Forward The Dockyard Port of Portsmouth continues to thrive. This fact, coupled with the positive outcome of the Naval Base Review for the Naval Base points to a positive future for the unique mix of users that Portsmouth supports. Royal Naval activity continued with both HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HMS ARK ROYAL back operating from their base port along with the dozens of Destroyers, Frigates and smaller warships that call Portsmouth home. The future is exciting with new destroyers and the new large aircraft carriers in the forward programme. Leisure and event activity remains at a high level. That this busy, rich, and complex tapestry of maritime activity goes on with so few incidents, problems or accidents is testament to the sterling efforts of my staff and the many other players within the Port and every ones’ continued efforts to be involved in a safe, vibrant and forward looking Port that always strives to employ best practice. This Port Marine Safety Code annual report demonstrates that drive to deliver best practice and the evidence that it is being achieved, but we must all continue to look forward and avoid complacency whilst ensuring that the tiny minority that behave in an unsafe or selfish manner are educated to ensure a safer future for all. I commend this report to you. Steve Hopper Headlines

WEBSITE – www.qhmportsmouth.com has recently been updated.  Mariners can obtain all current Local Notice to Mariners (LNTM) as well as reading the latest news and indeed the full Safety Management System. The website also contains a report form which allows mariners to report a Navigational incident on-line. QHM Website distributes information electronically to 2894 subscribers with 24,000 hits since the new website went live in December 2007.

HMS ILLUSTRIOUS returned home to Portsmouth after taking a leading role in war games off the coast of America in a combined forces exercise with the US Navy. The annual exercise named ‘Bold Step’ has been recorded as the largest ever embarkation of US fighter planes on a RN warship, and involved a range of exercises from foreign aircraft handling to mock anti-piracy, and anti smuggling operations. The fleet flagship also participated in a multinational NATO training exercise in the Adriatic Sea representing the UK with HMS York and RFA ship Fort George alongside warships from America, France, Italy, Spain, Romania, Turkey and Greece.

Contents

• The Report

• ANNEX A - Annual Report Targets

• ANNEX B - Report by Designated Person

The Report

BACKGROUND

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

AIM

MANAGED CHANGE

Ship Protection Boom Following its initial conception and subsequent harbour trials, the Ship Protection Boom (SPB) has been operationally deployed on two separate occasions (August / December 2007) on both occasions the SPB was a success and gave full protection to both in service carriers (LNTM 38/07)

No Man’s Land Fort No Man’s Land Fort light was reported as being extinguished on the 16th November 2007. All access ladders / boat landing stages to the Fort have been declared as unsafe. NAV WARN 60/07 issued December 2007 refers.

OPERATIONAL SUMMARY

• 35 Reportable Incidents
  • 3 Mechanical Failures
  • 2 Berthing
  • 4 Close Quarters
  • 5 Dangerous occurrences
  • 7 Wash
  • 4 Collisions
  • 3 Sinking
  • 2 Fires
  • 1 Ranging
  • 4 Impacts

All incidents were investigated in compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code. Recommendations and conclusions were forwarded to the Mariner concerned, and where applicable to the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

BUOYAGE – The Winner buoy situated in the Solent was removed from station for routine maintenance in early November 2007 (NAV WARN 58/07); maintenance was quickly completed to the Winner buoy which was back on station 36 hours later.

In August, South East Ryde Middle Buoy is believed to have suffered damage from an unknown source which resulted in its light becoming unreliable. Various LNTM`s issued with the latest being issued 30 December 2007 (NAV WARN 68/07). The complete light unit was replaced on 22 January 2008.

Following a request from Wootton Creek Fairway Association and subsequent discussion it was decided by QHM to replace Wootton Creek Port & STBD channel entry buoys and all associated mooring chain. This task was conducted in conjunction with routine maintenance within Wootton Creek. Both buoys and mooring chain was replaced on the 25 October 2007. Furthermore and in addition to the initial request the opportunity to move the STBD hand buoy seven metres to the south was also taken.

North East Ryde Middle Buoy was routinely replaced in its entirety 22 January 2008

DEFRA – A wide variety of issues including planning applications, moorings, dredging and especially fishing matters is on going with DEFRA. A Local Notice to Mariners regarding fishing practice and activities within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth (DPP) was issued in early 2005. Following various discussions and in consultation with the local Fisheries officer, a formal re-assessment regarding the current and future Fishing Practice within the DPP was conducted. Details of current Fishing Restriction /Regulations within the DPP is contained within LNTM`s 41/05 (Fishing Restriction to prevent obstruction to safe Navigation within the DPP), 32/06 (Regulations concerning fishing within the DPP) and 55/06 (Oyster dredging in Portsmouth Harbour)

PANAR – (Ports Aids to Navigation Availability Reports) A total of 3 incidents were recorded where lights have either been unlit or irregular during the previous 12 months. Quarterly returns were made to Trinity House Light Service (THLS) who maintain the countrywide database. All main entry and exit lights were checked bi-weekly by a designated vessel. A full inspection was carried out by a Trinity House Inspector in April and was assessed as satisfactory. Next set of programmed rounds for Trinity House is 8 April 2008

HARBOUR ROUNDS – As in the previous years regular three monthly checks of the Harbour navigational marks were routinely conducted. All areas within the harbour were visited, thus ensuring a visible inspection of all assets, whether MOD sponsored or not.

NAVAL ACTIVITY

OIL POLLUTION CONTROL

During this reporting period 31 oil spills were reported of which only 8 required minor clean up operations. All spills were in the harbour and were dealt with using internal equipment.

In compliance with the Merchant Shipping Oil Pollution and Preparedness, Responsibility and Co-operation Convention (OPRC) Regulation 1998 the Queen’s Harbour Master carried out a Tier One oil spill booming exercise on 01 October 2007. A 100mtr oil pollution boom was deployed at Portsmouth Commercial Port (4 Berth) and later recovered using the Tier One contractor.

PERSONNEL/TRAINING

Pilots and Port Control Assistants continued with professional training at the South Shields Maritime College and at Oil Spill Response Limited.

ANNEX B

The Harbour Authority continues to maintain an emphasis on safety in one of the busiest ports in the UK. This requires constant balancing of the interests of the various harbour users, the environment and other stakeholder groups. Many of the communication routes have become second nature and this masks the efforts made by all parties to arrive at this situation.

Whilst there is still a desire to manage the port by means of encouragement and education there has seemingly been an increase in the number of users who are prepared to flout the requirement for safety and endanger both themselves and other harbour users. Whilst this remains a tiny proportion of the total number of users this places a stain upon the huge majority of people who conduct themselves appropriately, who obtain the necessary training and who equip themselves correctly. There comes a time when encouragement is insufficient and enforcement becomes necessary. The Harbour Authority has indicated that, for some users, a more regulatory approach will have to be taken – for the benefit of all.

The Harbour Authority continues to work in conjunction with various Pan Solent groups, the MCA and other Regulatory Authorities. Involving user groups is an important part of gaining support and breaking down barriers between the various interests. Understanding other users concerns and aspirations is key to harmonious use of the harbour.

QHM Staff continue to spend time on the water observing the activities of their flock. The presence of the VHP undoubtedly brings significant benefits, particularly in educating and encouraging leisure users. We should not underestimate the contribution of the VHP to the safe operation of the harbour and are fortunate to have such a willing group of people ready to give their time and skills for the benefit of others. I know that the Harbour Master is enormously grateful to both them and the organisations that have provided support to them during the year.

I am fortunate in being able to see the operation of the SMS, and the actions of the QHM’s staff, on a virtually daily basis. This is backed up by access to their IT system and documentation. I am therefore able to monitor their actions on both a formal and informal basis. It is apparent to me that operating a safe port is at the heart of their ethos and governs their daily actions.

The DP Report last year noted that the SMS had been re-invigorated with some aspects integrated into the ISO 9002 system. It is all too easy to believe that, because the system is operating, it will continue to do so. In reality, constant effort will be required if the system is to remain fresh, valid and up to date.