Aids to navigation : Conduct annual review and report . 2016-2021
The annual inspection of local navigation aids was conducted by the General Lighthouse Authority in September 2017 . The aids were found to be in good order and only two minor defects were notified to third party owners in the harbour and have since been rectified .
2017 Availability Statistics - No . of marks : 111 Target : 97 % Actual : 99.88 %
We are currently investigating the addition of AIS to some key navigational aids to assist identification on modern navigational systems .
Audit : Complete an independent safety audit . 2016 & 2019
The independent external audit and annual review of CHC ’ s Safety Management System compliance with the PMSC was conducted in December 2016 , with minor recommendations being carried out throughout 2017 . In line with our policy , an internal audit was conducted in December 2017 . The results were presented to the January 2018 Board meeting and a statement to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency ( MCA ) was made at the end of March 2018 confirming our continued compliance with the PMSC .
Cowes Chain Ferry
Since the introduction of the new Chain Ferry / Floating Bridge and during the commissioning process , CHC worked very closely with the Isle of Wight Council ( IWC ) to ensure that the safety of navigation for all passing vessels is maintained . In July 2017 , CHC registered a formal protest to the IWC regarding the current reduction in navigational depths and clearance over the chains of the new Chain Ferry . CHC also requested confirmation that the IWC will restore the navigational clearance over the chains to the previous charted and recorded depths of the old Floating Bridge ( tide height + 1.5m ), as agreed with the IWC during the design and consultation stage for the new Floating Bridge . CHC has assisted and continues to assist in the surveying of the chains , reviewing the data and comparing with our clearance requirements .
Other tasks have been undertaken , such as overseeing the fitting and testing of enhanced warning lights , improvements ment in VHF communication and providing a patrol vessel for critical periods of spring ebb flows . Through CHC ’ s extensive maritime expertise , CHC has also provided the IWC with the benefit of our knowledge and understanding of tidal flows, vessel hydrodynamics and mechanical principles in order to find a resolution to the chain clearance issues .
CHC would like to reassure stakeholders that successful resolution of chain clearance issues remains a priority and whilst continuing our efforts to assist the IWC to find a solution , we also continue to remind them of the CHC position that the required clearance depths over the chains for the full spring / neap cycle must be achieved and maintained .
Designated Person
In accordance with the Port Marine Safety Code , Cowes Harbour has an appointed “ Designated Person ” with direct access to the Board who provides independent assurance about the operation and effectiveness of CHC ’ s Marine Safety Management agement System and to ensure compliance with the Code . Capt . Peter Jackson ( RN ) has stood down as the Designated Person and we are pleased to welcome Capt . Martin Phipps MBE as his replacement . Capt . Phipps will undertake the next internal audit of Cowes Harbour ’ s compliance with the Code at the end of 2018 , whilst an external audit is conducted every three years , with the next one due in 2019 .
Capt . Peter Jackson ( RN ) Annual Report 2017 - 2018 15