Operations

Port Marine Safety Code

The Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) sets out national standards for every aspect of port marine safety. All harbour authorities in the UK that have statutory powers and duties are expected to comply with the Code, which covers all marine facilities, berths and terminals.

The PMSC was first developed in 2000, as a direct outcome of the Sea Empress disaster at Milford Haven in the 1990s. Since then, it has been reviewed and revised every three years, most recently in 2016.

The aim of the PMSC is clear – to improve safety for all in the port marine environment, including those who use or work in ports, their ships, passengers and cargoes, and the environment.

We discharge all statutory duties to remain open, accountable and fit for purpose. The Authority’s safety plan for its marine operations is based on compliance with all of the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code and in accordance with the guidance in the Guide to Good Practice on Port Marine Operations.

These commitments include:

  • Taking reasonable care so that all who navigate in the Haven may do so without danger to their lives or property.
  • Conserving and promoting the safe use of Harwich Haven.
  • Having regard to the safety, efficiency and economy of marine operations.
  • Taking such action that is necessary or desirable for the maintenance, operation, improvement or conservancy of the harbour.

We base our powers and policies on the formal assessment of hazards and risks, and maintains a Safety Management System (SMS) which ensures that those risks are as low as reasonably practicable.


Designated Person contact details:

For Port Marine Safety code related matters, our Designated Person is Capt. Martin Phipps MBE.

By post: Designated Person (PMSC) ‘Harwich Haven Authority’
ABPmer, Quayside Suite, Medina Chambers
Town Quay, SOUTHAMPTON, SO14 2AQ

By email: [email protected]
By telephone: +44 (0)23 8071 1840