Contact: Tony Clatworthy, tel 01489 576387

email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 On 8 September 2005 the River Hamble Harbour Board approved planning consents for Eastlands Boatyard and Universal Marina, subject to the views of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee. The Harbour Board decided that, should the Management Committee recommend any minor changes to the proposals for Eastlands Boatyard and Universal Marina, the Chairman of the Harbour Board in consultation with the Marine Director be delegated to proceed to grant conditional consent. Should the Management Committee have any major recommendations the proposal/s affected would be put before the Harbour Board for further consideration. The proposals for Riverside Boatyard (Foulkes Boatyard) and The Royal Southern Yacht Club have not yet been before the River Hamble Harbour Board. Therefore the Management Committee may wish to submit a report to the Harbour Board on these proposals.

2. Corporate Strategy

2.1 These decisions support Aims 1 to 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Maximising Life Opportunities, Stewardship of the Environment, Achieving Economic Prosperity, Building Strong and Safe Communities, and Improving Services) by contributing to the statutory duties entailed in the management of the River Hamble.

3. Designated Sites and the Harbour Authority's Responsibilities

3.1 The River Hamble Harbour Authority is a Relevant Authority under The Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c) Regulations 1994, commonly known as the Habitats Regulations. As a Relevant Authority the Harbour Authority therefore has a duty to secure compliance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive and to ensure that in the exercise of any of its powers or functions it will have regard to both direct and indirect effects on the interest features of the European Marine Site.

3.2 The River Hamble is part of the Solent European Marine Site and is afforded protection due to its international nature conservation value. The majority of the Hamble estuary East and West banks fall within the Solent and Southampton Water Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. The whole river is within the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

3.3 As a section 28G authority under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000), The River Hamble Harbour Authority has a duty to take reasonable steps, consistent with the proper exercise of the authority's functions, to further the conservation and enhancement of the flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features by reason of which the site is of special scientific interest.

3.4 Consent may be granted by the River Hamble Harbour Board permitting harbour works in the navigation of the River Hamble to accord with Section 10 of the Southampton Harbour Act 1924 and Section 48 of the Southampton Harbour Act 1949, as amended by the River Hamble Harbour Revision Orders 1969 to 1989. Within the River Hamble Harbour Board's statutory duties lies the responsibility to ensure that all matters concerning navigational safety are addressed. This area of responsibility includes the following proposed developments which are set out in the attached appendix:

(i) Eastlands Boatyard - Annex A;

(ii) Universal Marina - Annex B;

(iii) Riverside Boatyard - Annex C; and

(iv) Royal Southern Yacht Club - Annex D.

4. Impact Assessments

4.1 The refurbishment at Eastlands Boatyard will improve the mooring situation for the disabled charity boat, reducing its costs which currently go to the cost of the mooring tackle and buoys.

4.2 The installation of a pontoon by Universal Marina on the J13-J15 will improve the safety measures for mooring and boarding the London Sailing Project vessels. This charity operates three 50 foot vessels from the mooring. The registered charity gives opportunities for the handicapped and disadvantaged youngsters from the inner city of London to experience sailing.

4.3 The installations of walk ashore berths, provision of full services and improved decking will produce improved opportunities for handicapped sailors at Riverside Boatyard and The Royal Southern Yacht Club.

Recommendations

Eastlands Boatyard

Details of this proposal are appended as Annex A. The recommendation is:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee supports this proposal and reports to the River Hamble Harbour Board accordingly, allowing Eastlands Boatyard to proceed with the proposed plans to refurbish its boatyard as set out on Drawing Number 8790/3 Title: Proposed New Layout; Scale 1:500. Should conditional consent be granted, it is recommended to include as part of any consent the following conditions, that:

(i) copies of all other consents required for this project be produced to the Harbour Master before proceeding with the works;

(ii) the number of boats moored within the curtilage of Eastlands Boatyard is not increased beyond the current level of vessels;

(iii) the developer produces to the Harbour Master, before proceeding with the works, a method statement to include:

(a) start and completion dates of the works;

(b) disposal plan for obsolete pontooning and floats;

(c) type of pile driving, percussion or vibro;

(d) proposed location of any displaced vessels during the works;

(e) all sinkers, ground chain, risers and mooring buoys are removed from the bed of the river and disposed of correctly;

(f) two fixed green vertical navigation lights to be established and maintained by the marina (Eastlands Boatyard) on the furthest upstream and downstream outer pontoons; and

(g) any lighting established on the pontoon system must be off a type that does not interfere with safe navigation; and

(iv) the developer is to adhere to the approved method statement throughout the process. Major amendments will not be permitted and minor amendments must have the prior written approval of the Harbour Master.

Universal Marina

Details of this proposal are appended as Annex B. The recommendation is:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee supports this proposal and reports to the River Hamble Harbour Board accordingly, allowing Universal Marina to relocate, drive new piles and install a continuous pontoon, as detailed in the proposed plans set out on Drg No 8686/13, Scale 1:1000 Title J13 - 15 Pontoons. Should conditional consent be granted, it is recommended to include as part of any consent the following conditions, that:

(i) copies of all other consents required for this project are produced to the Harbour Master before proceeding with the works;

(ii) the developer produces to the Harbour Master, before proceeding with the works, a method statement to include:

(a) start and completion dates of the works; and

(b) type of pile driving, percussion or vibro;

(iii) the number of boats moored at the location is not increased beyond the current numbers; and

(iv) the developer is to adhere to the approved method statement throughout the process. Major amendments will not be permitted and minor amendments must have the prior written approval of the Harbour Master.

Riverside Boatyard (Foulkes Boatyard)

Details of this proposal are appended as Annex C. The recommendation is:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee supports this revised proposal and reports to the River Hamble Harbour Board accordingly, allowing Riverside Boatyard (Foulkes Boatyard) to proceed with the proposed plans to refurbish its boatyard as set out on Drawing Number M2802/014 Title: Foulkes Boatyard Pontoon Layout Existing/Revised Proposal; Scale 1:1000. Should conditional consent be granted, it is recommended to include as part of any consent the following conditions, that:

(i) copies of all other consents required for this project be produced to the Harbour Master before proceeding with the works;

(ii) the number of boats moored within the curtilage of Riverside Boatyard (Foulkes Boatyard) is not increased beyond the current level of vessels;

(iii) the developer produces to the Harbour Master, before proceeding with the works, a method statement to include:

(a) start and completion dates of the works;

(b) disposal plan for obsolete pontooning and floats;

(c) type of pile driving, percussion or vibro;

(d) proposed location of any displaced vessels during the works;

(e) all sinkers, ground chain, risers and mooring buoys made redundant by the modernisation are removed from the bed of the river and disposal plans are produced to the Harbour Master.;

(f) two fixed red vertical navigation lights to be established and maintained by the marina (Riverside Boatyard (Foulkes Boatyard)) on the furthest upstream and downstream outer pontoons; and

(g) any lighting established on the pontoon system must be off a type that does not interfere with safe navigation; and

(iv) the developer is to adhere to the approved method statement throughout the process. Major amendments will not be permitted and minor amendments must have the prior written approval of the Harbour Master.

Royal Southern Yacht Club

Details of this proposal are appended as Annex D. The recommendation is:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee supports this proposal and reports to the River Hamble Harbour Board accordingly, allowing the Royal Southern Yacht Club to proceed with the proposed plans to refurbish its marina as set out in Drawing Number M0504/202 rev B dated 17/11/04 scale 1:500, Titled Regatta Centre and Moorings Showing Dimensions and Existing and Drg No M0504/203 rev A dated 17/11/04 scale 1:150, Titled Modified Access Bridge and Landing to Provide In-Shore Navigation.

Should conditional consent be granted, it is recommended to include as part of any consent the following conditions, that:

(i) copies of all other consents required for this project be produced to the Harbour Master before proceeding with the works;

(ii) the number of boats moored within the curtilage of the Royal Southern Yacht Club marina is not increased beyond the current level of vessels moored in that area, but temporary consents may be given by the Harbour Master to exceed that restriction during notified regattas;

(iii) Royal Southern Yacht Club is to establish and maintain a solar powered navigation light on each of the furthest upstream and downstream outer piles of the proposed marina. Both of the lights are to have the characteristics: Fl. R. 4 sec. The lights are to be established within 24 hours of the build being completed and of a type approved by the Harbour Master;

(iv) the upstream and downstream piles to be painted with a two metre band of high visibility red paint and maintained by the Royal Southern Yacht Club;

(v) all services currently laid on the bed of the River to be removed from the bed of the river and the river bed to be returned to its original condition;

(vi) any lighting established on the pontoon system must be of a type that does not interfere with safe navigation;

(vii) any small craft moored on the inner pontoon are to be moored in such a way as to allow tenders to make passage under the walkway;

(viii) the developer produces to the Harbour Master, before proceeding with the works, a method statement to include:

(a) start and completion dates of the works;

(b) disposal plan for obsolete pontooning and floats;

(c) type of pile driving, percussion or vibro; and

(d) proposed location of any displaced vessels during the works; and

(ix) the developer is to adhere to the approved method statement throughout the process. Major amendments will not be permitted and minor amendments must have the prior written approval of the Harbour Master.

623/TC

APPENDIX

Annex A to Report of the Director of Environment

To River Hamble Harbour Management Committee

dated 10 October 2005

Eastlands Boatyard

1. Eastlands Boatyard has applied for conditional Harbour Authority consent to modernise the moorings which are located directly upstream of the M27 road bridge.

2. The existing boatyard moorings consists of two mooring trots and ground tackle in the middle of the River and two further inner trots. These moorings largely consist of pontoons providing berthing on each side. There are currently moorings for 46 boats using 4 trots utilising 23 mooring buoys. Access to the inner south mooring is gained by a piled jetty running across the marshland. At the southern end of the site is an operational slipway with a small pontoon.

3. The moorings are secured with sinkers and chains and are in a poor condition and will shortly require attention. The access jetty across the marshland is sub-standard and requires immediate attention. The option to rebuild the jetty is likely to cause damage to the marshland during the construction. In order for this long established yard to remain viable it is necessary to renew much of the mooring arrangement. This will also provide an opportunity to clean up this area of the River and reduce the space taken up with moorings. It is also an opportunity, with the agreement and help of the marina owner, to move the moorings restricted area further downstream.

4. The boatyard operator has produced a plan which removes all the mooring tackle from the River bed, reduces the extent of the northerly mooring area and also completely removes the piled jetty from the marshland and mudflats.

5. The details of the scheme are:

a. install a continuous piled pontoon mooring in the River matching the current footprint. The pontoons will be re-positioned to match the river bed contours whilst still leaving safe navigable access upstream. Having the pontooning fixed also removes the problem of the mooring moving out into the main channel, restricting its width, as the tide rises and falls.

b. the boatyard owner is willing to reduce the moorings upstream and move the northern limit of moorings downstream. To help achieve this he will provide free moorings to the disabled charity vessels, which currently sit on a trot well upstream from the boatyard. Free access will be given to the coxswain and maintenance staff but disabled access will remain from the Country Park Jetty.

c. the access jetty will be removed from the inter-tidal mudflats and marshland completely and access will be gained from a pontoon system running alongside the slipway with a link to the pontoons.

6. The benefits of the proposed scheme are:

a. all ground tackle is removed from the River.

b. the inner north mooring location is removed completely.

c. the southern inner mooring is moved away from the mudflats.

d. the existing access is removed from the marshland.

e. safe navigation will be maintained past the moorings without drift at low tide.

f. safe access to the moorings will be provided.

g. no increase in boat numbers will be allowed.

h. there is no requirement for dredging.

i. the northerly limit of moorings will be moved further south.

7. Full details of the proposed development are set out in the plan titled Proposed New Layout, plan number Drg Number 8790/3, Scale 1:500.

8. Harbour Master's Comments

8.1 The proposed plan is an opportunity to:

a. clean up this area of the River and withdraw the moorings into a tighter area.

b. reduce the danger of moorings drifting into the main channel.

c. remove all ground tackle from the river bed.

d. remove the walkway across the marshland and inter-tidal mudflats which has fallen into disrepair.

8.2 The proposed development does not have any adverse effects on navigational safety.

9. Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations

9.1 The proposed works lie within a European Marine Site and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

10. Harbour Works Regulations 1999

10.1 It is considered that this application constitutes a "Relevant Project". The Harbour Master should be informed of the proposed timing and method statement for the works. Mitigation would be discussed between the Environment Agency, English Nature and the Harbour Authority. Pontooning these trot type moorings would also be an opportunity to reduce the ground tackle in the River and may therefore reduce disturbance to the species and features of the designated sites.



RIVER HAMBLE HARBOUR AUTHORITY

PORT MARINE SAFETY CODE

RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT

Proposed Development

Eastlands Boatyard

22 September 2005

INTRODUCTION

The Government looks to all Harbour Authorities to implement the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code (The Code). The Code is intended to apply to all Harbour Authorities to the extent that they have duties and powers relating to marine safety.

It is particularly directed at Harbour Authorities and to Directors, Commissioners or Trustees who are members of the boards of such Harbour Authorities. The Code is not optional it applies to ports of all sizes, irrespective of resources or levels of traffic.

The Code represents the national standard against which policies, procedures and performance of Harbour Authorities may be measures. It is obligatory for the purpose of meeting the standard in the Code that measures are taken to reduce all risks associated with port marine operations to As Low As Reasonably Practical (ALARP).

1. SCOPE

The Code does not apply to duties and powers other than those related to marine operations. Marine operations are those that facilitate the safe use of a harbours by vessels. They include the direction of shipping and the regulation of safety of navigation in a harbour and the maintenance of aids to navigation within the jurisdiction of a harbour.

2. BACKGROUND

The River Hamble Harbour Authority has been asked to comment on such works as detailed in the planning consents report going to the River Hamble Management Committee on the 10 October 2005. Examination of the plans (DRG No 8790/3A Eastlands Boatyard Ltd dated July 2005) show that the main channel will be altered and a route through the moorings will not be available. Previously the route was only available during periods of high water. As a consequence the Harbour Authority has deemed it necessary to complete a formal risk assessment.

3. RISK ASSESSMENT

The Code requires that each Harbour Authority assess risks associated with marine operations and manages those risks to reduce them to As Low As Reasonably Possible (ALARP). Risk assessment is an ongoing process to this end the risk assessment has been carried out by the Harbour Master to consider the risks associated with the proposed development at Eastlands Boatyard.

4. DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this report the following definitions will apply:

A hazard is anything that can cause harm to a person, property or the environment;

A risk is the chance, high or low, that a person, property or the environment will be harmed by the hazard.

5. METHODOLOGY

To assess risks in The River Hamble 4 steps are followed:

1. Hazards are identified;

2. The consequence of the hazard materialised are assessed;

3. The risk and existing precautions are evaluated;

4. The findings are recorded.

It is also recognised that provision must be made to review and revise this assessment as necessary.

The aim of the risk assessment is to ensure that all of the significant hazards (potential accidents) associated with marine operations are identified and quantified in terms of risk to people, property and/or the environment.

This information provides an essential input to the continual development of The River Hamble Harbour Authority Safety Management System and will be used by the Harbour Authority as a rational basis on which to decide priorities and to set objectives for eliminating hazards and or reducing risks to As Low As Reasonably Practical.

The risk assessment identifies each hazard and then categorises them as either a collision, contact, grounding or a swamping hazard:

Collision: Collision between two or more vessels which are underway, regardless of whether the vessel(s) are not under command or disabled in any way but excluding wrecks.

Contact: A vessel striking, or being struck by, an external object or a vessel that is not underway (e.g. anchored or moored), excluding the sea bed.

Grounding: A vessel coming to rest on, or riding across, underwater features or objects.

Swamping: The excessive ingress of water over the gunwale of a vessel such that it becomes waterlogged and may sink.

An estimated degree of risk is assigned to each identified hazard to provide a relative rating between risks. The following scoring system has been applied:

LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE

CONSEQUENCE

Each hazard has been assigned a score of 1 to 5 for the "likelihood of occurrence" and a score of 1 to 5 for "consequence". The "risk rating" has then been obtained by multiplying the two scores together giving a maximum rating of 25. The higher the rating the more serious the potential consequences. Rating risks help to give an indication of their significance.

As a guide it is considered that any "risk rating" of 12 and above, is not ALARP and therefore additional precautions should be implemented to ensure compliance with the Code.

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT of Eastlands Boatyard

Recommended measures to manage the risk:

Downstream outer pontoon to have two vertical green navigation lights.

Downstream pile to be painted high visibility green (starboard hand mark).

Sign with arrow similar to inland waterways signage, indicating main channel.

Recommended measures to manage the risk:

Upstream outer pontoon to have two vertical green navigation lights.

Upstream outer pile to be painted high visibility green (starboard hand mark).

Sign with arrow similar to inland waterways signage, indicating main channel.

6. RESULT OF RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Of the 6 identified hazards, all 6 obtained risk ratings that would indicate that they would be ALARP.

7. CONCLUSION AND HARBOUR MASTER'S RECOMMENDATIONS

The only issue that might be considered by some River users which is not addressed within this risk assessment is that of the route through the moorings. The route through the moorings is only available during high tide and becomes unusable during periods of low water. Should the development proceed this route will not be available. The main channel will be located in a better position, well marked with a better and safer approach. Having carefully considered this risk assessment the Harbour Master recommends that as a consequence of the proposed development at Eastlands Boatyard, navigational safety will not be adversely effected.

8. ONGOING RISK ASSESSMENTS

The assessments of risks is an ongoing process. This risk assessment will be regularly reviewed and updated and/or amended as appropriate. New risks that emerge as conditions or the use of the harbour change will be given immediate attention.

Risk assessment and the management of risks is a continual process.

AG Clatworthy

Harbour Master

22 September 2005

Annex B to Report of the Director of Environment

To River Hamble Harbour Management Committee

dated 10 October 2005

Application to Re-pile and Install Continuous Pontooning

John Willment Marine - Universal Marina

1. Universal Marina has applied for conditional consent to install a continuous pontoon run on piles J13 to J15 as detailed on drawing number DRG No 8686/13 Scale 1:1000 titled J13-J15 Pontoons.

2. Piles J13, J14 and J15 are located midstream on the eastern side of the main fairway off Universal Marina. Ownership of the piles has recently been transferred from the Crown Estate to Universal Marina.

3. Universal Marina has now requested consent to move pile J13, 10 metres upstream, drive a further three piles and install a continuous pontoon run. The proposed development will increase the gap between J12* and J13 from 45 metres to 55 metres. This gap is used as an approach route to the main landing and boat hoist of Universal Marina.

4. The gap from J15 to J16 will be reduced by 10 metres to 35 metres which allows safe manoeuvring room for boats to approach and depart from the inner moorings.

5. Harbour Master's Comments

5.1 Moving the piles and installing a continuous pontoon run does not have any adverse effects on navigational safety.

5.2 The alterations to the gaps, both upstream and downstream, does not have any adverse effect on navigational safety.

5.3 Widening the downstream gap improves the access for vessels entering the boat hoist and main entrance route into the marina area.

6. Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations

6.1 The proposed works lie within a European Marine Site and adjacent to a Special Site of Scientific Interest.

7. Harbour Works Regulations 1999

7.1 It is not considered that this application constitutes a "Relevant Project". The Harbour Master should be informed of the proposed timing and method statement for the works. Mitigation, if required, would be discussed between the Environment Agency, English Nature and the Harbour Authority. Pontooning these piles would be an opportunity to increase the number of moorings on the River and therefore may increase disturbance to the species and features of the designated sites.

Annex C to Report of the Director of Environment

To River Hamble Harbour Management Committee

dated 10 October 2005

Riverside Boatyard (Foulkes Boatyard)

1. Riverside Boatyard (Foulkes Marina) has applied for conditional Harbour Authority consent to modernise the moorings which are located directly downstream of the M27 road bridge.

2. Conditional consent to construct new pontoons, repair existing pontoons and also remove existing pontoons was granted by the Executive Member for the Environment at a Decision Making Meeting on the 2 April 2003. There has been a considerable period between consent being granted and this new plan being put foreword for consent. This has arisen because of consultations with English Nature, The Environment Agency and Eastleigh Borough Council regarding the condition of the site and deciding on the best long term plans for the site.

3. Following consultations both with English Nature and Eastleigh Borough Council it was English Nature's opinion that:

"The proposal is not likely to have a significant effect on the interest features of the European sites and therefore does not require an appropriate assessment under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994. The proposed development is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on the SSSI."

4. The revised application has the same footprint as the plan already given consent in April 2003, with alterations to allow safer access to the mooring during strong tidal flows. It will be noted that the proposed pontooning has been angled to allow better and safer access.

5. The benefits of the proposed scheme are:

a. all ground tackle is removed from the River apart from two mooring buoys.

b. safe navigation will be maintained past the moorings without drift at low tide.

c. safe access to the moorings will be provided.

d. no increase in boat numbers will be allowed.

e. there is no requirement for dredging.

f. Commences the first steps for the clean-up on this part of the River.

6. Full details of the proposed new development are set out in the plan titled Foulkes Boatyard Pontoon Layout Existing/Revised Proposal; Drg Number M2802/014, Scale 1:1000. (produced, not to scale, and attached to this report for information only.) copies of the original plans will be on display at the meeting.

7. Harbour Master's Comments

7.1 The proposed plan is an opportunity to:

a. clean up this area of the River and withdraw the moorings into a tighter area.

b. reduce the danger of moorings drifting into the main channel.

c. remove most of the ground tackle from the river bed.

d. remove dilapidated, dangerous and unsightly pontoons from the River; also

e. the proposed development does not have any adverse effects on navigational safety and I believe it a benefit towards safer navigation.

7.2 It is worth noting that the marina owner has given very strong indications that once the revenue recovered from the proposed development allows, work will commence on the eastern bank clean-up. It should be noted that some material has been removed from that site over the last eighteen months and the operator appears very keen to proceed further.

8. Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations

8.1 The proposed works lie within a European Marine Site and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

9. Harbour Works Regulations 1999

9.1 It is considered that this application constitutes a "Relevant Project". The Harbour Master should be informed of the proposed timing and method statement for the works. Mitigation would be discussed between the Environment Agency, English Nature and the Harbour Authority. Some of these moorings are trot type moorings, therefore it would also be an opportunity to reduce the ground tackle in the River and may therefore reduce disturbance to the species and features of the designated sites.

Annex D to Report of the Director of Environment

To River Hamble Harbour Management Committee

dated 10 October 2005

Royal Southern Yacht Club

Regatta Centre

1. The Royal Southern Yacht Club has applied for conditional Harbour Authority consent to modernise the existing pontoon moorings which are located directly off the Royal Southern Yacht Club.

2. The proposed development will not exceed the current footprint of the existing moorings. The existing moorings consists of two pontoons and a landing pontoon connected to the Royal Southern Yacht Club by a bridge and walkway.

3. The Royal Southern Yacht Club proposes to join the two pontoons with a walkway pontoon and extend the bridge connecting the marina to the shore. This enables the whole marina to have walk ashore berths.

4. The extension of the bridge will allow small tenders to make passage on the inside of the proposed marina.

5. Full details of the proposed development are set out in the two plans:

a. M0504/202 rev B dated 17/11/04 scale 1:500. Titled Regatta Centre & Moorings Showing Dimensions & Existing, and;

b. M0504/203 rev A dated 17/11/04 scale 1:150. Titled Modified Access Bridge and Landing to Provide In-Shore Navigation.

6. Harbour Master's Comments

6.1 It is worth noting that the Royal Southern Yacht Club provides facilities for national and international yachting events. The events bring many benefits to the River and the local area. The proposed development enables the club to continue to be able to offer modern facilities in the face of improvements made to other similar event locations in the Solent. If the Club fail to maintain its position in providing such facilities these events will be lost from the River.

6.2 The two routes through the current moorings are sometimes used by small tenders to gain access to mooring further upstream above Hamble Yacht Services. I would consider this route as dangerous for tenders as it puts them in a possible collision situation with larger boats moving onto or off their moorings in these channels. It also delivers the small tenders into dangerous waters further upstream on the western side of the river.

6.3 The Royal Southern Yacht Club have provided a route through the marina, which is under the extended walkway. Boats moored on the inside will be moored in such a way as to allow tenders access at all times. The route will be available at all low tides but on some spring high tides only one and a half metres will be available under the bridge.

6.4 Attached to this report is a risk assessment of the area completed by me in October 2004 with full consultations from all river users. I would make the following comments regarding the risk assessment and the proposed development:

a. I do not condone the use of these two channels by sailing dinghies as the channels are narrow and dangerous for small sailing dinghies.

b. I do not condone the use of these two channels as routes through for other larger vessels.

c. I would advise against small tenders making a course upstream or downstream past the MDL fuel jetty, against the flow of traffic with the dangers of large vessel coming out from Port Hamble unsighted.

d. The only change to the existing footprint is an 11 metre extension to the inner downstream pontoon. I can confirm that it does not interfere with boats launching from the Hamble Slipway.

The proposed development does not have any adverse effects on navigational safety.

7. Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations

7.1 The proposed works lie within a European Marine Site.

8. Harbour Works Regulations 1999

8.1 It is considered that this application constitutes a "Relevant Project". The Harbour Master should be informed of the proposed timing and method statement for the works. Mitigation I believe would not be required but should it be decided otherwise it would be discussed between the Environment Agency, English Nature and the Harbour Authority.

RIVER HAMBLE HARBOUR AUTHORITY

PORT MARINE SAFETY CODE

RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT

NAVIGATION AREA FROM HAMBLE JETTY TO THE FUEL PONTOON AT PORT HAMBLE

TO INCLUDE

MOORING CHANNELS

ADJACENT

TO

ROYAL AIR FORCE YACHT CLUB

AND

ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB

October 2004

INTRODUCTION

The Government looks to all Harbour Authorities to implement the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code (The Code). The Code is intended to apply to all Harbour Authorities to the extent that they have duties and powers relating to marine safety.

It is particularly directed at Harbour Authorities and to Directors, Commissioners or Trustees who are members of the boards of such Harbour Authorities. The Code is not optional it applies to ports of all sizes, irrespective of resources or levels of traffic.

The Code represents the national standard against which policies, procedures and performance of Harbour Authorities may be measures. It is obligatory for the purpose of meeting the standard in the Code that measures are taken to reduce all risks associated with port marine operations to As Low As Reasonably Practical (ALARP).

1. SCOPE

The Code does not apply to duties and powers other than those related to marine operations. Marine operations are those that facilitate the safe use of a harbours by vessels. They include the direction of shipping and the regulation of safety of navigation in a harbour and the maintenance of aids to navigation within the jurisdiction of a harbour.

2. BACKGROUND

The River Hamble Harbour Authority is responsible for navigational safety on the River. As a consequence the Harbour Authority has deemed it necessary to complete a formal risk assessment of the moorings channels adjacent to the RAFYC, RSnYC, Hamble Slipway and craft approaching and departing Hamble public jetty. The production of this risk assessment is part of the continual process of regularly reviewing and updating and amending as necessary, the management of risks is a continual process.

3. RISK ASSESSMENT

The Code requires that each Harbour Authority assess risks associated with marine operations and manages those risks to reduce them to As Low As Reasonably Possible (ALARP). Risk assessment is an ongoing process to this end the risk assessment has been carried out by the Harbour Master to consider the risks associated with the use of these waters by small craft.

4. DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this report the following definitions will apply:

A hazard is anything that can cause harm to a person, property or the environment;

A risk is the chance, high or low, that a person, property or the environment will be harmed by the hazard.

5. METHODOLOGY

To assess risks in The River Hamble 4 steps are followed:

1. Hazards are identified;

2. The consequence of the hazard materialising are assessed;

3. The risk and existing precautions are evaluated;

4. The findings are recorded.

It is also recognised that provision must be made to review and revise this assessment as necessary.

The aim of the risk assessment is to ensure that all of the significant hazards (potential accidents) associated with marine operations are identified and quantified in terms of risk to people, property and/or the environment.

This information provides an essential input to the continual development of the River Hamble Harbour Authority Safety Management System and will be used by the Harbour Authority as a rational basis on which to decide priorities and to set objectives for eliminating hazards and or reducing risks to As Low As Reasonably Practical.

The risk assessment identifies each hazard and then categorises them as either a collision, contact, grounding or a swamping hazard:

Collision: Collision between two or more vessels which are underway, regardless of whether the vessel(s) are not under command or disabled in any way but excluding wrecks.

Contact: A vessel striking, or being struck by, an external object or a vessel that is not underway (e.g. anchored or moored), excluding the sea bed.

Grounding: A vessel coming to rest on, or riding across, underwater features or objects.

Swamping: The excessive ingress of water over the gunwale of a vessel such that it becomes waterlogged and may sink.

An estimated degree of risk is assigned to each identified hazard to provide a relative rating between risks. The following scoring system has been applied

LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE

CONSEQUENCE

Each hazard has been assigned a score of 1 to 5 for the "likelihood of occurrence" and a score of 1 to 5 for "consequence". The "risk rating" has then been obtained by multiplying the two scores together giving a maximum rating of 25. The higher the rating the more serious the potential consequences. Rating risks help to give an indication of their significance.

As a guide it is considered that any "risk rating" of 12 and above, is not ALARP and therefore additional precautions should be implemented to ensure compliance with the Code.

6. INTRODUCTION TO THE HAZARDS

The general area covered by the risk assessment can be very busy with many different types of craft and various types of on the water leisure activities being pursued by a variety of qualified and unqualified crews, some unfortunately being total incompetent and others less competent than others.

Various activities are listed below and form the basis of the hazards that have been investigated. Periods of activity vary; on some busy weekends all of the activities listed below could be witnessed but on many other days the area will be extremely quiet and no movements at all will be seen. The worst possible case of high activity during daylight hours in none inclement weather has been used as a bench mark for writing the assessment. During periods of darkness and high winds the risk would increase but the volume of traffic would very likely decrease. In high winds the use of tenders becomes dangerous and therefore a risk assessment specifically for the use of tenders has been written.

Activities:

(i) Traffic transiting the area using the main channel.

(ii) Traffic arriving/departing or waiting at the fuel jetty.

(iii) Traffic arriving/departing Hamble jetty.

(iv) Traffic from berth holders entering or departing their berths on "A" pontoon Port Hamble.

(v) Traffic arriving/departing berths or landing pontoons at the RAFYC and RSnYC.

(vi) Yachts and motor boats taking part in events arriving and departing RSnYC.

(vii) Vessels arriving and departing the dinghy launching area and boat hoist that is used for dry sailing at the RSnYC.

(viii) Vessel arriving or departing the scrubbing piles at the Hamble slipway, RAFYC and the RSnYC.

(ix) Arrival and departure of RIBs at RSnYC.

(x) Vessels being recovered, launched or waiting at Hamble slipway.

(xi) Arrival of Hamble lifeboat at Hamble jetty with casualties.

(xii) Passage of tenders in and around the general area.

(xiii) Sailing dinghies in and around the general area.

(xiv) Water Taxi.

(xv) Hamble and Warsash Ferry arriving and departing Hamble Jetty.

(xvi) Launching and recovery PWC at Hamble jetty which then transit the area.

(xvii) Children diving and swimming from Hamble jetty, the quay and the slipway.

(xviii) Club launches arriving and departing at RSnYC and RAFYC jetties and through the access channels.

Observations:

(i) The routes taken by tenders are varied, some route through the mooring area of the RSnYC and RAFYC whilst others take the outer route crossing the main channel and then following the eastern bank.

(ii) Most tenders that use the area are from the RAFYC or RSnYC.

(iii) Tenders are not kept on Hamble jetty but some are launched after being inflated on the jetty. A small number depart from the slipway and a number depart from the Hamble Parish boat park. The RAFYC also have a number moored at their jetty.

(iv) The strongest period of tide, which is in the area of 1.5 to 2 hours before low water, causes a very strong tide (2.5 to 3 knots) throughout the whole area.

(v) A high percentage of those that use the jetty at Hamble are inexperienced or novices in boat handling techniques.

(vi) The mix of various sizes of boats and varied types of users has caused confrontation and on some occasions "boat rage".

(vii) The incidents involving PWC have not been frequent but their popularity is increasing therefore the frequency of incidents is expected to increase each season. This has been the case in other Harbours in the Solent.

(viii) Incidents involving youths swimming and jumping are most frequent during the school holiday periods. Some of the youths activities are very dangerous and extremely difficult to control. The Harbour Master is concerned about these incidents and has instructed patrols to remove any unaccompanied youths (under16) from the jetty. This only works for a short period as they quickly return disregarding the patrol officers. The police are unable to act as they would require a bye-law to remove these children, regardless if they are causing a danger to themselves and others.

(ix) The two channels through the RSnYC and RAFYC locations are mainly used by club boats, RIBs or tenders gaining access to moorings, landing jetties, scrubbing piles or lift out by the crane. During observation periods no through traffic of any consequence appeared to make use of these access channels.

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE NAVIGABLE WATERS FROM HAMBLE JETTY TO THE FUEL PONTOON AT PORT HAMBLE and TO INCLUDE MOORING CHANNELS ADJACENT TO ROYAL AIR FORCE YACHT CLUB AND ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB

7. RESULT OF RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Of the 19 identified hazards four obtained risk ratings that would indicate that they would not at present be ALARP.

The following table lists precautions that would be introduced to manage the identified risks and therefore reducing the Highest Risk Rating to ALARP (below 12)

Precautions:

Education of those that use tenders:

Not to overload.

Wear a life jacket.

Carry a torch aboard.

If they must use the main channel stay on the correct side of the channel.

Educate River users to ensure they do not speed and conform to the Col. Regs.

Frequent River patrols during busy periods.

Possible warning signs warning of small craft at the fuel jetty and Port Hamble.

Precautions:

Yacht clubs to make their members aware that larger craft are sometimes unable to manoeuvre quickly and should read the situation rather than stand-on with "Sail before steam" attitude.

Yacht clubs to make members aware that many users of power boats do not understand the Col. Regs. and are therefore unable to read the situation and take avoiding action.

Yacht clubs to make members aware that many owners of larger power boats do not fully understand the principles of power under sail and find most of the manoeuvres incomprehensible and therefore are misjudged.

Larger craft, 40 foot plus power boats, do have difficulty in manoeuvring against the tide and therefore must have speed to manoeuvre. In these situations they will find it difficult to reduce speed. Owners of dinghies under sail should be aware of these difficulties.

Dinghy crews to wear buoyancy aids.

Organised events to conform to the Code of Practice.

Precautions:

Control of entrance or departure to the River of all commercial craft. Commercial vessel deemed a danger will not be allowed entrance during periods of heavy volumes of traffic.

If necessary an escort of a patrol vessel will be assigned to the craft by the Harbour Authority.

Precautions:

As education of youths has failed over the last four years, and persuasion has not worked Harbour Authority to investigate formulation of a bye-law to cease swimming from Hamble, Warsash and within areas of the harbour used by vessels.

Signage on jetties restricting use to those over 16 unless accompanied by an adult.

Better liaison with local Police beat officer.

Hamble Parish Council to investigate visits to Hamble jetty by the Parish Council Warden and better liaison with duty harbour masters.

Note:~

* this figure will only be reduced if children are stopped completely from using the jetty for swimming this can only be achieved with a bye-law.

The River Hamble Safety Management System will be amended to address these hazards so that identified risks will be managed to be as low as reasonably practical.

8. CONCLUSION AND HARBOUR MASTER'S RECOMMENDATIONS

The Harbour Master will pursue the introduction of the precautions listed in serials 7, 9, 10 and 15 to attempt to reduce the ALARP of this serials.

The investigation of a bye-law will be undertaken as soon as possible reduce the risk within serial 15, but may not be in place for 24 months, even if successful.

9. ONGOING RISK ASSESSMENTS

The assessments of risks is an ongoing process. This risk assessment will be regularly reviewed and updated and/or amended as appropriate. New risks that emerge as conditions or the use of the harbour change will be given immediate attention.

Risk assessment and the management of risks is a continual process.

AG Clatworthy

Harbour Master

October 2004