Changing Responsibilities

The past 10 years have seen a huge expansion in the port responsibilities for safety, security and the environment. Safety covers both dock operations and navigational safety. In 2002, the Port Safety Initiative was launched with the aim of reducing major accidents by 10% by the end of 2005. For navigational safety, the Port Marine Safety Code, published in 2000, led to changes in the way port managements address marine safety. This includes establishing formalised links between port operational managers and port boards, the drawing up of safety plans and wide consultation with users.

On 1 July 2004 a completely new security regime – the International Ship and Port Security Code – was implemented. This sets up a regime for ships and ports with identified personnel responsible for security and port plans based on three levels of security ranging from normal to a specific threat. The UK has already had an extensive security regime for passenger ports since the 1991 Aviation and Maritime Security Act but the new legislation, implemented as a direct result of September 11, introduces measures for all port types.

On the environment, strong industry action has been taken to reduce impacts. BPA members were the first in the UK to receive certification under the ECOPORTS Environmental Management Scheme and many members undertake extensive monitoring and environmental reporting. There has also been important legislation dealing with responses to oil spills and receiving ships waste. New legislation to be implemented over the next decade on Vessel Traffic Management, enabling the co-ordination of identification and tracking of vessels will also bring about a major expansion in ship reporting responsibilities.