Staff
Following the departure of Harbour Master Matthew Wheeler the Maritime Manager has been acting Harbour Master at Penzance. A recruitment process for Matt’s successor has now been completed and we are pleased to announce that James Broughton will join Cornwall Council in June. James brings a wealth of experience to the harbour with him from his time at sea where he served as Master on superyachts and more recently managing moorings on the River Fal. James has also completed the Lloyds Maritime Academy Harbour Master Diploma.
Darleen Ellis is also joining the team at Penzance as Senior Maritime Assistant (Deputy Harbour Master). Darleen has previously worked at Penzance as a Maritime Assistant working the boat storage area and slipway but has most recently been based in Newquay Harbour. James and Darleen join Simon Date, Rodney Thomas and Gordon Collins who are primarily tidal shift workers.
We are currently recruiting a seasonal Maritime Assistant to assist the team during the summer months and hope to appoint by the end of this month.
Current Activity
A period of maintenance work to the dock gate will commence from 5 April. The work will include replacement of locking pins, hydraulic pump, main cylinder and control system which will ensure the safe operation of the gate for many years to come. Unfortunately there will be some periods that we are unable to operate the gate and notice to mariners for these closure periods will be issued.
As planned the boat storage area is now reverting to it’s summer role for the first time in a number of years as a car park. Income from this will now benefit the harbour and enable us to expediate maintenance and other investments in the harbour. A limited number of storage spaces for the summer were made available in addition to trailer spaces and a waiting list is now in operation for both areas. With the boat storage area now largely empty of boats repairs to lighting, installation of new gates and fencing is underway (phase 1). This work was funded ahead of schedule due to the strong financial performance of the harbour in the last year. We continue to investigate options to supply power to boats over winter and upgrade CCTV.
Our new Senior Maritime Assistant has commenced a Mooring & Boat Storage audit to ensure we hold the correct information for boats moored or stored in the harbour. A reminder of Terms and Conditions will be sent out with he next invoices and your particular attention is drawn to payment terms. Any invoice not paid within the agreed payment term could lead to your mooring license being revoked.
A swimming zone has been established to seaward of South Pier and swimmers will be actively encouraged to swim in this area or Abbey Basin, away from moored and moving vessels.
Reporting of incidents, observations or near misses.
The reporting of incidents, observations and near misses is fundamental to compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code and a ‘Hazman Incident Report’ should be completed by users or staff for any occurrence involving marine matters. These reports feed the Maritime Safety Management System and ensure Harbour Masters, Maritime Manager, Designated Person and Harbours Board are aware of any arising actions.
Click here to report an incident at Penzance Harbour
Reports should be made in the following circumstances;
• An incident or accident of any description that affects, or may affect, Maritime operational safety, security or efficiency,
• Whenever a near miss occurs,
• To report vessel defects of any description that are not pre reported by the ships agent/master prior to arrival/departure,
• Whenever there is a berth issue i.e. faults, fendering, mooring difficulties,
• General observations that affect operational safety or efficiency,
• If a procedural system failure occurs,
• Complaints may be detailed on this form, however they must be significant,
• Whenever a vessel causes, or is suspected of causing, any damage to Maritime property,
• When a vessel is damaged in any way,
• Whenever oil pollution is caused or observed,
• For any other reason where it is felt that the Maritime Management should be aware or may need to take action.
