DOCKYARD PORT OF PORTSMOUTH

PORT MARINE SAFETY CODE ANNUAL REPORT 2009

Commander S O Hopper Royal Navy, Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth

Forward

This has been another exceptionally busy year for the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth. Once again there have been no serious incidents and most encouragingly, despite the very high level of activity, the number of reported incidents continues to fall. This is inline with the downward seven year trend that we have seen across the Port since the Port Marine Safety Code was implemented and graphically illustrates the “value add” of the code. On the subject of PMSC the entire QHM organisation was subjected to it’s first ever external audit of our compliance. This was conducted by external specialists who were assisted by a small recently established Naval Waterfront Coherence and Assurance team headed by an RN Captain (who is now taking on the role of “Designated Person” for the port’s PMSC compliance) and works to the Vice Admiral, who amongst many duties, also oversees all the Naval Bases. Whilst we must continue to improve our paperwork and joining it up with the many other port users (is there ever an audit that finds perfect paperwork?) the headlines were; we run a safe port and the quality and commitment of my small team were unsurpassed by any that the inspection team had seen in the past. I would like to formally record here my thanks and appreciation to them all, as well as the many thousands of other port users all of whom have a responsibility and part to play in continuing and improving our safety record.

Looking ahead our focus for 2010 continues to be safety and doing all we can to help the incredibly complex tapestry of maritime activity that takes place across the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth to continue in a harmonious and mutually beneficial fashion.

I commend this report to you.

Steve Hopper

Headlines
TYPE 45 – 2009 saw the arrival of the first two ships of a new Class of Destroyer for the Royal Navy, the Type 45, with HMS DARING arriving from Scotstoun on 28 January and HMS DAUNTLESS on 2 December. These have embarked on a rigorous set of Sea Trials and crew training prior to becoming fully operational. In 2010, the third ship of the class, HMS DIAMOND is expected to arrive in the port.

Contents

  • The Report
  • ANNEX A - Annual Report Targets
  • ANNEX B - Report by Designated Person

The Report

BACKGROUND

DETR Ports Division published the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) in March 2000. The aim of the code was to establish an agreed national standard for port marine safety and a measure by which harbour authorities can be held accountable for their legal powers and duties to run their harbours safely.

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The application of the Safety Management System (SMS) is the responsibility of the Queen’s Harbour Master as the Duty Holder and under the review of the Designated Person. The SMS is regarded as a living document and is used as a tool actively driven by QHM and his staff. 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 Portsmouth.

AIM

The aim of this document is to direct and describe how the Queen’s Harbour Master demonstrates compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code for the Year 1st January – 31st December 2009.

MANAGED CHANGE

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 470,000 subscribers with 2,519 people receive LNTM and navigational warnings via e-mail in 2009.

No Man’s Land Fort

Following the initial report of a failure to the “No Mans Land Fort Light” (16th November 2007 - NAV WARN 60/07 refers) a Temporary Port Hand Lateral Buoy named “No Man’s” with light characteristics the same as the extinguished “No Mans Land Fort Light” ISO R 2S was placed on station (NAV WARN 27/08 refers). Whilst this was initially seen by QHM as a temporary measure it has been decided to keep the No Mans Buoy in place for a period of up to 12 months. Relevant Admiralty charts have been amended to reflect the Buoy position and light characteristics. Current Portsmouth Nav Warns relating to this remain in force.

OPERATIONAL SUMMARY

Incidents within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth in 2009 were as follows:
  • 18 Reportable Incidents
    • 2 Mechanical Failures
    • 4 Berthing
    • 5 Close Quarters
    • 8 Dangerous occurrences
    • 1 Wash
    • 1 Sinking
    • 1 Fire
    • 1 Wash
    • 5 Impacts
    • 2 Grounding
    • 2 Other

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 – Throughout its long and somewhat distinguished career the Nab End High Focal Plane Buoy situated in the Solent (50 42.625N 000 54.490W) has on various occasions sustained damage to both its light and structure. It has been decided to replace the buoy in its entirety which will in the short term will necessitate the placing of a temporarily Port Hand Lateral Mark Buoy exhibiting the characteristics (Fl R 5s). Relevant Nav warn will be issued in due course.

DEFRA – A wide variety of issues including planning applications, moorings, dredging and especially fishing matters is ongoing with DEFRA. A number of Local Notice to Mariners regarding fishing practice and activities within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth (DPP) was issued in early 2005 and are available to view on QHM website.

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). All main Dockyard Port of Portsmouth (DPP) entry and exit lights continue to be checked bi-weekly by the duty SERCO vessel with any reported faults being dealt with by the Port Surveyor.

A full and detailed inspection of the DPP was last carried out by a Trinity House Inspector on the 27 April 2009 which was assessed as being satisfactory. Next inspection of the DPP by Trinity House is planned for the 27 April 2010.

NAVIGATION: DANGERS AND HAZARDOUS OCCURRENCES – During this reporting period 54 Local Notices to Mariners were issued informing Mariners of general direction and unusual activity within the DPP.

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

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY – Following the 2009 full Harbour Survey, further surveys by Westminster Dredging Company were successfully completed towards the end of 2009. Routine dredging is planned to be conducted throughout 2010 with LNTM`s issued as and when required.

MOORINGS – At the time of going to print the annual mooring survey is ongoing and as of 31 December 2009 initial figures would suggest a slight fall in the number of leisure craft within the DPP. Nonetheless it is thought that the final figure will be in the region of between 4000 and 4500.

PILOTAGE – This year there were 1029 Acts of Pilotage undertaken by the Admiralty Pilots at Portsmouth.
VOLUNTEER HARBOUR PATROL - The QHM VHP, which was established in 2004 as a registered charity with the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire as Patron, continued its work in 2009. Its aim is to promote safety through the provision of education and support to the leisure users of the Dockyard Port. With over 4,000 leisure craft berthed in the harbour, and many more using the 50 square miles of the Port annually, this is a distinctive asset. The 48 experienced volunteers range from retired big-ship masters to leisure sailors with more modest craft; they are safety-boat, sailing, first-aid and radio trained giving up their evenings and week-ends in the summer months to this valuable service.

In 2009 the Patrol closed its jetski section and again had a reduced fleet of three craft available but maintained attendance during the week-ends throughout the season and, whilst its focus is primarily on the education of the leisure community, it responded to 73 calls for assistance following incidents such as engine failure, stranding or other general problem.

The Patrol also provided marshalling resources for some large events. As a charity, and a unique combination of the resources of the leisure, commercial and military users of the Port, the VHP depends for its success entirely on the generosity of sponsors, and the goodwill of the leisure user.
PWC LICENCES (Jet-Ski) – To date a total of 656 licences have been issued. All new licences are issued with guidance relating to current LNTM`s including revised regulations. Two items of information required for the issue of a QHM licence are; valid marine insurance and a relevant Data Tag number.

LOCAL EVENTS

Yet again, a very diverse collection of noteworthy military and non-military events have been successfully planned, risk assessed and subsequently conducted within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth during 2009. In addition to the hundreds of events that took place, the following are worthy of note:

General Events:

  • A Combined Cadet Force Sailing Regatta
  • Skandia Cowes Week
  • Start of the Tri-Service ‘Transglobe’ Expedition
  • A Water Skiing competition
  • Southsea Rowing Regatta
  • The JP Morgan Round the Island sailing race (1750 yachts)
  • Gunwharf Quay’s fireworks display
  • 15 Kayak events

Power craft Events:

  • Solent Skiers ‘Round the Island’ Jet Ski Charity Cruise

Swimming Events

  • Charities swim to the ‘Bestival’ on the Isle of Wight
  • Round the Isle of Wight swim
  • Southsea Pier Swimming Regatta
  • 15 Cross Solent Charity Swims

NAVAL ACTIVITY

FOREIGN VISITORS – Portsmouth Naval Base played host to a number of Foreign Warships during the year, which included a variety of ships and submarines from Denmark, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey & the USA.
NUCLEAR VISITS – There was one Nuclear Submarine visit this year, USS MIAMI in July 09.
DEPARTURE OF SHIPS IN RESERVE – 2009 saw the departure of a number of ships declared surplus to requirements and by the end of the year, the former HMS GLASGOW, HMS COTTESMORE, HMS DULVERTON, RFA BRAMBLELEAF (shown opposite), RFA GREY ROVER and liberty ship RAMEHEAD had all departed under Tow for various locations.
NEW MARINE SERVICES CRAFT FOR THE PORT – Serco Denholm, the Marine Services provider for the Naval Base have this year introduced several new craft into the port from Pilot Boats to Tugs. The new Tugs will be a mixture of Azimuth Stern Drives (ASDs) and Azimuth Tractor Tugs (ATDs) with Bollard Pulls of 40 tonnes & 20 tonnes. These will gradually replace the ageing Voith and propeller driven tugs.

OIL POLLUTION CONTROL

During this reporting period 28 oil spills were reported, 10 required minor clean up operations. All reported spills were in the harbour and were dealt with using internal equipment and personnel.

On 29 January and 06 April 2009 in compliance with the Merchant Shipping Oil Pollution and Preparedness Responsibility and Co-operation Convention (OPRC) Regulation 1998 the Queen’s Harbour Master Department carried out Tier One oil spill booming exercise.

PERSONNEL/TRAINING

The Port Control Assistants have continued with their V103/1 training with two of them gaining their vessel traffic services (V103-1) qualification after attending South Tyneside College on a six week intensive training course.

The Admiralty Pilots have visited Force Technology in Demark throughout this reporting period on a 4 day course on ASD tug handling. The courses were arranged to accommodate the new Serco tug fleet that will be operating within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth.

ANNEX A – ANNUAL REPORT TARGETS1

SerialDescriptionTargetFormal method of Recording for Safety Management SystemPeriod of in-year Monitoring/MeasuringMethod of Reporting
4.3ACCOUNTABILITY
4.3.1Reporting periodAnnual1 Jan 09 – 31 Dec 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.2Report publicationBy31 March 10AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.3Vessel Recording (commercial & military)Annual38,315QuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.4Vessel Recording (ferries)Annual49,022QuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.5No. Of leisure berths/moorings in DPPAnnual3922AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.6Marine incidentsAnnual28AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.7Notices to MarinersAnnual54AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.8ConsultationsAnnualN/AAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.9Staff DevelopmentAnnualOngoing Reviewed March 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.10PilotageAnnual1029 moves in totalQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.11VTS Radar CoverageAnnual84%QuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.12VTS VHF CoverageAnnual100%QuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.13Hydrographic SurveysAnnualFeb 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.3.14Physical inspections of Navigational marksQuarterlyJan, April, July, OctAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.4ENVIRONMENTAL/EMERGENCY PLANNING
4.4.1SOLFIRE
PLAN - Review of planAnnualAugust 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
PLAN - Revision to planAnnualNew Issue August 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
PLAN - Resource adequacyAnnualYesAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
EXERCISE - Plan Exercise3 yearly3 yearlyAnnual NBC/DPF
EXERCISE - Conduct Exercise3 yearly3 yearlyAnnual NBC/DPF
EXERCISE - Debrief Exercise3 yearly3 yearlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.4.2OPRP
PLAN - Review of planAnnualMCA Audit June 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
PLAN - Revision to planAnnualReview of OPRP Feb 08AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
PLAN - Resource adequacyAnnualAdequateAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
EXERCISE - Plan ExerciseAnnualJanuary/April 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
EXERCISE - Conduct ExerciseAnnualJanuary/April 2009 Tier 1AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
EXERCISE - Debrief ExerciseAnnualJanuary/April 2009AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5NAVIGATION CONTROL/SAFETY STANDARDS
4.5.1SQEP100%AchievedAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5.2Promulgate hazards to navigation100%100%QuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5.3Continuous service99.50%AchievedQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5.4Justified complaints from customersLess than 4 per monthAchieved - less than 1 per month receivedQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5.5Recording of incidents100%Portsfolio –Year 2009 incidents recorded on database.QuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5.6Review principal legislationAnnualOngoingAs requiredAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5.7Review local legislationAnnualOngoingAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5.8Review statutory/non-statutory instrumentsAnnualOngoingAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5.9Review any proposals for draft legislationAnnualOngoingAs required Annual NBC/DPF
4.5.10Review any changes in riskAnnualPortsfolioQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.5.11Review changes to SMS's in adjacent areasAnnualtbdAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES (VTS) STANDARDS
4.6.1Suitably qualified/experienced personnel100%Refresher training to IALA V103/1(2) StandardAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6.2Provision of a continuous 24 hour service100%AchievedAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6.3Timely promulgation of navigation warnings100%AchievedQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6.4Justified complaints from customers100%NilMonthlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6.5Maintain Radar/VHF records for 3 months100%Hard Drive 30 Days 60 Days DVDQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6.6Maintain CCTV records for 20 days100%20 Days Hard DriveQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6.7Staff Training95%OngoingAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6.8Maintain radar coverage99%84%QuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6.9Maintain VHF coverage99%AchievedQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.6.10QHM/ABP Reissue of Local Notice to MarinersAnnuallyOngoingAnnualAnnual\Annual NBC/DPF
4.6.11Incidents contributed to by VTS Operator errorNoneQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7ADMIRALTY PILOTAGE STANDARDS
4.7.AADMIRALTY PILOT TRAINING - TRAINEES
Tug Handling - within 6 months of starting100%N/AAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
Stage 1 - within 6 to 9 months of starting Stage100%N/AAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
Stage 2 - within 6 to 9 months of starting Stage100%N/AAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
Stage 3 - within 12 to 18 months of starting Stage100%N/AAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.B
MoD approved bridge simulator course - every 3 years100%OngoingAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
ARPA refresher training - every 3 years100%Ongoing not in YearAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
VTS operator refresher training - every 3 years100%OngoingAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
Nuclear Safety - every 18 months100%10 required 10 trainedAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.CADMIRALTY PILOT AVAILABILITY
Immediately during normal working hours100%100%QuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
Within 1½ hours out of normal working hours100%100%QuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.DBOARDING/LANDING OF PILOTS
I.A.W. the Merchant Shipping (Pilot Boats) Regulations100%AchievedQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.EPERFORMANCE TARGETS
4.7.1SQEP100%AchievedAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.2Provision of 24 hour service100%AchievedAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.3Performance of other pilotageReport annuallyN/AAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.4Safe boarding/landing of Pilots99%1 pilot required hospital treatment after disembarking from vesselAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.5Compliance of pilotage acts with national standardsReport annuallyPilotage Risk Assessment under reviewAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.6Justified complaints from customersLess than 4 per MonthNilQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.7.7Incidents contributed to by Pilot errorNoneNilQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.8HYDROGRAPHY/CONSERVANCY STANDARDS100%Nil
4.8.AHYDROGRAPHY100%Nil
4.8.BCONSERVANCY100%Nil
4.8.CPERFORMANCE TARGETS
4.8.1SQEP100%100%AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.8.2Navigation Marks Lit-
- Sector99.8%99.8% achievedQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
- Primary99.0%99% achievedQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
- Minor97.0%97% achieved relights achieved within 24hrsQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.8.3Navigation Marks on position98.0%98% Buoys off station repositioned within 48 hrsQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.8.4Survey of maintained channelsAnnual surveyDec 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.8.5Dredge safety trigger level reachedMonitored6 Monthly ReviewAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.8.6Investigate reports/concerns within 24 hrs95%YesAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.8.7Issue navigation warnings within 24 hours100%58 IssuedQuarterlyAnnual NBC/DPF
4.9PORT MARINE SERVICES STANDARDS
4.9.AGENERAL
4.9.bTOWAGE
Tug availability98%Achieved 100%AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
Tug use98%Achieved 100%AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.10STANDARDS FOR RESPECTING LEGISLATION
4.11
4.11.1Recording of reportable events100%PortsfolioAnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.11.2Ensure completion of follow-up actions100%All reportable incidents for 2009 were investigated.AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.11.3Ensure closure action when follow-up actions complete100%100%AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.12
4.12.1Annual review of targets100%D4P April 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.12.2Annual discussion of targets with steering group100%D4P April 09AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
4.12.3Annually publish targets/achievements100%31 March 10AnnualAnnual NBC/DPF
Abbreviations used
VHF - Very High Frequency
VTS - Vessel Traffic Service
ARPA - Automatic Radar Plotting Apparatus
SOLFIRE - Solent Marine Emergency Plan
CCTV - Closed Circuit Television
OPRP - Oil Pollution Response Plan
DPF- Dockyard Port Forum
SQEP - Suitably Qualified/Experienced Person
1: From the Safety Management System available at http://www.qhmportsmouth.com