Chairman’s Report: Winter 2010

March 15th, 2011 by JCB
Posted in Chairman | No Comments »

New Chairman: Don Cockrill

This is my first report to you as your Chairman since taking over from Joe Wilson on 30^th November. Joe sat “in the chair” for 4 demanding years and during that time dealt most professionally with numerous challenges to both individual members and the Association as a whole. We are all most grateful to him for all that he achieved in raising the professional profile of the UKMPA in various circles nationally and internationally as well as dealing sympathetically and efficiently with individual member’s problems from time to time. He has set a very high standard which be assured, I will do my best to continue to the best of my ability. The result of this change of chairmanship is an inevitable number of changes within our executive (the Section Committee) itself, the details of which you should have received in Circular 15/2010 and which is of course also available on the UKMPA website.

For those of you who do not know me, I have been a pilot with the Port of London Authority (PLA) since early 1991 following a seagoing career with CP Ships and Stolt Nielsen. I believe that it is paramount to ensure under the current ever increasing demands for commercial efficiency in all aspects of shipping, that seafarers’ (including pilots) safety, the safety of navigation and the protection of our sensitive marine environment are not compromised for short term financial gain. Additionally, there is a proven need for increased awareness and vigilance in the security of our ports and national borders. We know that the pilot (port and deep sea) has a pivotal role to play in all this and that it is often unappreciated, misunderstood, overlooked or even intentionally ignored in certain quarters. These factors, the maintenance and enhancement of the already high professional standards of UK pilotage and the careful, measured integration of new technologies into pilotage techniques have long been a goal of mine which I fully intend to pursue on your behalf in my time as your chairman. There is a lot going on the background at present, some of which I shall briefly describe:

Insurance and litigation.

There are a number of significant actions in progress where members are benefiting from the protection afforded by the Legal Protection insurance policies. It is inappropriate to give details here but they involve pilots in both Employed and Self Employed capacities in actions with respective CHAs where the pilots’ authorisations have been affected. One case in particular  involves a significant legal action due to be heard early next year, the ramifications of which could have far reaching consequences to interpretations of the Pilotage Act. Without the legal protection insurance, defense of the action would have been impossible.

Incident procedure

Your executive has recently tried to improve and simplify arrangements for legal assistance to members. The blue information card will be re-issued (in another colour) with the insurance renewal papers in January and the information is also contained in the latest Circular (recently published 17/2010) on action to be taken in the event of involvement in an incident. It is reproduced on page 18 of this edition of The Pilot.

UKSON

The latest (88) meeting of the UK Safety of Navigation (UKSON) committee had two matters of direct relevance to UKMPA members – indeed to all UK pilots.

The first was regarding ECDIS and the qualifications required for pilots. With the start of the phased compulsory carriage of ECDIS equipment, STCW regulations require that all STCW certificate holders will be required to undertake an STCW standard ECDIS course. This will apply to pilots if you wish to maintain validity of your Certificate of Competency. Note though that the MCA have confirmed that a pilot will not be required to undertake “type specific” training as a watch-keeping officer is required to. Also, it should be noted that at this stage, there is no obligatory requirement per-se for a pilot (not wishing to revalidate a CoC) to undertake ECDIS training, although clearly from a professional perspective it is desirable and there may of course be post-incident legal implications for a pilot that has not undertaken any appropriate ECDIS training.

The other UKSON issue was particularly relevant to deep sea pilots with regard to defect reporting obligations outlined in MIN380. As I write, the matter is in hand between UKMPA, EUROPILOTS, the Association of Deep Sea Pilot Companies and the MCA to determine the best way to deal with this delicate issue.

Many of you will have taken part in the IMPA / EMPA pilot ladder survey in September. Although globally the participation level was not as high as in previous years, I am pleased to report that the UK contribution was significant. The full results of the survey are available on the IMPA web site at www.impahq.org

Another date for your diary is June 14^th to 16^th for Seawork 2011 . We will once again have a stand at this exhibition which is proving to be a great tool for raising the UKMPA profile both within the industry and to the general public. Mike Robarts is leading the organisation but is in need of some assistance. So if you fancy helping him with the organisation or can give up a day or more to join the team manning the stand (travel expenses will be paid) email him on mar146@hotmail.com .

Before I close, it would be remiss not to congratulate Forth Pilots on their attainment of accreditation under the ISPO scheme. They are the first UK pilotage organisation to reach the standard, others are working towards it. Full details of the scheme may be found on the ISPO web site at www.ispo-code.com

Finally, in September 2012 the UKMPA will be hosting the 21^st IMPA Congress in London.

The venue is already booked and work is well underway with the organisation. The organising committee chaired by Joe, is always open to input with ideas or better still volunteers to help with the event organisation alongside the contracted organising company. Contact Joe via joewilson22@o2.co.uk . You will hear more of the arrangements as time goes by but meanwhile, why not register your expression of interest to attend on the web site at www.impa2012.com/register. No money needs to be paid at present, though you may also wish to book early the hotel accommodation at the very advantageous rates only available through the website.

With that, I wish you all a very happy festive season. Those of you who will be working through the period will I’m sure be in the thoughts of those colleagues who are not. Take care, safe sailing and “happy landings!”

Don Cockrill