Chairman’s Report July 2008

September 7th, 2008 by JCB
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As I write this I am about to depart for London to speak to the Transport Select Committee regarding the Draft Marine Navigation Bill. Recently I spoke to some Scottish MSP’s in Holyrood, this regarding the situation with Clyde Pilots. Perhaps it is an indication that matters regarding pilotage and ports are “hotting up”.

The situation with Clyde Pilots has continued to deteriorate, and the majority of the existing pilots received notice to terminate their contract as of July 18^th. ClydePorts have taken pre-emptive action by seeking to employ “new” pilots. One such was a pilot (and UKMPA member) in another district – he was trained to conduct [limited] pilotage in 5 days. There is “Honour amongst thieves”, where they do not steal from each other; so why not honour amongst pilots? Following consultation with section committee it was my pleasure to terminate his membership of the UKMPA. We have asked for Clyde Ports to meet with ACAS in order to resolve the dispute, but they have refused.

The UKMPA representatives addressed SMP’s at Holyrood House. L-R: T.Purse (Clyde), D. Stirling (Clyde),     S. McMillan (MSP), Joe Wilson (Tees), J. Pretswell (Forth) P. Wibberley (Forth), B. Youde (RA Wilkinson).

The 2008 Conference in May was a great success, and it was a pleasure to see so many pilots and partners there. Thanks should go to Peter Wylie and his partner, Louise, for all their time and effort in the organisation. We were so impressed with Harrogate that we have made a provisional booking for 2010. It was agreed by delegates to maintain an annual Conference, and we shall therefore stop the IDM in favour of a 1 day biennial Conference. For your diaries, the next will be onboard HQS Wellington on May 13^th 2009 – details later. A raffle raised £676 and this has been sent to the Marine Society – many thanks to those that donated the excellent prizes.

You will now have heard about action being taken by the PNPF trustees in relation to the deficit. The trustees have appointed litigators to act in this matter. I expect that a communication to all members will be sent in the near future, explaining what is happening. The workload is massive – we have received reams of documents going back to the early 1970’s, and with trustee elections looming all I would say is that now would not be a good time to be changing trustees – we had considered not having the elections, but “rules are rules”! I doubt that anyone would volunteer to become a trustee now, and I can see that there will only be “professional trustees” in the future – paid presumably by the pension funds they represent.

It looks as though the year ahead will be a busy one, and I must thank all those who give up a lot of their own time on behalf of everyone.

Joe Wilson

Chairman