked if were promoting Poole as a Port. A representative had recently visited Parkstone to encourage vessels to go there. were looking at combining Harbour Dues for Yarmouth, Poole and Weymouth. Allen Wilkinson, Redclyffe YC, advised that he had signed up for a 20% reduction with Cherbourg. Colin Stewart asked about the depth and width of the North Channel had there been any change and was advised by the Harbour Master that it was constantly monitored. 9. Forthcoming Events Powerboat event of Town Quay 25 th /26 th May Poole Regatta 2 nd -4 th June in harbour and out in Poole Bay Bournemouth Air Show 30 th August September 2 nd 10. Next Meeting To be advised Meeting finished 8.40 p.m.