Understanding Competent Harbour Authority in the UK

In the UK, a Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) is responsible for ensuring the safe navigation of vessels in harbour areas. A CHA must be designated by the Secretary of State for Transport.

A CHA is typically a local authority, such as a port authority or a harbour board, that has been designated to perform harbour management functions. The Secretary of State for Transport must be satisfied that the local authority has the necessary powers and resources to carry out these functions.

The main responsibilities of a CHA include ensuring the safety of vessels and people in the harbour area, managing the harbour's infrastructure, and enforcing harbour byelaws.

As a harbour authority, you're accountable for managing emergencies that threaten human welfare, the environment, or security. This involves planning, preparing, and coordinating responses to potential disasters.

To fulfill this responsibility, you'll need to appoint a port security officer who oversees port security duties. This is a requirement that's been outlined in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

Your harbour authority's category 2 response status means you're expected to take a proactive approach to emergency preparedness, which includes having a port security officer in place to handle security-related matters.

Statutory Authorities are responsible for managing harbours in a specific way. They have the power to charge dues and remove wrecks within their designated area.

Statutory harbour authorities are regulated under the Harbours Act 1964. This legislation provides a framework for their operations.

All competent harbour authorities are also statutory harbour authorities, meaning they have the same powers and responsibilities. This designation is a key part of their role.

In England and Wales, there are numerous statutory authorities responsible for managing and maintaining the country's ports and harbours. The Anglesey Borough Council, for example, is responsible for Amlwch.

The Associated British Ports is another major player, with a presence in various locations, including Berwick Harbour Commissioners and Blyth Harbour Commissioners. Boston Borough Council has a joint arrangement with Fosdyke, while Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners and Brighton Marina Company are also notable.

Bristol City Docks and Bristol Port Company are both responsible for managing ports in the Bristol area. The Broads Authority oversees the Broads, a network of rivers and lakes in East Anglia. Caernarvon Harbour Trust is responsible for managing the Caernarvon Harbour, while Canterbury City Council manages the harbour in Whitstable.

Carrick District Council is responsible for Falmouth, while Carmarthenshire Council manages the harbour in Llanelli. Cattewater Harbour Commissioners oversee the harbour in Plymouth, and Chichester Harbour Conservancy is responsible for the harbour in Chichester.

Here is a list of some of the statutory authorities in England and Wales:

A harbour is a body of water partially enclosed by one or more islands, gravel bars, or artificial structures.

In the context of statutory authorities, a harbour is often a designated area where vessels can safely anchor or dock.

A harbour can be a natural formation, such as a bay or a fjord, or it can be created by human intervention, like a dredged channel or a man-made basin.

The harbour's boundaries are typically marked by buoys or other navigational aids to guide vessels safely in and out.

Harbours are crucial for maritime trade, providing a secure place for ships to load and unload cargo, as well as a refuge from rough seas.

The harbour's design and infrastructure are usually managed by a statutory authority, such as a port authority or a harbour board, which oversees maintenance and development.

Civil contingencies are a critical aspect of a harbour's responsibility, as mentioned in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. This act requires Category 2 response organisations, such as harbours, to plan, prepare, and co-ordinate responses to emergencies that threaten serious damage to human welfare, the environment, or security.

A harbour's role in civil contingencies involves appointing a port security officer with responsibility for port security, as specified in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. This ensures that the harbour is equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

The outcome of a challenge is a crucial step in the process of dealing with a Statutory Authority. The secretary of state must either approve the charge for a period not exceeding 12 months.

If the objection is upheld, the secretary of state will direct the SHA to make changes to the charge. The SHA must then make such changes as would meet the objections made on any of the four grounds specified.

In this case, the secretary of state's decision is final and binding.

A competent harbour authority is a designation that allows harbours to charge dues and remove wrecks, as well as maintain buoys and lighthouses within the harbour area. This is regulated under the Harbours Act 1964.

All competent harbour authorities are also statutory harbour authorities, which means they have the power to exercise certain functions. These functions include pilotage, which is discussed in more detail below.

A statutory harbour authority can be designated by the Secretary of State if they consider it necessary for efficiency and safety of navigation. This can include exercising pilotage functions in another area.

Harbour Authorities can change over time, and some have had their pilotage functions revoked. Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners was a competent harbour authority until 2015, when its pilotage functions were taken away.

Scarborough Borough Council was also a CHA until its pilotage functions were revoked on 10 May 2021.

If you're interested in learning more about harbour authorities that have lost their pilotage functions, here are a few examples:

Harbour authorities are responsible for providing a range of services to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the harbour.

These services include pilotage, which involves providing experienced pilots to guide ships safely into and out of the harbour. Harbour authorities also provide mooring and berthing services, allowing ships to dock and unload their cargo.

Harbours in Scotland are obliged to provide Scottish Ministers with copies of their annual accounts and reports. This is a requirement under section 42 of the Harbours Act.

Statutory harbour authorities have a lot of responsibilities, including maintaining buoys and lighthouses within the harbour area.

All competent harbour authorities are also statutory harbour authorities, meaning they have the same powers and responsibilities.

Annex B is a crucial part of the harbour authorities' operations, outlining the Harbour Orders Process Chart and Written Representation Procedures.

The Harbour Orders Process Chart is a step-by-step guide that helps harbour authorities navigate the process of issuing orders.

This chart ensures that all orders are issued in a fair and transparent manner, following a clear and logical sequence.

Written Representation Procedures are also outlined in Annex B, providing a framework for individuals or groups to submit written representations to harbour authorities.

These procedures ensure that harbour authorities consider all representations thoroughly and provide a fair response.

Harbour authorities must follow these procedures to ensure that all parties are treated equally and given a fair opportunity to have their voices heard.

As a harbour authority, pilotage is a critical aspect of ensuring safe and efficient navigation within the harbour. The harbour authority is responsible for providing pilotage services to vessels entering or leaving the harbour.

Pilots are experienced professionals who are familiar with the harbour's layout and conditions. They work closely with vessel masters to ensure safe passage.

In the UK, being an authorised pilot is a requirement for employment on certain inland waterways.

Authorised pilots must be at least 18 years old and have completed a pilotage course approved by the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

To get a pilotage licence, you need to have at least two years of experience on board a ship or a boat with a valid Master's certificate.

The MCA also requires a medical examination and a background check before issuing a pilotage licence.

As an authorised pilot, you'll have the authority to navigate vessels on certain inland waterways, but you must always follow the rules and guidelines set by the UK's navigation authorities.

Pilot boats are a crucial part of pilotage services, and they must meet certain requirements to operate.

In the U.K., 6 pilot boats are required to be approved or licensed by a competent harbour authority. This is stated in the Marine Navigation Act 2013.

The harbour authority must be satisfied that the ship is suitable for use as a pilot boat before approving or licensing it. This is a crucial step to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers.

A harbour authority must also make other necessary provisions for the operation of pilot boats. This could include things like training or equipment requirements.

Pilot boats that are operated by the harbour authority must be approved by the authority, while those that are not must be licensed.

A pilotage exemption certificate can be suspended or revoked by a competent harbour authority in certain cases.

Case 1 is where the authority is no longer satisfied of the matters specified in section 8(1)(a). This can lead to a suspension or revocation of the certificate.

Case 2 involves the authority thinking that the person has provided false information to the authority. If this is the case, the certificate can be suspended or revoked.

Case 3 is where the authority believes the person has been guilty of professional misconduct while piloting a ship. This can also result in the suspension or revocation of the certificate.

A suspended certificate can be revoked on the same or different grounds.

Before revoking a person's certificate, a harbour authority must give the person written warning, stating the reasons for the proposed revocation.

As a competent harbour authority, it's essential to understand the duties and responsibilities that come with the role. Maintaining clear navigational channels in the harbour is a top priority.

To conserve the harbour and provide users with adequate information about conditions, the authority must consider the efficiency, economy, and safety of services and facilities. This includes ensuring appropriate resources are made available to meet the harbour's marine safety obligations.

The authority must also keep under review the powers and jurisdiction of the harbour, to comply with appropriate standards of governance and amend statutory powers as required.

Conservancy Duty is a crucial aspect of maintaining our Harbour. The primary goal is to conserve the Harbour so it remains fit for use and safe for users.

To achieve this, harbour authorities must maintain clear navigational channels and provide users with adequate information about conditions in the Harbour. This includes ensuring that users have access to the necessary resources to meet the Harbour's marine safety obligations.

Compulsory pilotage may be directed by a harbour authority if it's deemed necessary for safety reasons. This can apply to all ships or a specific description of ships in a particular area.

A pilotage direction must specify the area and circumstances in which it applies, as well as any exceptions. It may also require an authorised pilot to be accompanied by an assistant in certain circumstances.

Before issuing a pilotage direction, a harbour authority must consult with ship owners and harbour operators in the affected area. This ensures that all parties are aware of and agree with the direction.

Ships under 20 metres in length and fishing boats under 47.5 metres in length are exempt from compulsory pilotage.

As a statutory Harbour authority, Langstone Harbour has a responsibility to review its powers and jurisdiction regularly. This ensures compliance with appropriate standards of governance.

To keep things up to date, Langstone Harbour needs to revise its duties and powers as and when required.

A competent harbour authority is financially responsible, ensuring the Harbour is properly funded to carry out its core functions for safety, conservancy, education, and interpretation.

The Harbour generates income through gathering Harbour dues, which is a crucial aspect of its financial responsibility.

The Harbour also provides leisure moorings for residential and visiting vessels, making it a hub for marine activities and a source of revenue.

The Environmental Duty is a crucial aspect of managing the Harbour's resources. It's essential to understand that this duty is governed by local acts and various environmental legislation.

The Harbour's environmental features need to be managed with due regard to nature conservation. This includes protecting and preserving the natural habitats and ecosystems within the Harbour.

Pollution control and response are also key considerations under the Environmental Duty. This involves taking measures to prevent pollution and responding quickly in the event of an environmental incident.

Liaising with relevant authorities is a critical part of fulfilling the Environmental Duty. This includes working with local authorities, conservation groups, and other stakeholders to address issues such as conservation, flood defence, erosion risk, and coastal management.

The Harbour's marine safety obligations are closely tied to the Environmental Duty. Ensuring that the Harbour is a safe and healthy environment for both humans and wildlife is a top priority.

Financial responsibility is a crucial aspect of managing a harbour, and it's essential to understand how it works. According to the Ports Local Acts, the Harbour must be properly funded to carry out its core functions.

The core functions include safety, conservancy, education, and interpretation. This means that the Harbour needs a steady income to ensure it can maintain its facilities and services.

The Harbour generates income through Harbour dues, which are fees charged to vessels. These fees help cover the costs of maintaining the Harbour and its facilities.

The Harbour also provides leisure moorings for residential and visiting vessels. This is another way the Harbour can generate income and provide a service to its users.

The Harbour aims to provide cost-effective marine services to its users. This means finding ways to reduce costs while still providing high-quality services.