RUCF (Upper) Minutes - 12 June 2007 PLA River Users Consultative Forum (Upper)
Notes of the meeting held at Bakers’ Hall on Tuesday 12th June, 2007
Present:
Christopher Mendoza (CM) - Harbour Master (Upper) (Chairman)
Julian Parkes (JP) - Harbour Master (SMS)
David Foster (DF) - PLA Deputy Harbour Master (Upper)
Martin Garside (MG) - PLA Press & Public Relations Manager
Dudley Curtis (DC) - PLA Deputy Harbour Master (Upper)
Alex Brown (AB) - PLA River Manager, Putney to Teddington
Sandra West (SW) - PLA Assistant to Harbour Master (Upper)
Katherine Harris (KH) - PLA Environmental Assessor
Peter Finch (PF) - River Thames Society
Steve Davies (SD) - Royal Yachting Association
Andy Griffiths (AG) - London River Services
Sean Collins (SC) - Thames Clippers
Alan Rance (AR) - The Passenger Boat Association
Rod Shaw (RS) - Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Gary Dotchin (GDo) - London Fire Service
Dave Cottrell (DC) - MPS Marine Support Unit
Andy Roberts (AR) - City Cruises
Neil Jackson (NJ) - Thames Regional Rowing Council
Alex Hickman (AH) - T&GWU
Janet Kelly (JK) - RNLI
Gary Davies (GDa) - London Home & Water Safety Council
Nick Birkbeck (NB) - Environment Agency
Kevin East (KE) - British Canoe Union
1. Apologies for Absence were received from:
Bryan Shaw, London Port Health Authority
Darren Munro, London Fire Service represented by Gary Dotchin
Neil Caborn, Cory Environmental
Paul Wilson, City Cruises represented by Andy Roberts
Michael Shefras, Association of Thames Yacht Clubs
Colin Woodwood, EA represented by Nick Birkbeck
Jon Averns, London Port Health Authority
Chris Connelly, MSU represented by Dave Cottrell
Chris Livett, Thames Luxury Charters
CM welcomed the representatives to the meeting
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
It was noted that Kevin East was not amongst the attendees at the previous meeting – apologies, this has been noted.
Apart from that the minutes of the meeting held on 14th November were held to be a true record.
3. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes
CM – Passage Plan Template – this should help to complete Passage Plans and CM looks forward to receiving copies from internal traders. A Notice to Mariners will be issued with copy of Passage Plan Template for general circulation.
4. PLA
(i) Regulatory Update
Just about to complete Code of Practice on Craft Towage following Navigational Advisory Panel (NAP), final proof ready.
Revision of Pilotage Directions – just about to complete consultation re reporting points, six to eight responses so far.
NAP on Navigating Large Vessels through Thames Barrier, recommendations being taken forward.
Re-publish of River Byelaws, hoping to go out to informal consultation in next few months.
Revision of Recreational Users Guide, will be in new format, more user friendly. Should be published Spring 2008.
Port Security – ISPS security level remains at level one.
Starting new initiative – Vessel Traffic in Central London. BMT will start work shortly, Notice to Mariners will be published giving details.
Boat Masters Licence (BML) – new legislation came into force 01/01/2007, new system of examinations administered by MCA, is up and running. AH told the meeting that many of his members had experienced problems and that equivalence needs to be addressed in several areas. JP said that this was now a matter for the MCA although the PLA had expressed its concerns in several areas. RS agreed there were still a number of matters to discuss and told AH he should contact Spring Place (MCA) on policy matters. There were cases where inaccurate testimonials had been presented, possible prosecu-tions under discussion. He also commented on the very low standard so far of examinees.
(ii) AIS
From 01/06/2007 all passenger vessels and a number of others trading above Victoria Deep Wharf and up to Teddington needed to be fitted with Thames AIS. Due to the delays in placing orders there is now a backlog and the PLA has agreed internally not to enforce the Byelaw, as long as there is evidence of a contract and a fit by date. Dolphin Maritime is the nominated supplier. PLA will, in the future, seek amendment to Byelaw to limit the upstream end to Richmond Lock instead of Teddington Lock, Thames AIS not required in that area. SC asked that any Class V operators experiencing problems contact the Passenger Boat Association.
(iii) Rowing
AB has recently been appointed River Manager (Putney to Teddington), position based on recommendation of Salvage Report. The rowing navigation buoys had been very successful and a further six port hand and four starboard hand buoys will be placed when river levels drop. Changes will be reflected in first update of the Code of Practice next year.
Signage – five signs are in place with a further thirteen within six weeks. Crossing points will be marked.
An analysis of river incidents shows a reduction in numbers, especially between rowers/non-rowers, the separation seems to be working well.
(iv) Public Affairs
Website considerably modernised. Public meetings to continue during the year.
Two movies with Thames involvement due for release, Fantastic Four & Rise of the Silver Surfer with Harry Potter to follow.
Top Gear filming on river yesterday after considerable discussion as to wash etc.
CM gave the meeting some details about the Red Bull Air Race taking place 23rd-29th July which could cause major disruption to river traffic (Notice to Mariners to be published). During the week prior to the event a number of barges will be placed in the river which will carry the inflatable pylons used by the planes as markers. Whilst the barges are in place, one way traffic will be implemented in Bugsbys Reach. Sections of the river will be closed on Thursday and Friday, heats on Saturday and finals on Sunday. A grandstand will be built at Peruvian Wharf and the Thames Path will be closed except to paying customers. Passenger vessels will probably moor at both ends carrying VIPs etc. As Red Bull cannot use London City Airport a runway is being built in the Royals. JK asked what plans were to involve the emergency services. CM replied that Adrian Bates, London Coastguard was involved, Red Bull had also been in touch with the Police and Fire services. Table top exercise being planned for end of June.
5. MCA Proposal to include district safety matters on the meeting’s Agenda
MCA host the District Marine Safety Committee (South-East) which covers the area from Shoreham to Canvey Island. The proposal is that, as all parties attend either this or one of the other RUCFs, the DMSC (SE) be disbanded and relevant London safety matters be brought to the PLA’s three RUCFs to be dealt with. The RUCF Lower and Estuary Forums have already agreed to this proposal. The proposal was approved and CM agreed that, subject to agreement, this would be shown as a standing item on the Agenda for the next and subsequent meeting.
6. Environmental Issues (inc. Marine Bill) and Dredging
CM introduced Katherine Harris, PLA Environmental Assessor, to the meeting who gave a brief update on environmental issues. KH is responsible for advice on river works licence applications, assessing for third party dredging and co-ordinating PLA dredging.
Legislation
The Marine Bill (UK) – the aim is to replace current consents for marine projects, to be one project – one licence. Not yet finalised how it will apply to Thames but talks are taking place at the moment; more information can be found on the PLA and DEFRA websites.
Water Framework Directive (EU) – aim to protect and improve all water bodies. The Environment Agency has divided the country into River Basin Districts. The Thames River Basin District (RBD) cover the freshwater and tidal Thames and its tributaries. PLA Chief Executive is on Thames River Basin Liaison Group, more information is available on PLA website.
Dredging Activities
PLA dredging last took place in July 2005 for the Kew Shoal and December 2006 for Battersea Shoal. Dredging results are monitored by PLA Hydrographic Department. Third party dredging has recently included Nelson Pier in May 2007, Comleys Wharf in February 2007. There are no applications at the moment.
KE asked whether the PLA would be involved in the Anglian River Basin district, KH replied ports industries would be represented on the Anglian, Southern and Thames.
Discussion on sewage being discharged from vessels took place. MCA is to legislate for waste to be held onboard and pumped out ashore. AG stated that TfL/LRS would provide additional pump out facilities to support implementation of legislation. CM advised that all new licences issued for houseboats included a condition to stop discharge into the river. RS suggested that this matter be raised as an item at the next meeting for him to bring it up with the MCA. SC advised that his boats will start to use the new pump out facility at Trinity Buoy Wharf from September. SD asked if there would be a minimum size of boat that be included in the legislation – RS did not know.
ACTION: Add subject as an item on the next meeting’s Agenda.
The subject of emissions of sulphur dioxide from passenger boats was discussed. AG informed the meeting that LRS was carrying out a study for re-engining the Woolwich Ferry and were looking to reduce emissions from Class Vs by means of their licences. SC told the meeting that his new boats would be running on low sulphur fuel although for the time being fuel will be delivered by road. RG was asked to contact someone from the MCA policy office to attend the next meeting to discuss sewerage and emissions.
7. Navigational Safety – Incidents
DF said number of machinery breakdowns have increased. RS applauded the Class V operators for the low number of incidents, there were none where passengers were in any danger. JP said vessels licensed to carry under twelve persons will have a requirement to carry appropriate charts. Class Vs will be dealt with by MCA.
8. Other Updates
(i) Police
DC gave further information about the recent incident at Tower Pier where the master of a City Cruises boat was killed. Two people have been charged with murder although this may change to a lesser charge of manslaughter. An offer was made by the Police to give training to Class V operators in conflict management. MSU have two new boats, the Robert Peel II and the Gabriel Franks II which are both capable of 45 knots and will give quicker response time. The BBC want to film three more programmes for possible showing in December, Sky also want to do a “fly on the wall” documentary with MSU.
(ii) RNLI
JK advised that there were 6 calls on New Years Eve, 104 calls so far this year with 11 saves. As a registered charity the RNLI need to continue to obtain publicity and a Lifeboat Day was held in May.
JK reminded Class V operators that they could call the lifeboat if passenger is taken ill or injured. Following trials the RNLI are to retain the use of jet boats, staying with diesel.
(iii) EA
NB said that he did not know if the number of people who would be travelling to the Olympics in 2012 had been taken into account. AG said Atkins were doing a demand study on passenger river services for the Olympics and the first draft was ready. They were concentrating on Canary Wharf for Excel, North Greenwich (Dome) and Greenwich Park and would like to run a co-ordinated timetable during the games. JP asked if the information was available, AG replied that it had been commissioned by ODA but it could be shared with PLA when ready and he will advise ODA of PLA interest.
9. Future Events
A list of future events was presented. CM brought the Lords v Commons Rowing Regatta to the attention of the meeting. There will be four races of four difference craft between Westminster Boating Base and the Palace of Westminster. No river closure but traffic control by harbour service launch. It will all be over in half an hour and a Notice to Mariners has been published.
10. River Works
London Gateway Bridge
Planning approval etc achieved, OJEU Notice out.
Programme:
- Start construction Spring 10.
- Open Autumn 13.
Thameslink
Railway station on Black Friars Bridge.
Original programme:
- 2007-09 River work
- 2009-11 Rail and station construction.
Westminster Bridge
- On track to finish Sep 07
- No more planned closures of the upstream end of Westminster Pier.
Central London Tide Boards
One of the recommendations from the "Through Bridges NAP" was to provide prominent tide boards in Central London.
These should be in place by Autumn 07 in the following positions:
- Wapping
- Temple
- Nine Elms
- Plantation Jetty
Structural Survey of Railway Bridges
A structural survey will be conducted from a barge on the following railway bridges:
- Cannon Street
- Hungerford
- Battersea
- Barnes
A notice to mariners has been issued
Olympics
- PLA have commented on the original Olympic Transport Plan
- River Transport mainly to Greenwich and Dome sites
- Cruise Ships are investigating visiting ... bookings not yet being taken
Prescott Channel
Freight in and out of Olympic site
Lock 62m x 8m designed to handle 2 x 350t barges
Programme:
- Apr 07 - Work started.
- Dec 07 - Tide closure.
- Jul 08 - Operational.
11. The proposed date for the next meeting is 21st November, 2007
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