ABPmer audit confirms clear focus on marine safety at Ilfracombe Harbour

A PMSC assurance audit is required for all UK Harbour Authorities and any organisation running marine facilities. The aim is to confirm that ports, harbours and marine facilities are maintaining standards of marine safety, in line with the requirements of the Code.

Ilfracombe Harbour provides a haven for recreational vessels, tour boat operators and a fleet of commercial fishing vessels. The harbour serves a vital role as the home port for MS Oldenburg, running scheduled passenger and provisioning services to the Isle of Lundy. The Harbour Authority is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of all vessels within the harbour limits. It provides an on-site Harbour Master management function, with wider roles for marine safety advice across NDC’s other marine assets

Following the assurance audit, ABPmer confirmed that Ilfracombe Harbour Authority was compliant with all requirements of the Code.

The audit tested the 10 key measures required for compliance, together with the associated benchmarking for safe port marine operations. Ilfracombe Harbour Master, Capt. Georgina Carlo-Paat said “We are delighted with the results of ABPmer’s audit, demonstrating that we run a safe and welcoming environment for our commercial stakeholders and port community alike. This is further endorsement and confirmation of the Harbour Authority’s focus on safe marine operations.”

Monty Smedley, ABPmer’s Lead PMSC Auditor added “We were pleased to confirm to NDC, as the Ilfracombe Harbour Authority Duty Holder, that harbour operations in Ilfracombe demonstrated compliance with the Code, with a number of examples we consider industry best practice.”

ABPmer has a wealth of experience providing PMSC support to port and harbour operators. Their maritime consultants, Master Mainers, marine scientists, regulatory advisors and auditors provide a total risk management solution tailored to the needs of the ports sector.