Notes of a meeting of the River Users Consultative Forum (Lower) held at 1030 on 5 May 2006 at London River House, Gravesend
Present:-
(GD) - Captain G Dickins - Harbour Mater (Lower) – Chairman
(JP) - Captain J Parkes - Marine Administrative Support Manager
(NJ) - Nicola Jenkins - Environment Management Officer
(JW) - Mr J Window - Harbour Service Master – Canvey
(MG) - Mr M Garside - Public Relations Manager
(AC) - Andrea Chell - Safety Management System Administrator
(ID) - Mr I Dunkley - RNLI
(RL) - Mr R Lukes - T&G.W.U
(CM) - Mr C Woodman - Adsteam Towage
(JG) - Jill Goddard - Thames Estuary Partnership
(NC) - Mr N Cosh - RAFT
(LT) - Lindsay Thompson - Gravesham Borough Council
(JS) - Mr J Skellorn - RYA (SE Region)
(PB) - Fr Paul Boayey - apostleship of the Sea/Welfare
1. Apologies
Captain R Exley – Port of Tilbury
Mr D Chard – London Ship Owners Association, Mr B Shaw – London Port Health Authority, Mr M Shefras – ATYC, Judith Sweatman – HM Customs.
The Chairman welcomed members and Andrea Chell, attending the meeting as an observer.
2. Minutes of RUCF meeting 28 October 2005
The minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record.
3. Matters Arising from
i. Access to the river – the PLA has held discussions with the operators of Town Pier, Thurrock and Gravesend Councils with a view to a 40m pontoon being provided for access across the pier by river users including watermen and lightermen. Time scale is uncertain. As and when the pontoon comes into service it is likely to have berths for small craft including watermen’s boats. The future of West Street pier is uncertain but dependent largely on the wishes of the ferry operator.
ii. Tug Code of Practice – errors in the text of the code have been detected and corrections issued.
iii. Canvey presence – J Window is now in post and will attend future RUCF meetings.
iv. Fire Brigade liaison – the recent announcement by MCA in respect of the “Sea of Change” project confirmed that Kent Fire Brigade is the designated offshore fire fighting response for the SE. PLA will be meeting with Kent Fire Brigade to establish to what extent they cover ‘afloat’ fires in the river and estuary.
v. RNLI accommodation to be covered in the RNLI report later in the meeting.
4. PLA Sitrep
i. NJ gave a power point presentation on the PLA’s environmental management system and attainment of ISO/4001, its implications and requirements in respect of the environment as a whole, dredging, leisure, counter pollution, energy conversation, hydrography, and marine related activities.
In answer to a question from NC, NJ confirmed that the PLA had not carried out baseline studies into noise. JP advised that London Port Health were responsible for looking into noise pollution incidents particularly in respect of noisy river related machinery. NJ added in answer to JS that PLA was monitoring the impact of light pollution particularly in respect of its effect on navigation. In response to NC, NJ confirmed that audits on the EMS were carried out both by internal auditors and Lloyds.
ii. Safety Management System
JP introduced AC, outlining her work in connection with the SMS and nominating her as primary contact for such topics as promulgation of Notices to Mariners, regulations and other navigational publications.
Review of identified hazards has entered its second 4 year cycle and rankings adjusted according to the outcome of the review.
Maintenance of the PLA’s regulatory framework involves consultation and dialogue numerous river user organisations and individuals. Consultations have been completed recently on revised General Directions which will incorporate 3 bylaws transferred from River Byelaws. Consultation is on-going on Pilotage Directions and new Byelaws introducing AIS on Class V Vessels and large commercial vessels trading through bridges with a view to implementing the legislation by June 2007.
The Safe Mooring Code has been reviewed and a few minor amendments made, these will be promulgated by notice to mariners rather than by a reprint of the booklet. A further review will be carried out after 3 years. All regulatory publications are reviewed on a 3 yearly basis. A Navigational Advisory Panel (NAP) has been held to develop a code of practice on craft towage with a view to publication in autumn 2006.
Dangerous Substances in Bulk Byelaws amendments have been approved by the PLA Board and will be submitted to the D for T shortly for public consultation. Legal advice is expected shortly on the regulation of Shifting Pilotage. The appropriate legislation should be in place this year.
In response to NC, JP confirmed that the PLA would be willing to discuss, on an individual basis financial arrangements for operators who were in financial difficulties or had difficulty paying (currently approx £3k per unit).
RL asked for a clarification of the position regarding Shifting Pilotage. JP explained that the present informal system will be regulated and formalised to include training, certification and demonstration of on-going proficiency.
iii. Port Security
The port remains at ISPS level 1 with no identified change in threat levels. PLA continues to liaise with the 50 ISPS berths in the PLA area with an aim to visit each facility at least once a year. Exercises with individual or groups of facilities in communications and level 2/3 response continue.
The EU directive on port security will be extended in 2007 to widen the existing ship – port interface to the whole port. Transec’s view is that in the light of many years of work in the counter-terrorism field the UK will be well placed to comply with any new EU ISPS requirements.
The PLA Port Security Committee is committed to the concept of a common form to ID in the port for waterborne port services providers and would encourage those involved to take advantage of the ID card offered by the PLA. Up to 200 cards have already been issued. A recent Notice to Mariners has been issued on the subject. PB and his colleagues in port welfare have benefited from the use of these ID cards. PB reported no access problems but possible difficulties with the introduction of a health and safety directive in the Port of Tilbury. He will report back once experience has been gained.
iv. General
In 2005 the PLA handled 53.8 million tons of cargo. 1% increase on 2004. Fuel and non-fuel traffic increased by 1% but a planned shut down at the Coryton Refinery had an effect on crude figures. This may have been offset by an increase in the fuel products produced by the need to take road tankers to Thames Berths rather than the Bunsfield distribution centre destroyed by fire in December 2005. The Chief Executive in his report had noted that whilst cargo tonnage had increased the number of ships using the port and reduced by 4 ½% suggesting that vessel size is increasing.
Aggregates increased by 293k, unit cargoes have increased slightly whilst road has increased by 500k.
v. Public Meetings
GD reminded members of the two forthcoming PLA public meetings to take place at 1830 8th at Benfleet and 1830 on 10th at Gravesend. JG asked if PLA took notes of such meetings. MG advised that they did not as some might feel that PLA were putting a bias on some topics. JG suggested that if a record was required an honest broker – third party – such as TEP might be employed.
5. Navigational Safety & Consultancy Matters
i. River Incidents
George Lyras 15/11/05. Collided with drifting refuse barges in the Lower Hope MAIB investigated the incident and made recommendations which PLA have implemented. Thanks to Adsteam crews for their assistance during the incident.
Cymbeline 09/12/05. Collided with Fords Ro Ro pontoon whilst berthing in thick fog. Vessel sustained a split in bow plating.
Beauty II 03/01/06. Impeded Aasheim when navigating on the wrong side of the channel. Master was given a formal warning.
Pride of Veere 31/03/06. Failed to comply with VTS instructions when leaving Tilbury Lock, alleged VHF problems. Master was given a formal warning.
Cornish Maiden 12/02/06. Grounded at the Mardyke – no damage.
Rock 28/02/06. Suffered engine failure on departure from Tilbury Grain Terminal inner berth, contacted NHCT jetty. MCA informed.
Locator 06/03/06. Close quarters situation with SAONE when crossing Sea Reach. Master issued with a formal warning.
Lady Cecelia 17/03/06. Grounded whilst approaching Denton Wharf due to unusually low tide. No damage. Reported to MAIB no further action expected.
JP explained that there is a general downward trend in the number of incidents.
CW asked for thanks to be passed to the pilot of a tanker who allowed his escort tug to be re-assigned after consultation with the Harbour Master and Duty Port Controller to a container vessel which had suffered engine failure off NHCT.
JG advised that Thames Estuary Partnership were considering creating a river safety advisor for work with schools. GD & JP suggested she liaises with the PLA’s Health & Safety Officer who had considerable experience in this field.
RL asked why an incident involving a vessel carrying palm oil had not been included in the incident report. GD advised that the vessel had not grounded as RL had suggested but removed from the berth where she was due to discharge as a precaution due to her draught and the fact that the berth had suffered a pipe problem preventing discharge.
ii. Inland Waterways
JP described the process whereby new national standards for both vessels and crews are to be introduced by MCA. The new Boatmasters licence is due to come into force 1st January 2007 when the PLA Watermen & Lightermen byelaws will be revoked. PLA is liaising with the Watermens Company and MCA regarding transition. New vessel standards will be introduced in 2008. Prior to this the PLA will write to Thames owners with a view to be introducing these standards before 2008 under their own inspection regime to ensure craft are compliant in good time.
In response to RL, JP confirmed that the PLA had met with Mr Murfet of TGWU regarding the introduction of the requirement for a tug master who was not local to gain familiarity, via a course using the PLA’s simulator, with specific Thames ship towage operations before being allowed to operate.
RL expressed concerns that MCA had removed the requirements for a towing endorsement from the latest draft of their regulation. The PLA had made representations to MCA on this matter. There is no recognised international tug masters qualification.
iii. Unexploded Ordnance
GD reminded members that when unexploded ordnance had been discovered at a berth or on a vessel the PLA must be notified for safety reasons as well as police or Coastguard. The PLA has a well tried procedure for dealing with ordnance and would request that this is adhered to. JP confirmed that MCA had not withdrawn their reception facilities for expired pyrotechnics.
6. Other Updates
i. Gravesham – LT reported on forthcoming events. Gravesend regatta 17.18 June, Gravesham Community Cohesion day 15/16 July. Maritime festival (Shrimpers Regatta) 12/13 August, riverside fireworks 3rd November. Gravesham is keen for PLA to be involved with town events such as the children’s safety day on 24th June. MG to liaise.
ii. RNLI – A decision has been made to relocate to Royal Terrace Pier as funding for moving elsewhere has been removed. It is unfortunate that the move to RTP will take the RNLI base away from the public eye and reduce the ability to raise funds.
iii. Apostleship of the Sea – The new seafarers centre in Tilbury is not now due to open until the end of June. The upriver Robin centre is running well and well used. Following the arrest of LUBYANA at Tilbury Power Station, Welfare services recovered $190K in unpaid wages and repatriation costs. It was reported that a number of crew members and their families had been subjected to threats of violence.
iv. Thames Estuary Partnership (TEP) – the TEP annual forum 2006 will take place at the Royal Geographical Society on 16th November. There are spaces for short presentations during the afternoon, any submissions to JG.
7. River Events
8th May Multicup 60 race, 28th May National Water-ski race at All Hallows, 28/29th May Southend Air Show, EAORA Burnham/St Katharines Race, 18th June Nore Race, 1st July Pin Mill Passage race. 15th July Thames Sailing barge race and TOW barge race, 22/23rd July National OCR racing All Hallows, 26th August Southend Sailing Barge Match.
8. River Works
i. London Gateway – ministerial decision still awaited. Dubai World now owns the project. A lot of preparatory work is taking place prior to commencement of the channel dredge. TEP has sought funding from P&O for liaison work.
ii. Town Pier Gravesend – the bar is in use, the opening of the restaurant is awaited and a firm proposal and river works licence application is also awaited. LT believed that the restaurant may not now be opened however, this could not be confirmed. It was envisaged that the pontoon would be operated by the pier franchise operator rather than Gravesham council.
iii. Canal Basin – There has been some success with the lock gate and siltation monitoring is taking place with a view to dredging.
iv. Belvedere Waste and Crossrail Jetties - The PLA has carried out traffic simulation tests and is content that there should be no conflict between the two operations.
v. Marina Developments – 3 proposals have been submitted. Grays and 2 at Greenhithe, one by Dartford Council the other by Crest Nicholson. Further developments awaited.
vi. Wind Generation – Tilbury Dock intend to install 3 units on the river frontage. PLA has made representations in respect of radar interference and after effects on microwave link paths. Other units are envisaged for Fords and Crossness where there could be link path problems. GD advised of the on-going radar tests on the Kentish Flats Windfarms.
9. A.O.B.
TEP have been in conversation with the BBC regarding a new Coast programme and have advised the researchers on the Thames to contact PLA for answers to questions on the river.
Gravesham has an arts project “Vanishing Shores” which will involve a local photographer taking pictures from Dartford to Faversham. The exhibition will be held at a number of locations from July and in Gravesend in January.
JS requested details of the demolition taking place at Tilbury. GD advised that the wooden jetties are to be removed to low water level and marked.
10. Date of next meeting
1030hrs 10th November 2006.
