Cowes Harbour Commission Annual Report 2017-2018 | Page 39

It is CHC’s duty to consult the Harbour Advisory Committee on the delivery of all stakeholder benefi t investments. The Commission has to strike a balance that respects the interests of all stakeholders, in the light of the port’s objectives, including its commercial considerations, and what constitutes the ‘common good’ for all stakeholders (current and future) and the port itself. During the 2017 fi nancial year, CHC funded £204,000 of stakeholder dividend projects: Investment continues into working towards completing the delivery of the Cowes Outer Harbour Project. Studies and consultation are ongoing into the development of a Sustainable Maintenance Dredging Management Plan. As a Trust Port, Cowes Harbour is run for the benefi t of the port’s stakeholders. In accordance with the Department for Transport’s document Ports Good Governance Guidance (PGGG), CHC is required to be self-funding and is encouraged to run the port as a commercial business in order to generate a fi nancial surplus. CHC is obliged to use the profi ts to support the long-term viability of the port and for the benefi t of its stakeholders. CHC is a funding member of the Isle of Wight Estuaries Project. A major project has been completed to install an IP-CCTV system to improve the safety management and security of our harbour for the benefi t of all users. In-kind support is provided to Cowes Week Ltd for the regatta fi reworks display in the form of a harbour safety management service, as well as a ferry escort service. A stakeholder subsidy contribution towards the operation of a 7-days-a-week water taxi service to run daily from 29 th March to 30 th September. CHC is a funding member of Destination Cowes, working to attract more events through event sponsorship, and to increase cruise ship business through a marketing initiative with Visit Isle of Wight. Harbour Patrol Offi cers provide assistance to leisure users and visitors to the harbour. CHC runs a marine apprenticeship programme, and attended the 2017 Marine Careers Fair hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron Foundation. CHC works to continue to increase its involvement in the local community, providing local employment, boosting the local economy, and supporting stakeholders. Working with the Wessex Cancer Trust Charity, free parking is offered at the Harbour Offi ce for patients travelling by Red Jet to Southampton for treatment. Year-round assistance is given to support the delivery of the Cowes Harbour Handbook. The CHC registered domain name cowes.co.uk is used for the Destination Cowes website. A free holding tank pump-out facility is provided at Shepards Marina to encourage sailors and boaters to use pump-outs and as part of CHC’s long-term commitment to sustainability. Annual Report 2017 - 2018 39