News - 25/02/20

Cowes Harbour Commission and its harbour operations are fully compliant with the Port Marine Safety Code. This is the finding from a recent safety audit conducted by ABPmer, which also found many instances of industry best practice, according to ABPmer’s press statement.

Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) recently appointed marine consultancy ABPmer to provide a complete check of its compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC). ABPmer has a wealth of experience delivering Port Marine Safety Code support services to port and harbour operators.

The PMSC assurance audit is required of all UK Harbour Authorities and any organisation running port marine terminals. The aim of an assurance visit is to confirm that standards of marine safety are maintained, in line with the requirements of the Code.

Cowes Harbour Commission operates the largest port on the Isle of Wight, with high-speed passenger ferries, vehicle and freight ferry connections to the Port of Southampton handling approximately 3,000,000 passengers annually. The port also provides for commercial ships handling approximately 600,000 tonnes of cargo each year.

Cowes is world renowned for its yacht and leisure community, hosting events such as Cowes Week and the annual Round the Island Race. As a Harbour Authority, CHC provides a Pilotage service and a dedicated harbour patrol for on-the-water safety and assistance.

ABPmer’s specialist Maritime team found that Cowes Harbour Commission is compliant with all requirements of the Code. The audit tested the 10 key measures required for successful implementation of the Code, together with the associated port marine operations.

Cowes Harbour Master, Capt. Stuart McIntosh said: “The audit result is further endorsement and confirmation that Cowes Harbour Commission is fully committed to providing a safe operation for our local port community and all our visiting harbour users.”

Monty Smedley, ABPmer’s Lead PMSC Auditor added: “We are very pleased to confirm that Cowes Harbour Commission and their harbour operations demonstrate complete compliance with the Code, with many examples that we consider to be industry best practice.”

• Link to PMSC Audit Report – Cowes Harbour – March 2020