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| Marine Operations & Procedures |
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MARINE OPERATIONS PROCEDURES Ullapool Harbour Marine Operations Procedures 1. Operating Parameters Constraints on vessels using Ullapool Harbour include:
Vessels which do not meet these parameters will be subject discussion between Harbour Master and master or operator. Further constraints may be imposed. In exceptional cases a formal risk assessment may be required. Vessels greater than 7 metres draft wishing to berth alongside should contact the duty harbour master before entering. Ullapool Harbour Marine Operations Procedures 2. Management of Marine Operations 2.1 Communications Contacts: Harbour radio VHF Channel 14 Harbour Office +44 (0)1854 612091 Fax +44 (0)1854 612678 Harbour Master +44 (0)1854 612749 Depute Harbour Master +44 (0)1854 612934 Caledonian MacBrayne; VHF Ch 31 Tel +44 (0)1854 612358 07740 698171 Advice on approaches, navigation aids, relevant charts and sailing directions, available depths and ferry schedules is given in the Port Booklet, which is distributed widely. This information can be sent by fax to vessels or agents who request it. It is essential that visiting cruise vessels or other vessels unfamiliar with the port contact the Harbour Master in advance to obtain best advice on approaches, anchorages and environmental factors.
Approaching vessels other than regular ferries, contact the duty Harbour Master by radio. He then allocates a berth and gives advice on current levels of activity or precautions to be taken within the harbour. The Harbour Master will give information on the anchorages and approaches if requested. Outside normal hours radio calls are connected to the duty harbour master. At busy periods a member of harbour staff will normally be available on the piers to coordinate berth usage. All vessels, including ferries should make a general call on VHF Channel 14 before entering, moving within or leaving the harbour in the form: “All vessels Ullapool Harbour, this is '………' about to enter Ullapool berthing at…../ move from……. to ………/sail from……. for sea.” Small vessels, either fishing or recreational, find their own berths. They should also listen for radio calls on VHF Channel 14 before entering or moving within the harbour. Ferries also give three short blasts on their whistle if another vessel is observed approaching. The harbour radar covers the navigation channel and inner anchorage.
2.2 Pilotage Ullapool is not a Competent Harbour Authority as defined in the Pilotage Act. No pilots are authorised for the port and none with the necessary experience, are currently available. The Harbour Master will provide information on the approaches, layout and hazards of the port on request. Any vessel, owner or agent requesting a pilot will be advised that there are no authorised pilots for Ullapool. They can contact one of the coastal pilotage organisations or individuals, but the Authority neither arrange or endorse the services of any individual or organisation. The vessel master remains responsible for navigating his vessel into and out of the harbour, subject to any directions, general or specific, given by the Harbour Master. 2.3 Movements within the Harbour Visibility can be obscured by the height of the piers, hence small vessels may not be aware of other vessel movements, which may include ferries. Before moving vessel skippers or masters should:
The Depute Harbour Master will contact vessel masters/skippers who do not comply with these basic precautions. Persistent offenders may be subject to sanctions. 2.4 Anchorages The outer anchorage in Annat Bay is suitable for several medium sized vessels at the same time. Depths of at least 20 metres are available with good holding ground. Vessels intending to anchor in Annat Bay should contact the Harbour Master in advance to discuss the most suitable location given the vessel's draft and intended programme. If several vessels are using the anchorage, the Depute Harbour Master will actively manage it's use. The Byelaws contain sufficient powers of management. The inner anchorage, SW of the piers is used by visiting cruise ships and other medium sized vessels. A minimum depth of 20 metres is available within 0.3 miles of the piers although vessels should beware of an 8 metre patch in position 57º 53.33' N, 05º 09.75' W. There are no significant length constraints on a single such vessel. Fishing vessels anchor in shallower water further up Loch Broom. This anchorage is covered by the harbour radar. 2.5 Moorings All vessels, whatever their size must be properly moored and moorings properly tended at all times. If vessels are left unattended, the skipper must make arrangements for moorings to be checked and tended regularly. If one vessel of a group moored abreast leaves, then the skipper must ensure that moorings of the remaining vessels are left in a satisfactory condition. If any vessels are found to be improperly moored or tended, harbour staff may adjust those moorings without liability. The Depute Harbour Master will raise the matter with skippers who fail to comply with the above. 2.6 Unattended Vessels In exceptional circumstances and with express permission of the Depute Harbour Master, medium sized fishing vessels may lay over at the Inner Anchorage or the Fishing Pier. Such permission requires that: § The vessel is properly moored alongside or at an agreed anchorage § The weather forecast is suitable § The vessel skipper leaves an accessible point of contact with the duty Harbour Master § If the vessel is at anchor, the harbour radar is operational § The skipper accepts that harbour staff may tend moorings or take other essential steps to assure the safety of the harbour and it's users, without liability. Harbour staff will monitor the position of such vessels at anchor and periodically check the moorings of vessels alongside. 2.7 Handling Dangerous Goods Under the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations, vessels intending to land DG's must advise the Harbour Master of details 24 hours before arrival. Imports of DG's into Ullapool are very rare, being restricted to returned items or empty containers. Limited amounts of flammable liquids are carried on ferries which operate from Ullapool. The ferry operators are responsible for their safe handling and shipment. During shipment, basic safety precautions are required such as:
The harbour office is kept informed of such shipments and receives copies of ferry manifests showing dangerous goods carried. Periodically, the Harbour Master will observe the precautions being taken and review the handling of these goods with the operator. 2.8 Deficient Vessels Based on Incident and Near Miss Reports (Appendix D, Sects 2 &3) the Harbour Master keeps a record of vessels which, due to deficient performance, crewing or equipment, increase the hazards of the port or are otherwise unsuitable. In consultation with the operator and the Port Manager, he may take appropriate steps to restrict the operation of such vessels pending modifications or improvements. The Harbour Master has powers to issue Special Directions in respect of specific vessels or groups of vessels restricting their activities or requiring special provisions whenever such vessels use the port. Such Directions may include restrictions to daylight, certain states of wind and/or tide - in extreme cases, prohibition from the port. The Deficient Vessels record will include actions taken and restrictions imposed. It will be used as feed-back to the incident reporting system where appropriate. Ullapool Harbour Marine Operations Procedures 3. Conservancy 3.1 Surveys The Harbour Master reviews the need for surveys annually in consultation with the Trustees and users of the port. Need for a survey will be considered in the event of:
The survey may be general or specific to a particular area. A divers' inspection of the quays and immediate vicinity is carried out periodically as required basis. The annual review also considers need for such divers' inspection. A hydrographic survey will be carried out before any significant harbour works and again, allowing time for the effects to become apparent, after the works are complete. 3.2 Dredging If surveys indicate a significant decrease in depth, the Harbour Master will review the need for maintenance dredging to re-establish target depths. See Section 4.4 of these procedures for safety & operational and notification requirements. During divers' inspections mentioned above, tyres and significant debris are removed from the vicinity of the quays. Any capital dredging to increase the controlling depth would be a special project requiring additionally: · Justification based upon cost effectiveness and detailed survey · Approval from the Crown Estates · Risk Assessments · Determination of whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required under the Harbour Works (EIA) Regulations 1999. If spoil is to be disposed of in tidal waters, Consent is required under the 1949 Coast Protection Act from Scottish Executive, Transport Division. If disposal at sea - a license is required from the Scottish Executive, Fisheries Research Service. 3.2 Wrecks and Derelicts Under general powers and specific powers in the byelaws, the Harbour Master may order or arrange the removal of any wreck, abandoned vessel or other derelict obstructing the approaches or navigable channel within Port Limits. This is unlikely to be necessary outside the immediate harbour area. The Authority will try to identify the owners of any such derelict and require them to arrange removal. If ownership cannot be established in a reasonable period, or if the derelict is seriously impeding traffic, the Harbour Master may arrange removal. The Depute Harbour Master will ensure that any such operation is properly planned taking account of safety, environmental, traffic and recreational aspects, the location of the derelict and the potential risks. For any major operation the contractors must operate under a risk based safety management system and the operation be subject to an Unusual Event Risk Assessment involving concerned parties. Minor operations will be carried out in line with the authority's safety standards after an informal risk assessment by personnel involved. See Section 4.7 of these procedures – Salvage. 3.3 Navigation Aids Following are located at or in the approaches to Ullapool: § Cailleach Head Fl (2) 12 sec 9 miles § Rubha Cadail Fl W.R.G. 6 secs 9-6 M Various Sectors covering the approach through the Summer Isles and entrance to Loch Broom § Ullapool Point Buoy Qk Fl R marking the bank § Ullapool Point Iso R 4 sec 6 miles § Ferry Pier 2 FR (vert) § Fishing Pier Fl R 3 sec. The outer lights are operated and maintained by Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB). The buoy is owned by the Authority but maintained by NLB. The Point and harbour lights are operated and maintained by the Authority. Target availability is IALA Category II, that is 99% overall availability per year. The Authority maintains the navaids in line with NLB document “Instructions on the Provision and Maintenance of Aids to Navigation”. The Harbour Master will: · As soon as possible, verify any reported navaid deficiencies, and take necessary steps to mitigate the resultant risks · Promptly issue advice of any navaids unlit to UKHO, to NLB, to vessels in port and to other users by means of a local Notice to Mariners · Arrange for all navaids in the harbour area to be checked daily. Ullapool Harbour Marine Operations Procedures 4. Marine Services 4.1 General The configuration and trade of Ullapool Harbour are such that few marine services are necessary and none are regularly available. None the less UHT has a duty to ensure that any marine services are carried out safely by suitable craft, crewed by competent, experienced personnel and with due consideration for local environmental conditions. 4.2 Towage Any proposed towage operation must be discussed and agreed with the Harbour Master in advance. The contractor must satisfy the Harbour Master that the proposed towage vessel is: · Of sufficient power and manoeuvrability for task and the confines of the harbour · Is adequately and competently manned · That all critical equipment is operational · Is operated in accordance with a risk based safety management system, either formal or specific to the operation. If the towage vessel is unsuitable for these or other reasons, then operations will not proceed until suitable arrangements are in place. Any non-standard towing operation, such assisting a disabled or grounded vessel or any lightening operation will be subject to an Unusual Event Risk Assessment, in advance, involving concerned personnel. Any additional control measures indicated by the risk assessment must be implemented. 4.3 Miscellaneous Boat Services 4.3.1 Harbour Works Any small craft used for harbour and associated works, including harbour surveys, whether operated by UHT or by contractors on their behalf must:
The crew must wear lifevests, properly fastened, when on exterior decks or when in an open craft. The crew and their onshore supervisor must carry out a “tool-box talk” before commencing the operation, at the least this should cover:
The Depute Harbour Master is responsible for ensuring these requirements are met. 4.3.2 Small Passenger Craft These may include local small ferries, fish farm launches and cruise vessel tenders. The operation and safety provisions for passenger craft are the responsibility of the operator. Operation of such craft should be generally in line with the MCA Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Workboats and Pilots Boats. UHT have a duty to advise the operators of any factors which affect the safety of such operations such as environmental conditions, ferry or other large vessel operations, other special operations. 4.4 Dredging Any dredging contractor operating within the port will be required to: · Demonstrate it's experience and competence for the particular project; · Employ personnel who are properly qualified, experienced and trained for the type of project; · Operate a risk based safety management system. The Harbour Master and dredging contractor will, before commencement: · Carry out a risk assessment of the operation; · Develop special harbour procedures for the duration of the operation, these must involve the ferry operator if close to the ferry route; · Issue necessary warnings and notices, locally and via UKHO. Dredging operations will be subject to a Permit to Work. (see Appendix E) 4.5 Diving UHT has a responsibility to ensure that any diving within the Harbour Area is carried out safely, by competent divers, in accordance with HSE Guidance. Commercial diving requires a Diving Permit to Work valid for the specific operation and a specific duration, issued by the harbour office. See Appendix E. Any diving works on behalf of UHT will be carried out by competent diving contractors, operating a risk based safety management system. Contractors must provide evidence of their competence and SMS at the time of tendering. Any required diving on vessels within the Harbour Area must also be carried out by a competent diving contractor or otherwise be in compliance with HSE Guidance for Diving on Fishing Vessels. No such diving may take place without prior consultation with and approval by the Harbour Master. For any of the above diving operations:
The Harbour Master may order the cessation of diving if any of the above are not met or the operation appears otherwise unsafe. Recreational, sport or shellfish diving may only take place in the immediate vicinity of the harbour with the express permission of the Harbour Master and then only after the operator has provided evidence of it's safety. When in any doubt as to the safety of diving activity, the HSE Diving Inspectorate should be consulted. Safety of any such diving away from the immediate vicinity of the harbour is the responsibility of the operator of the diving craft 4.6 Line Handling Harbour staff assist with mooring/unmooring larger vessels including the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries. Other vessels outside normal working hours are expected to make their own arrangements for line handling. All persons handling moorings should take proper precautions against injury and/or drowning, including wearing of protective headgear, high visibility clothing and lifevests. Harbour staff must set an example and remind others of the requirement. 4.7 Salvage Any salvage operations in the Port must be carried out by a competent contractor, operating a risk based safety management system. A formal risk assessment is required prior to commencing the operation. Any specific controls or risk reduction measures identified as being necessary must be implemented. Tool box talks are essential before each shift or phase of the operation. A Permit to Work is required if operating in the vicinity of the harbour area. (See Appendix E of the Safety Management System) The ferry operator must be involved in planning if the location is close to the ferry route. Procedures for the operation must be produced by the contractor and cover:
UHT will implement necessary and appropriate exclusion zones whilst the operation being carried out. Ullapool Harbour Marine Operations Procedures 5. Harbour Personnel 5.1 Duties and Qualifications UHT Harbour staff comprise: Harbour Master/Port Responsible to the Trustees for the commercial and Manager administrative operation of the port. Also responsible for implementing legislation and safety systems. Liases with ferry operator, users organisations, contractors and regulators. Qualifications Experience in a senior seagoing rank with appropriate marine qualifications. Experience of marine operations with understanding of commercial and regulatory matters pertaining to port operations. Local marine knowledge. Depute Harbour Master Responsible for the safe, day to day marine operation of the port and for liaison with ferries, users, fishermen and other operators. Qualifications Good marine background including fishing and/or other seagoing experience. Familiar with the fishing industry. Local marine knowledge. Pier Assistants General purpose employees who handle lines and equipment including fork lift trucks, on the piers. Operate the ice plant and the ferry linkspan. Qualifications Ability to work independently. Local knowledge. Marine experience preferred. Ullapool Harbour Marine Operations Procedures 6. Recreational Craft The level of recreational navigation in Loch Broom is relatively low. There is a small pier owned by the local authority, to the east of the fishing pier with small craft moorings offshore in the same area. Further seasonal moorings are located on the western shore of the Loch opposite Ullapool Point. Visiting yachts enter the Loch and call at the harbour from time to time. One operator, based at the fishing pier, provides passenger trips to the Summer Isles. Some of the smaller fishing vessels could be classed as recreational. Jet skis are becoming more popular. Canoeing takes place in the sheltered waters of the Loch. Moorings can only be laid with the approval of the Harbour Master. No vessel may be launched into the harbour area without prior permission from the Harbour Master. Regattas, races and public events involving a number of craft require 14 days advance notice and consultation with the Harbour Master. In reviewing such proposals the Harbour Master will consider: · Potential interference with other port activities · Interaction with regular users such as ferries and fishing vessels · Provision of safety equipment and safety boats · Contingency planning in case of bad weather or an incident · Competence and safety culture of the organisers. Jet skis, water skiing, kiting parachute towing and similar activities are prohibited in the vicinity of the piers. Harbour staff observing such activities should bring this to the attention of the persons involved. Ullapool Harbour Marine Operations Procedures 7 Public Access The Byelaws prohibit the public from the piers. None the less, there is a perceived right of access. Access on foot to the CalMac ferries is direct and controlled. The entrance gate is normally kept closed to restrict access to the Pier. The risks inherent from public interaction with fish landings, cargo operations, net maintenance, line handling and vehicle movements on the piers are obvious. Harbour staff should actively but sensitively manage this interaction by:
· Reminding members of the public when they are in a working area or otherwise at risk · Requesting members of the public to stand back from hazardous activities such as line handling, fish landings and cargo operations · Requesting members of the public to use the safe walkways where marked, encouraging workers and crews to do the same · Enforcing parking restrictions on vehicles or plant which cause obstructions · Enforcing designated gear storage areas, requiring removal of equipment not in designated storage areas · Enforcing exclusion zones around hazardous operations such as handling of dangerous goods, diving, salvage etc. <FONT color=#6666 |
