Chairman’s Report: January 2012

March 16th, 2012 by JCB
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The new year started with some enthusiasm considering the storms that have been taxing our professional expertise!

No doubt you will have noticed that we have a new logo. This time last year design ideas were requested from the membership but with none forthcoming, Section Committee commissioned  a professional designer. We believe that the new logo better reflects all the countries of the United Kingdom as well as including the fouled anchor and its analogy with pilotage.

Much occurred in the latter part of 2011. Most notable for us was the government’s Red Tape Challenge (RTC) consultation which focussed on maritime legislation.

The fact that maritime legislation was the target was not well promulgated by the Dft and representation has been made to the Department at the highest possible level.  Despite that, there was significant input by Association members although it was a little disappointing that the  input was not more widespread considering the number of reminders and encouragement for members to participate. Concurrently with the RTC, the Private Member’s Marine Navigation Bill came under the spotlight at a meeting that I attended at the House of Lords with a number of other stakeholders.  At that meeting, the contentious, dangerous clause referring to the proposed deregulation of PECs was removed although not without resistance from one stakeholder! On legal advice I introduced further amendments to the proposed bill but it remains to be seen if these will be included or even if the Bill will achieve a second reading.

In addition to the quarterly SC meeting, myself and other SC members represented the UKMPA at the UK Harbour Masters’ Association (UKHMA) seminar, the Nautical Institute Command Seminar, the RIN AIS seminar, the UK Ports conference, the MNB meeting and a number of industry receptions. I also spoke at the British Tug Owners’ Association Autumn seminar and at the ECDIS Revolution Conference. Peter Wylie and Graham Langley rounded the year off with attendance at the PMSC Steering Group meeting where they spoke strongly and effectively to defend the pilots’ true role in working with a Bridge Navigation Team correcting the often mistaken belief that the pilot integrates into the team, which of course is not possible in law as a result of the STCW regulations.

We are all aware that one of the most dangerous aspects of our profession is negotiating the pilot ladder.  There have been several serious incidents which are elaborated on elsewhere in this issue. Thankfully only one resulted in personal injury and I am pleased to report that the pilot involved is making a good, but slow and painful recovery. Remember that if you see a defective ladder, you are not obliged to use it and any defects should be reported to the MCA as well as your Harbour Master. Pilot ladder incidents must be reported by law and we would appreciate notification as well to aid IMPA in keeping the IMO advised of the current situation regarding regulatory compliance.

This coming year is going to be a very significant one for our Association.  Not only are we hosting the IMPA 2012 Congress in September but also, through the Liverpool Pilots, the EMPA football tournament in May (see page 17). The latter will follow immediately on from UKMPA conference in Harrogate.  As many members as possible are encouraged to attend these events. Each offers unique opportunities which are equally important to our profession. Although SC works hard on your behalf throughout the year, any organisation is only as strong as its membership. Please therefore do mark the dates of the events above in your diaries and see if you are able to attend one or more of them. The Association is involved in many things throughout the year to promote the Association and protect members’ interests and is often looking for members to help in some way. As an example, details of Seaworks and how you can help there can be found within this edition.

I wish you calm weather and safe seas.