Report by Emergency Planning Officer (attached)

The Board considered a report by the Emergency Planning Officer (circulated previously) regarding the Quarterly Designated Person Port Marine Safety Code Audit report – Ilfracombe and Lynmouth Harbours.

The Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive highlighted the following:

·         The audit of both harbours was carried out on 11 October 2024.

Actions completed since previous inspection – Ilfracombe

·         At its meeting of 23 September 2024 the Governance Committee approved the establishment of a formalised Advisory Committee (the Ilfracombe Harbour Advisory Committee).

·         The Advisory Board would be made up of harbour users and its formation ensured compliance with the Harbour Revision Order and the Port Marine Safety Code. 

·         The Harbour Board now had delegated power to formally approve appointments to the advisory committee.

·         Grating on Stone Bench had been replaced with a reinforced base and grating of a composite material, other gratings would be replaced to match.

·         Additional signage had now been added in prominent positions, prohibiting fishing and crabbing due to these activities interfering with vessel movements in the Outer Harbour.

·         Mooring bollards had been tested to a 10 ton capacity and certified.

Risk Management – Ilfracombe

·         An internal audit of the following topics carried out this quarter; no non-conformities or non-compliances were identified:

i.              Legislation, (Acts, Harbour Revision Orders, Byelaws) and Directions;

ii.            Conservancy (survey, dredging);

iii.           Duty Holder and DP (Designated Person) Function; and

iv.           Competency and Training.

·         The bulged wall at Stone Bench was continuing to be monitored by the Harbour Master.  There had been further movement and works would be required to address the issue.  The Senior Engineer would obtain quotes for the work, which would likely take place in February/March 2025 (weather dependent).

·         Additional wording was still required to be painted along the edge protection line on the Cove side of the Harbour.  Two new cranes were to be installed on the Cove side requiring the repainting of the white line, additional wording would be added at this time.  Works due to be completed March 2025.

·         A loose fender had been noted on Pier Head, investigation had revealed there were only two brackets on this fender and the washers were perished.  Works to replace was hopefully to be carried out by Teignmouth Maritime Services.

·         An update from the Harbour Master was given at the meeting:

Ø  A local diver had investigated all the fenders.  It was discovered that many different methods had been used to install the fenders and most would require attention.  This was not an imminent failure of the fenders but 18 in total needed works, which would be carried out within the course of next year, 2025.

·         New handrails were being sourced for the steps down to First Landing, along with some non-corrosive railings.  During the audit visit on 11 October 2024, it was decided two rails would be sufficient for safety.

·         Works to Cove Cliff face had been signed off.  As part of a rolling programme of inspections, the vegetation was to be removed to allow the inspection of bolts and nets.  This was an annual programme starting across Council assets in the spring of 2025.

·         Boats out on the Pier side of the harbour had been carried out as planned on 22 October 2024.  The boats out on the Cove side of the Harbour scheduled for 28 October 2024 had to be rearranged to Friday 8 November 2024 (this was due to the school halt-term).

Actions completed since previous inspection – Lynmouth

·         White line painting had been carried out across the edge of the step onto the slipway as well as across the top of the slipway.

·         The Foreman vacancy had been filled with a “Leading Hand” i.e. a local worker who had worked on the Harbour previously.

Risk Management – Lynmouth

·         An internal audit of the following topics was carried out this quarter.  One non-conformity was identified in relation to the training required by the Town Clerk and outside workforce:

i.          Legislation, (Acts, Harbour Revision Orders, Byelaws) and Directions;

ii.         Conservancy (survey, dredging);

iii.        Duty Holder and DP (Designated Person) Function; and

v.            Competency and Training.

·         The Lynmouth coastal study had been carried out with additional assessment of wave impact and overtopping analysis along the Causeway.  The stage 2 draft report was due to be received by the Senior Engineer shortly.

·         The issue of seawater pouring through the joints between stones along a stretch of sea wall had been raised with Devon County Council, Highways Department.  The Town Clerk for Lynton and Lynmouth had submitted a Freedom of Information request to determine ownership of the wall.

·         There was still evidence of algal growth on the Rising Sun steps and the edge of the slipway.  Seaweed was observed on the lower steps of the Harbour Arm which would be removed and treated as part of a rolling process every four to six weeks, or as necessary.

·         An application to the Exmoor National Park Authority had been made in relation to planning permission for the placing of CCTV cameras on the Rhenish Tower.  Still awaiting a decision on the application.

·         The purpose of CCTV installation was to provide visibility on the harbour and could be accessed for flood monitoring.  The cameras would be placed up under the castellation so as not to be visible on the listed structure.

·         The Rising Sun steps required remedial works to prevent further deterioration.  Quotes for the works had been obtained by the Harbour Master and were expected to be carried out before the year-end.

·         Damaged stonework on the overflow holes at the top end of the Harbour would be repaired as part of an Environmental Agency project.

In conclusion, the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that Health and Safety at Ilfracombe Harbour continued to be proactively managed by the Harbour Master.  The status of Lynmouth Harbour as a Statutory Harbour Authority was still progressing and, therefore, there were still some aspects of the Port Marine Safety Code that do not apply.  Health and Safety at Lynmouth Harbour was currently managed by the Town Council Clerk.

The Board noted the report and its updates.