The UKHMA broadly supports the recommendations of the Report regarding qualifications for harbour masters and pilots, pilot exemption certificates and General Directions, albeit that the Association believes that voluntary routes are the preferred courses for the maintenance of the Port Marine Safety Code and for the implementation of National Occupational Standards for harbour masters.

The Association also welcomed the Committee’s recommendation that local lighthouse authorities should not be liable for the inaction of recalcitrant third-party providers of aids to navigation when there is a failure to comply with a GLA inspection or direction.

 With regard to the issues of new powers of General Direction and the ability to remove unwanted pilotage powers, the UKHMA believes that both recommendations will enhance the safety of harbour marine operations and provide for a more efficient environment for a number of ports currently burdened with unwieldy byelaw systems or encumbered by dormant Competent Harbour Authority status.

Specifically, with regard to qualifications for harbour masters, the UKHMA welcomed the Committee’s understanding of the wide variation in the duties and responsibilities of harbour masters in different ports, and supports their recommendation that any new powers, if implemented, should be exercised with appropriate sensitivity and flexibility to the types and sizes of ports in the UK.

As a further measure of support to the principle of qualifications for harbour masters, the UKHMA has been in direct discussion with the Department for Transport, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, training providers, and other key stakeholders with a view to developing a system of training, qualification and certification that is appropriate for three identified groups in the harbour master sector. These are harbour masters in post; those seeking a position as harbour master by way of recruitment or promotion; and new entrants to the industry. The UKHMA has also commissioned and funded a study into the correlation between existing academic modules and practices and the training requirements of the three target groups.