Navigational Safety

Safety is essential to ports and the DfT’s Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) provides the framework within which UK ports operate.

The BPA is represented on the PMSC National Steering Group overseeing implementation of the Code and accompanying Guide to Good Practice. The Group reviews the PMSC Guidance and deals directly with MAIB recommendations with implications for the Code. It is also responsible for work on national occupational standards in the marine field.

As well as the PMSC the BPA sits on the National Directions Panel which was set up to assist with implementation of part of the Marine Navigation Act 2013. The NDP is an industry chaired panel which has written non statutory guidance for port authorities wishing to utilise harbour directions.