A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 1 4
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Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
Working with Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company for scrap metal collection by train
Contents Chairman’s Foreword
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1 Harbour Master/CEO Report
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2 Port Safety
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3 Progress in 2013/14
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4 Financial Position
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5 Forward Vision
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6 The Harbour Board
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7 Dart Harbour Stakeholder Groups
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8 Staff
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Board Meetings
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9 Young Champion Awards 2013
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10 Events Diary
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Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
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Chairman’s Foreword Dear All, it gives me great pleasure to present the DHNA Annual Report 2014. 2013 was a year of solid progress at Dart Harbour. The weather helped to increase usage of the river and an excellent Regatta rounded off the summer. The following paragraphs and pages are a very brief shapshot of your harbour of 2013 - but we cannot possibly include everything. Costs were well under control, although some planned capital expenditure was deferred pending resolution of the claim by the Pilots National Pension Fund (PNPF). This has resulted in an increase in cash resources earmarked for essential work in due course. One downside of the recession was the limited number of cruise ship visits, and cancellations for 2014, but we anticipate that by 2016 cruise ship numbers will be rising again. Turning to the PNPF, after protracted negotiations, there are indications that a reasonable settlement may be achieved with Trustees that may allow the apparent legal liability to be paid off over an extended period. This enables the Authority to be optimistic that there will not need to be a dramatic rise in mooring costs and harbour dues to meet a one off payment and has enabled us to restart the essential renewal process for such major items as the Town Jetty. A final agreement with the PNPF is, however, still awaited. The strategy of the authority is being reviewed under the ‘Forward Vision’ consultation programme. This enables all our stakeholders to input to the direction that the Board should take and, as with the Moorings Policy, we will be guided by the results of the programme. Initial indications are that we all have a common desire to preserve the beauty and amenity of the river, and must take great care over any future developments, but increased access remains a need.
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Staff I wish to pay tribute to the 15 core full time staff in carrying out the many different roles required of Dart Harbour, in a most cheerful and enthusiastic manner. Very ably led by our Harbour Master, Rob Giles, the team are engaged in a process of overhauling the business to make the authority as efficient as possible, whilst continuing with the day to day tasks of the harbour. However, the harbour would not function without the support of the 14 yacht taxi drivers, 37 volunteers, Friends of Dart Harbour and other service providers who all do a fantastic job for us. It is truly a team effort.
Harbour Board Members We have seen a change in our board membership. Sadly we say goodbye to Sue Pudduck, Trevor Pollard and Mike Cast. Sue was the driving force behind the Young Champions Awards and took an interest in staffing matters, Trevor imparted his financial experience in providing the Board with an overview of the Authority’s financial position and Mike was the instigator of the Friends of Dart Harbour group and took a keen interest in leisure activities on the river. The River would not run without the enthusiastic efforts of the Board, the staff and the volunteers who together make the Dart the envy of other Authorities.
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
Sea Cloud II
Dart Harbour Hoodown Workshops Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
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1 Harbour Master/CEO Report Dear all, it seems like only last week I was typing the report for the 2013 Annual Report – the year has flown by! What follows is a summary of activity in your harbour covering the period 1st January to 31st December 2013 – there will also be some extra items covering the period 1st January 2014 to 31st March 2014 – the end of the relevant moorings’ year. I will divide up this report into sub paragraphs identifying the main statutory and other responsibilities undertaken by Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority (DHNA or Dart Harbour).
Competent Harbour Authority In this role DHNA has a statutory power introduced by the 1975 Harbour Act to manage the harbour safely and efficiently, and enforce Dart Harbour byelaws (1998). Coupled with this is the need to continue to maintain Dart Harbour as a deep water port, capable of turning round vessels up to 182m in length, and running a professional marine pilotage service. No less important than any of these items is declaration of compliance with the Department for Transport Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) – DHNA is declared compliant with effect from 1st April 2012. This compliance expires on 31st March 2015. Work is going into continuing to remain compliant with the PMSC, and developing safety aspects of harbour management. Reporting on these items, no significant issues exist with the public right and ability to navigate the channel between the outer extremity of harbour limit and the weir above Totnes. At Dart Harbour we have sufficient legislation behind us to carry out these tasks but are in the process for applying for the power to give harbour directions to enhance safety. Volumes and relative movement of traffic appear manageable under the current regime. Harbour moorings remain in date for servicing and private mooring providers are being required to show evidence of mooring servicing history for private moorings, contributing to safety of property and safety. In 2014 24 acts of pilotage took place in a safe manner. The port security plan remains fit for task, alongside the Dart Harbour emergency plan. Periodic exercises in both of these issues take place using a port safety group. The number of annually let moorings on the river remain the same as previous years, with approximately 1500 Dart Harbour
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moorings, complemented by 1000 other berths. Dart Harbour received approximately 12,000 yacht visitor nights last year, these are catered for using Dart Harbour and other visitors’ moorings. There are no particular issues with these. Local Notices for Mariners covering events, harbour works and other matters continue to be issued as required.
Local Lighthouse Authority Dart Harbour is a Local Lighthouse Authority (LLA), a power delegated to maintain and report on navigational lights, marks and beacons, delegated by the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA), for the UK, Trinity House. Throughout 2013 Dart Harbour remained in category 2 as a local lighthouse authority as audited on three separate occasions by Trinity House. Category 2 is an overall 99%+ availability rate for all the navigational lights, marks and beacons. This is a good result when compared to other ports. Any LLA defects are rectified as soon as possible, and a local notice for mariners issued to cover the defect.
Safety Management System Dart Harbour runs a safety management system in response to the Port Marine Safety Code. The Harbour Board remain the duty holder, and responsible overall for the safe management of the harbour. Operation of the safety management system is delegated to the single executive board member, the Harbour Master. An ongoing six monthly audit process is in place, and I am pleased to report that our Designated Person (DP), Mr Simon Ellyatt, continues to give us a clean bill of health for safety management as we move forwards to re-declare compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code in April 2015. His audits with constructive comments are always well received and between audits the management team and staff work hard to improve the system and Dart Harbour’s overall safety status.
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
I am very proud of the progress made, not only by Dart Harbour staff themselves, but by all river users with regard to safe management of the river. Your efforts are much appreciated.
Conservancy Conservancy is a looser term binding together several different activities which contribute to open port accessibility. These include, but are not limited to, hydrographic surveying of the river, dredging, management of works in harbour, consultation on land planning applications down to the mean low water mark, and consultation on marine licence applications up to the high water mark. Dart Harbour has a periodic dredging programme to keep the navigational channel clear. Whilst not frequent, shoaling parts of the channel are noted and will be dealt with as time/opportunity allows. The river is surveyed every year in December by an accredited survey operator. These surveys are forwarded to the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) for future updates of the local Admiralty Chart (2253).
Moorings The 1500 Dart Harbour moorings are attractive places for annual berth holders to keep their boats, due to the naturally beautiful river surroundings and the sheltered nature of Dart Harbour. Waiting lists number some 1000 individuals aspiring to keep their boat in Dart Harbour, of which 300 or 400 already have vessels in the river and are aspiring to transfer to another mooring. This does not mean that Dart Harbour should rest on its laurels – I remain at pains to deliver a broad portfolio of moorings for locals and for others across the financial spectrum so that we can promote boating for all on the river. This remains a challenge and we will seek advice in the summer of 2015 from the public for delivery of a new moorings policy to commence on 1st January 2016. Your views will be welcomed to allow us to run harbour moorings, now primarily a leisure port, in an efficient, affordable, and harmonious fashion.
Enforcement Unfortunately, there are occasions when the harbour authority must stand up for all river users that comply with byelaws and terms and conditions of moorings contracts, by conducting enforcement on berth holders who do not wish to pay moneys owed and for those who wish to violate byelaws (speeding, consumption of alcohol etc).
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
Whilst regrettable, I take a very dim view of people trying to cheat the vast majority of other river users who act within byelaws, terms and conditions and statutory law. 2013 saw some activity to detain and sell boats for non-payment of harbour dues, and detention of boats for non payment of berthing fees. In every case either the money was recovered to Dart Harbour, or the vessel was removed from the harbour permanently. Byelaw enforcement usually can be achieved by use of the Dart Harbour official warning system. However, repeat incidents may well lead to prosecution under the Dart Harbour byelaws.
Staff I wish to pay tribute to the Senior Management Team, for delivery of continuous business improvement. Thanks must go to the river staff for the great work they have done in refurbishing Dart Harbour pontoons in-house, at great saving to the river users. They have built ability up from scratch and should be credited for this and for keeping on top of the winter mooring maintenance schedule. They work hard in arduous conditions and I cannot thank them enough for their efforts in this area. Further to this, the office staff have concentrated on customer service skills and delivery of an efficient office system to manage all the administration of a busy leisure port. They are second to none in this, and have my praise and thanks.
Summary Whilst some of this report may be technical, it is nevertheless very important to get across the message of the range of skills required by your harbour staff in making our harbour a safe, harmonious, and fun place to be! It is very often the case that the Harbour Authority can be unpopular with some members of the community – we are aware of this – but we have to exercise our rules and regulations fairly without favour or discrimination, so that we can deliver a fair and level playing field for all those who wish to use the river in the future. I believe 2013 was a success for Dart Harbour, and the commencement of an overall business overhaul package which will last for a few years to come. I look forward to the challenges presented by 2014, 2015 and beyond to continue to improve the service given to river users by your staff. I wish you all the best in Dart Harbour!
Capt Rob Giles, Harbour Master/CEO
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2 Port Safety
African Queen/ Oil Spill Exercise
This section outlines the requirement, roles and responsibilities for Dart Harbour in managing a port with maximum safety. The harbour board takes its role in this area very seriously – it is one of our most important activities. Through the efforts of the safety team, if just one avoidable accident is prevented, then the effort is more than worthwhile. The Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) The key document giving guidelines for port safety is the PMSC. The first edition was published by the Department for Transport (DfT) Ports Division in 2000. It was revised in 2009, and established some overarching principles and benchmark style standards for ports to respond to, by creating their own Safety Management System (SMS). The harbour board is the Duty Holder in response to the PMSC. This means that the board is collectively responsible for response to the PMSC in overview of the SMS, and keeping the requisite number of staff to implement it and the safety policy.
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The Dart Harbour board response to the PMSC is set out in the Dart Harbour Safety Policy Statement and Safety Plan (SPSSP). It outlines the organisational frameworks in place to maximise safety on the river, and delegate duties to staff in carrying this out. This is available on our website. Dart Harbour declared compliance with the PMSC in 1 April 2012. This declaration is valid for 3 years. There are other documents that contribute to the SMS, to form a comprehensive gamut of documents all contributing to the overall safety picture.
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
The following documents are relevant: - Dart Estuary Environmental Management Plan (2006-2011) (in process of renewal) - The Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority Act (1975) - The Harbours Act (1964) - Dart Harbour Byelaws (1998) - The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) - The Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) - Maritime and Coastguard Agency M-Notices - Admiralty and Port Notices to Mariners Also, Dart Harbour Publications, such as:
- The Dart Harbour Guide
- The Dart Harbour Emergency Plan
- The Dart Harbour Oil Spill Response Plan (OPRC)
- The Dart Harbour Waste Management Plan
- Admiralty Chart 2253
- Dart Harbour Moorings Policy (2010-2015)
Audit by the Designated Person (DP) as required by the PMSC The Designated Person reported in March and October of 2013 that further steady progress had been made with the Safety Management System (SMS) at Dart Harbour. Areas for improvement remained improved risk assessments for extreme weather conditions, further staff and wider river user engagement with response to the PMSC, some issues surrounding liability for safety at Dartmouth North and South Embankment (shared with South Hams District Council (SHDC)), and promotion of safety signage throughout the river within harbour limits. All of the DP’s recommendations are achievable and at time of writing the vast majority have been improved. The DP visits and audit reports are
welcomed and responded to as soon as possible on a prioritised basis. The DP has recently reported that DHNA is on track for re-declaration of compliance with the PMSC on 1st April 2015. Taking the statistics overleaf as a guide, the three types of incident which occur more frequently than others are as follows:• Collision/contact. A series of minor collisions have been recorded. The impact of these is potential injury to people and damage to property, although most collisions are minor and non commercial incidents. ACTION: Dart Harbour will continue to educate members of the public to keep a good look out and navigate in accordance with anti collision regulations. • C oastguard Tasking. DHNA responded to 13 Coastguard tasked related safety incidents in 2013. Whilst not an emergency service, DHNA will respond where possible to assist the maritime emergency services with local knowledge and practical skills. ACTION: No further action is required – Dart Harbour will respond if possible to Coastguard requests for assistance. •V erbal Abuse/Threatening Behaviour. Despite the Chairman’s noting the subject at the last public meeting, there were 13 instances of threatening behaviour towards Dart Harbour staff. This remains at an unacceptable level. ACTION: DHNA is taking steps to improve security arrangements for staff – particularly those who are lone working. Furthermore, use of byelaws to bring prosecutions against those acting in a threatening manner towards staff will be employed to greater effect to bring the instances of threatening behaviour towards staff to an acceptable level through deterrence.
Greenway Quay 6 Knot Sign Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
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Vehicle
Verbal Abuse, Threatening Behaviour
Slips, Trips & Falls
Sunken
Speeding
Pollution
Other
Owners Mooring Failure
Near Miss (Navigational)
Injury
Grounding
Fire
Entering Prohibited Area
Coastguard Tasking
Complaints
Collision/Contact
Adrift
Alcohol Related
2 Port Safety (cont)
Dart Harbour Accidents and Incidents 2013/14
Data sourced by DHM on 30 October 2014
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14
12
10
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6
4
2
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Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
3 Progress in 2013/2014 In order to operate a safe and professional harbour under the guidelines in the Port Marine Safety Code, and to look after the infrastructure, Dart Harbour has: assed its Port Marine Safety Audit in March 2014, P with continued revision and improvement of the various safety systems. This makes Dart Harbour one of the leading smaller ports in the UK. ontinued marketing the Port as a preferred C destination for leisure boat owners and super Yachts whilst improved marketing for potential future cruise calls. Continued sponsorship of local maritime events. un a Forward Vision Project in conjunction with R Plymouth University to help Dart Harbour recognise what further facilities are needed within the harbour. This was completed by way of consulting with various local bodies, recognised Stakeholder Groups and harbour users.
Continued professional staff development to assist the harbour authority in various roles. Provided a fully refurbished Dart Harbour Seasonal Visitors Yacht Club Pontoon Facility. Provided additional safety signage/advice for mariners on certain pontoon facilities with continuing further improvements. Committed to provide harbour users with a newly improved replacement Town Jetty Facility for 2015. Committed to provide harbour users with a newly improved replacement Kingswear Dinghy Rack Facility for 2015. Provided harbour users in the Dartmouth/Kingswear area with an on the water Wifi service. Completed a full refit of our main moorings barge “Hercules� so that it complies with the correct marine safety requirements. Played host to a variety of Cruise Ship Visits and over 40 smaller maritime events to include yacht rallies, swims and of course one of the largest Royal Regattas in the UK. Finished the construction of the essential new staff welfare facilities for the operational staff based at our workshops. Liaised regularly with other ports and harbours via various professional bodies to continue to commit to best practice guidelines. Continued to do a vast array of constant marine works needed to maintain the older harbour facilities. Continued to improve harbour office IT systems to increase efficiency and long term costs.
In house Yacht Club Pontoon Refurbishment
Developed an improved Oil Spill Contingency Plan meeting the recommendations of the Maritime Coastguard Agency including appropriately trained staff and equipment.
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4 Financial Position Income
The aim of this page is to present an overview of the breakdown of DHNA income. It is not a fully audited set of reports, which is available through Dart Harbour office and website (http://www.dartharbour.org/dhna-financial-info). Dart Harbour’s income of £1,451,694 for 2013 3.2% 2.3%
15.2%
17.3%
61.9% n Other Income n Mooring Licenses n Various River Income n Harbour Dues n Buoyage
Notes: • F rom the above pie chart it can be seen that annual Dart Harbour berths form the lion’s share of harbour revenue. The Authority remains in a good position in its ability to let moorings – the only moorings that are not lettable are of fairly poor quality, or as a result of berths given up very late in the berthing year. The Authority remains in good heart with regard to the portfolio of DHNA moorings.
• River Income (various) comprises servicing of private mooring gear and other marine services provided by DHNA such as transport, stricken vessel recovery, and planned vessel moves. It also includes management of the marine aspects of SHDC quays and embankments.
• N o less significant is the revenue (18%) for harbour dues. Owners pay for use of the harbour for individual vessels. Harbour dues revenue is taken and applied to safety, competent harbour authority, safe pilotage, safety management system and other safety and river management related activities in expenditure. This is an essential part of river revenue such that the river can be managed properly and safely for all users.
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Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
Expenditure
The aim of this page is to present an overview of the breakdown of DHNA expenditure. It is not a fully audited set of reports, which is available through Dart Harbour office and website (http://www.dartharbour.org/dhna-financial-info). Dart Harbour’s costs of £1,230,862 for 2013
2.8%
15.5%
7.4%
42.5% n Administrative support costs n Utilities
15.8%
n Depreciation 16.1%
n Maintenance and port safety n Premises costs n Human Resources
Notes: •A s with most organisations of this type, human resources, including staff wages, form a large part of expenditure. This is fully supported – maintaining correctly trained and skilled staff in both river and administrative duties is an essential part of bringing good order, value for money and safety for river users. Coupled with that a job evaluation process is taking place in 2014 to assess whether staff wages are set at the correct level for the area and for the sector. • T he Pilots National Pension Fund (PNPF) liability could form part of shown expenditure in the future because, at time of writing, the full liability became due by serving of an Actuarial Certificate on the Authority by the PNPF. However, it is entirely expected that future accounts will show the pension fund liability as a very small proportion of Dart Harbour expenditure on a yearly basis. • It is expected that the PNPF liability will form approximately 2-3% of the Dart Harbour annual expenditure; this will ensure that berth holders and
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
river users will not significantly feel the effect of the liability in the future. A further announcement will be made via newsletter and other channels if possible once details of this are finalised. • Maintenance and Port Safety. These costs incurred go towards keeping the port safe and open for all possible river users – and closely reflects income generated in harbour dues. However, there is a requirement to build reserves for safety related investment in the future. • Premises Costs are kept to the lowest acceptable cost to keep the harbour safe and running efficiently. • As with premises costs, administrative support costs are rigorously examined on an annual basis so as to keep them to a minimum. It is not assessed that premises costs or administrative support costs are high – in fact it is assessed that DHNA efficiently uses river users’ money and puts it where it is most needed – into infrastructure and administrative improvement.
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5 Dart Harbour Forward Vision This section outlines the status of the Forward Vision project and its role in informing the Board on future strategy. This work is being undertaken in partnership with the Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research at Plymouth University. Dart Forward Vision (2011-2013)
Public priorities:
The Dart Harbour Forward Vision document was published in 2013 and underwent public consultation in the latter half of the year. This document identified and assessed the impact of strategic trends facing the planning of Dart Harbour over the next ten years. The document set out some key themes and objectives for the Board to consider in the future.
In order to develop actions that will contribute to the long term social, economic and environmental well-being of the River Dart and which reflect the wider community vision for the area, a public survey was conducted. The public survey was undertaken using an online questionnaire and face-to-face interviews at locations all along the river. These were followed by two open meetings in Dartmouth and Totnes in September 2014, at which the initial results of the survey were presented and further ideas discussed. Attendees ranged from leisure users, local government, marine industry and local residents. Over 800 ideas and opinions were recorded and incorporated into the results from the public survey. Overall, the public survey, open meetings and written submissions from stakeholder groups (e.g. Association of Dart River User Clubs, ADRUC) have provided a large evidence base for the Dart Forward Action Plan, possibly the largest ever collected by a harbour authority.
Dart Forward Vision (2014) The Board then approved the next step in the strategic planning for Dart Harbour, which aims to develop an action plan to deliver the Dart Forward Vision to ‘Manage, protect and enhance the River Dart as a safe and thriving community asset’. In collaboration with Plymouth University, Dart Harbour are working to identify key areas that could contribute to the long term social, economic and environmental well-being of the River Dart and its community. The Dart Forward Vision centres around four main themes: • Leisure and recreation • Tourism • Fishing • Marine industry and local economy. Within each theme, actions are being developed that focus on: • Environment. • Infrastructure. • Communications. • Marketing.
At the time of writing the analysis of the survey results is now being finalised and will be published as a Dart Harbour Report, in the form of a public summary, and in the Dart Harbour Forward Vision Action Plan. Specific actions will be developed and contribute to a new Strategic Business Plan for Dart Harbour. In order to deliver the Forward Vision, Dart Harbour will aim to work in partnership with other organisations (including local councils and businesses) to support beneficial outcomes for River stakeholders. The report and target areas will also inform the consultation for the new moorings policy to be published towards the end of 2015.
• Big ideas.
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Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
6 The Harbour Board Board membership is correct at time of going to press in October 2014. Chairman - Neil Hockaday Neil Hockaday was first appointed to the Board in late 2001 and became Chairman in April 2010. His career has been spent in the banking industry in London, Europe, the US and the Far East. More recently he was the Finance Director of a start up pharmaceutical company in Bristol, but retired in 2008. He was also a joint owner of a leisure business near Brixham. He is a member of the Royal Dart Yacht Club and he keeps a boat in Brixham. His expertise on the Authority is in financial matters and he has assisted the Authority with developing financial reporting mechanisms, the preparation of capital plans and with pension matters. He is a Trustee of the Authority’s Pension Scheme.
Harbour Master - Rob Giles Rob came to Dart Harbour with a marine background having served in the Royal Navy between 1989 and 2007 and leaving with a rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following his naval career Rob was employed as Asset Planning Officer by Devon County Council and then as Project Manager (Construction) with the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. Having spent 18 years in the Royal Navy, 3 of which were at Britannia Royal Naval College, Rob is well placed to understand and serve the needs of all users the River. One of his main objectives is to preserve the balance of the river, serving the needs of local users whilst catering for visitors, and maintaining the beautiful natural environment whilst promoting commerce. Rob has been in post for 4 years.
Vice Chairman - John (Jan)Scott John (Jan) was first appointed to the board in January 2009. He was born and brought up in Dartmouth and always had a close interest in the river in his early years. His career was spent in shipping and he was a Master with a diverse international shipping company and also Port Captain of a major freight terminal on the River Thames. Latterly he was involved in shipping management. He is a Younger Brother of Trinity House. In retirement he has been closely involved as a Trustee in an International NGO working for the prevention of disabilities. He is currently Vice Chairman of Blackawton Parish Council and has a particular interest in environmental matters.
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6 The Harbour Board (cont) Mike Cast Mike was appointed to the Board in December 2007 and left in April 2014. He first developed his interest in the sea when he attended the London Nautical School. He later spent 25 years in the information technology world, in various sales and marketing roles. In 1991 he founded his own company, and it was at this point that he entered the off-shore IT business, making over 100 trips to India. He developed the company into a £35 million business before it was acquired by a global software company. He continued to hold executive director responsibilities in the company until 2004 and still works as a consultant to the industry.
Tim Dewing Tim was appointed to the Board in October 2013. He grew up on the Solent sailing on any boat that would take him. He is an RYA Ocean Yachtmaster and an enthusiastic racer. He ran the Junior Sailing training at the Royal Dart Yacht Club for three years and is a keen supporter of youth sailing. Tim first came to Dartmouth in 1982 as an Officer Cadet at Britannia Royal Naval College. He trained as a Navigator and was based in the Gulf and Hong Kong before returning to BRNC as Head of the Navigation Department in 1990. On leaving the Royal Navy Tim completed an MBA and joined his wife’s Management Consultancy based in Devon. He has worked with a wide range of organisations from local food producers through to County Air Ambulances and international PLCs. He specialises in advising fast growth and turnaround businesses, predominantly working at board level. He is a strategic thinker with a clear understanding of marketing and a good grasp of business finance. Tim keeps a yacht and a wooden launch on the Dart which he enjoys with his wife and four children.
John Ellwood John was first appointed to the Board in January 2013. He was brought up in Dartmouth and learned to sail on the river as a teenager. After a career of more than thirty years as a senior manager with the European Space Agency in the Netherlands and France, he has retired to Dartmouth where he has always kept his UK base. He is the Racing Secretary of the Royal Dart Yacht Club where he races a Squib and has a cruising yacht moored in the river. From an early age he has been passionate about the Dart and intends to ensure that it is kept for its many users to enjoy, while maintaining the beautiful environment for which it is famous.
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Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
Owen Hill Owen was appointed to the Board from January 2011. Owen trained as a solicitor with Allen & Overy in London. He was a Partner in the commercial law firm Eversheds and as also worked in industry as Legal Counsel and Director of the Wilson Bowden Developments business. Owen now works as a Consultant on commercial law matters for Hooper & Wollen with an office over looking the boat float in Dartmouth. He also acts as Secretary to the Dartmouth Chamber of Trade and serves the Totnes Renewable Energy Society as Legal Director and Company Secretary. Owen has recently completed a sabbatical sailing with friends and family from the Dart to cruise for a summer in the Med. He is now a qualified RYA Yacht Master and working towards the qualification to act as an Instructor.
Trevor Pollard Trevor was appointed to the Board in December 2008 and left the board in December 2013. Originally from a naval family based in Portsmouth, he graduated from London University with a degree in Biology and after qualifying as a chartered accountant spent all of his working life with BP plc in a number of different financial roles. He was posted overseas to Abu Dhabi and Tanzania and for the last 4 years prior to retirement in 2007 was the general manager of a large corporate accounting team with varied global responsibilities. After many years of visiting the south west, Trevor and his wife moved to Dittisham in early 2008 to enjoy the coastal scenery and limitless walking potential of the region, together with the local golf courses.
Sue Pudduck Sue was first appointed to the Board in 2005 and came to the end of her term in December 2013. She was born and brought up in Scotland and represented both Scotland and the UK at fencing. After moving to the south west, she started sailing in a voluntary capacity helping out with Somerset Schools Sailing Association while working as a lecturer in further education. After holding several posts in charge of leisure, tourism, hospitality and catering, she worked in higher education writing a degree in health and fitness. She is a part owner of a Cobra 850 kept on the Dart and used for cruising.
Marcus Taylor Appointed to the Board in October 2013, Marcus spent 23 years in the Royal Marines serving all over the world including operational service in Northern Ireland, Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan plus several years as Royal Marines Equerry to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Having left the Marines in 2013 he currently works for Babcock International plc in Devonport supervising all commercial support to the Royal Navy’s Amphibious Centre of Specialisation. He holds a masters degree from King’s College London and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. A keen sailor and recreational river user he can usually be found somewhere on the Dart on Saturdays helping teach youngsters to sail at the excellent RDYC kids mornings. Formerly a resident of Ivybridge, his family moved to Totnes in 1997 and now lives near Diptford.
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6 The Harbour Board (cont) Richard Eggleton Appointed to the Board in October 2013, Richard moved to Dartmouth in August 2011 with his wife and 2 children from Oxford. He has had many links with Dartmouth since a young age. He used to sail in to the Dart onboard Provident when she was part of the ICC in Salcombe. In 1999 he joined the Merchant Navy and started working for an Oil Rig Supply and Rescue company in the North Sea. This lead to him becoming 2nd in command at the age of 21. In 2005 he moved into sail training becoming Chief Officer onboard the Tall Ship Youth Trust’s Sail Training Vessel’s “Prince William” and “Stavros S Niarchos”, travelling the world and regularly visiting Dartmouth. It was in Dartmouth that he met his wife during a voyage to Britannia Royal Naval College. He is currently a serving Merchant Navy Captain working for a large Norwegian company specialising in Oil Rig Supply and Subsea Construction. This has given him a strong marine operations background which he hopes to put to good use as a member of DHNA board. He is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute. Richard is also on the crew at the RNLI Dart Lifeboat.
Richard Ayers Richard joins the Dart Harbour board in April 2014. Richard has lived in the South Hams since the 1970’s with periods of work abroad in the Middle East, India and the Caribbean. Following initial training as a yacht builder, he has been a yacht surveyor and consultant since 1990, former President of the Yacht Brokers, Designers and Surveyors Association (YBDSA) and is increasingly involved in the survey and restoration of historic and large timber vessels. As an accredited inspector of the MCA Code of Practice for Small Commercial Vessels, he moves around many of the South Coast ports in the course of his work. Richard currently has a timber Bristol Channel Pilot cutter he built in India, however, has recently moved to Totnes and will probably need to change this for a more river and family friendly vessel.
Tricia Daniels Tricia was co-opted to the Board in April 2014. Now a Kingswear resident, Tricia moved to the area from Surrey with her husband, 5 years ago, after a long career in the travel and tourism industry. Having grown up in a land-locked part of the North West, she moved south to take up an appointment with British Airways, having studied languages and Travel & Tourism. Over the years, Tricia worked in a variety of customer related areas, including the pressurised world of Customer Relations aiming to meet customers’ expectations and retain goodwill as well as working as part of the Contracts team, looking for suitable overseas’ hotels to combine with BA flights to create the ultimate package holiday for British travellers. Tricia moved to the USA in 2001 for 4 years, when her husband took up an appointment in California but since her return, has indulged her continued enthusiasm for excellent customer service by working for the National Trust and briefly, for Royal Caribbean Cruises. She is passionate about travel and has enjoyed many cruise voyages over the past 20 years, cruising the world, which she has now almost circumnavigated! But there is still nothing finer than coming home to Dartmouth
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7 Dart Harbour Stakeholder Groups
Dittisham Sailing Club
Under the Trust Port legislation a port may allow Stakeholder Groups to be set up. The function of these Stakeholder Groups is to link the Harbour Board to its users and local community. They independently monitor the activities of the Dart Harbour Authority, advising the board and making representations and/or recommendations as required. The Dart Harbour Authority has a statutory duty to inform Stakeholder Groups of its policy and activities and take note of any representations a Stakeholder Group puts to it, to which it must respond. If a Stakeholder Group feels it has had an unsatisfactory response or that the policy of the Board is wrong it has the power to notify the Secretary of State who must adjudicate and respond. However, communications between Dart Harbour and the Stakeholder Groups is generally very positive. Dart Harbour Board accredits four such stakeholder Groups are:
Dart Harbour Commercial Users Group (DHCUG) This is the forum for people with commercial interests associated with the River Dart. The group meets a minimum of 4 times a year or more regularly as required and membership is open to any individual or body that has a business either based on or associated with the River Dart between Totnes and Dartmouth. If you have a business associated with the River Dart it is very much in your interest to be a member of this group.
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
Association of River Dart Leisure Clubs (ADRUC) This is the forum which represents the interests of leisure users on the River Dart through established Clubs. The group meets at least twice a year and membership is open to clubs engaged in amateur leisure activities connected with the River Dart.
Dart Non Beneficiaries Group (DNB) This group is currently in the process of being re-established. The DNB will represent the local communities and Agencies and authorities such as Natural England, National Trust, SWW, Police, etc who have a direct involvement in the Dart Estuary. To scrutinise the Trust Port policies and the performance of its Board. To ensure that the actions of the Board enhance the River and adjacent lands within the Riparian Parishes to the benefit of all residents and future generations.
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8 Dart Harbour Staff
Dart Harbour Staff
Senior Administrator
Dart Harbour operates with a small dedicated team of people and delivers a large portfolio of tasks and functions with limited staff resources. There is often a perception that the Authority is a large employer. In fact, there are only 14 full time members of staff managing and carrying out the wide range of tasks for the Authority.
Fulfilling the role of Office Manager, Penny Johns’ areas of responsibility include Board administration and minutes, HR administration, website manager, line manager for the two office staff, harbour guide production, Young Champions support, office duties, PA to the Harbour Master and a member of the Senior Management Team.
Senior Management Team
Finance Manager
Harbour Master/Chief Executive Rob Giles has been in the role since 2010 and is chair of the SMT. Rob is also a member of the Dart Harbour Board. He acts as the link between board strategy and staff operational policy.
Deputy Harbour Master Nick Clarance is a member of the Senior Management Team he acts as deputy in the absence of the Harbour Master and is line manager for the Moorings Manager, Moorings Officers, River Officers, Yacht Taxi Drivers and Volunteers. He is also the Port Security Officer and contributes significantly to the Safety Management System and to port management.
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Kate Distin is a member of the Senior Management Team and carries out the financial administration and management of the Authority’s finances.
Moorings Manager Matt Stephens is team leader for staff based at the Hoodown Workshop and he is responsible for the moorings maintenance programme, fleet management, facility servicing, maintenance and replacement programme. He is also a member of the Senior Management Team.
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
River Based Staff
Yacht Taxi Drivers
Moorings Officers
A team of 14 staff to cover the shifts of the Dart Harbour Yacht Taxi. The full time equivalent of these is 4.
Two Moorings Officers (North and South) are employed to allocate the portfolio of approximately 1400 moorings to applicants on the waiting list as a primary role, but they also carry out River Officer duties. They also handle a myriad of queries from berth holders about their berths and boats. Part office and part river based.
Volunteers Around 36 volunteers support Dart Harbour in maintaining a presence on the river and keeping an eye of navigation marks and activity on the river. Their daily shifts are organised by the Volunteer Co-ordinator.
Office Based Staff
River Officers
Two office staff are employed covering the wide range of clerical and administrative duties required by the authority. These include moorings allocation administration, waiting list administration, reception and telephone duties, invoicing and financial administration support, yacht taxi rotas, winter and temporary moorings administration and database management.
Five River Officers are employed and they carry out a wide variety of roles including moorings maintenance, pilotage crew, fabrication, engineering, patrolling, collecting fees and dues from visiting vessels. They work a shift pattern in the summer and a 5 day week in the winter.
Key Contacts Dart Harbour Office
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Chairman
Neil Hockaday 01803 845388
alstonnch@aol.com
Harbour Master
Rob Giles
01803 832337
info@dartharbour.org
Deputy Harbour Master Nick Clarance
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Deputy.hm@dartharbour.org
Senior Administrator
-- Senior.administrator@
Penny Johns
01803 832337
info@dartharbour.org
dartharbour.org Finance Manager
Kate Distin
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finance@dartharbour.org
Yacht Taxi Service
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07970 346571
N/A
Board Meetings Board Meetings are held in The Studio at The Flavel Arts Centre in Dartmouth at 1400 hours – unless stated otherwise. Members of the public are welcome to attend the open meeting and an opportunity exists for the public to ask questions at the start of the meeting. January 12 February 9 March 9 April 13
May 11 June 8 July 13 September 14
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
October 12 November 9 December 14 Annual Meeting 21
9 Young Champion Awards 2013
Young Champions Brixham C of E School
The fourth year of the awards was a big success in a number of ways: it saw a large increase in entries, more involvement from community businesses and saw the profile of the awards increase through a number of positive news stories. The Dart Harbour Young Champion Awards were launched in 2010 with the aim of engaging more children and young people with the river, and inspiring them to use the waterway more often. Once again the Young Champions Awards were supported by Greenway Ferries who generously donated a number of trips on the river for schools. The trips provided the inspiration for the school’s entries to the awards. Each of the trips on the river were featured in the local press and the awareness of the awards benefited from a subsequent boost – this meant that there were more entries than last year. Joint winners of the Primary Award were Brixham C of E Primary and Stoke Fleming Primary School and the Secondary Award was given to Harriet Walker of Dartmouth Academy. Casey Dewhirst of Brixham Community College was also given a ‘Highly Commended’ grade in the Secondary age group. New for 2013 was the Board Award which is presented to an adult or organisation who help to inspire young people in a variety of ways involving the River Dart.
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The first Board Award went to Dart Sailability, for their work helping young disabled sailors getting out onto the river over the last ten years. The Young Champion Awards are a scheme designed to help Dart Harbour achieve its main goal: to protect, enhance and develop Dart Harbour for current users and for future generations. By encouraging young people to engage and learn about the river, Dart Harbour manages to achieve all three of these aims: the children, by engaging with and learning about the river are more likely to use it respectfully now, and are more likely to fight for its protection in the future. The Young Champion Awards’ reach and influence continues to grow and build both the brand of Dart Harbour and a love of the river Dart in the young people of the area. The Awards cost Dart Harbour a little over £1,500, and the value added part of the award (positive publicity, the development of relationships with local companies such as Greenway Ferries and building a relationship with local schools) have been unforeseen but very welcome by-products of their continuing growth and success.
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
10 Events Diary 2013/2014 Key: = Events = Rallies = Ship Visits
DATE
EVENT TITLE
DATE
EVENT TITLE
APRIL 2013
APRIL 2014
6
DART GIG CLUB REGATTA
12
20
HEAD OF THE DART
MAY 2014
HEAD OF THE DART ROWING RACE
MAY 2013
10
THREE CREEKS RACE
5
DART/TOTNES HASLER KAYAK RACE
17/18
TRINITY SAILING CRUISE
10 / 11
TBA MUSIC FESTIVAL CRUISE
23/24/25/26
BALLAD NATIONAL CHAMIONSHIPS
25 / 26
TRY A BOAT
24/25/26
SGBA SAILING COURSE
29 – 2 JUNE
JUNIOR SAILING WEEK
24/25
TRY A BOAT FREE
JUNE 2013
31/1
SGBA SAILING COURSE
7
FTI BERLIN
JUNE 2014
15/16
TOTNES/BRIDGETOWN ROWING REGATTA
5–6
DARTMOUTH CLASSIC REGATTA
14
MV MINERVA
29 / 30
KINGSWEAR REGATTA
14-15
NEWPORT TROPHY RACE
21/22
TOTNES & BRIDGETOWN ROYAL REGATTA
JULY 2013 5–8
CLASSIC CHANNEL REGATTA
10
SEA CLOUD II
21/22
MIDSUMMER CLASSIC REGATTA
12
WINDSURF
29
DART/TOTNES HASLER KAYAK RACE
20
STS GROSSHERZOGIN ELISABETH
JULY 2014
21
LONGBOW CANOE FESTIVAL
4
ANNUAL START BAY RACE/RALLY
AUGUST 2013
7
JOG OFFSHORE WEEK VISIT
2
SEA CLOUD II
20
LONGBOW CANOE FESTIVAL
8
OCEAN PRINCESS
21/22
RSMYC CRUISER RACE
11
PACIFIC STAR PRINCESS
AUGUST 2014
16
OCEAN PRINCESS
7
MV EUOPA
17
DITTISHAM REGATTA
15/16/17
DSC RALLY & RACING
27
MINERVA
16
DITTISHAM REGATTA
29
JUNIOR SAILING WEEK
18
MV AZAMARA JOURNEY
29/30/31/01
DARTMOUTH ROYAL REGATTA
SEPTEMBER 2014
31
REVIEW OF CLASSIC CRAFT
13
3 CREEKS RACE
14
OSS DART 10K SWIM
SEPTEMBER 2013 1
OCEAN PRINCESS
MARCH 2014 29
DART GIG REGATTA
Dart Harbour Annual Report 2014
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