PMSC Marine Safety Plan & Objectives Jan 2026 to Dec 2029

1. Introduction

The aim of the Port & Marine Facilities Safety Code is to enhance safety for those who use or work in ports, ships and passengers using them and the maritime environment. The code applies to all harbour authorities in the UK that have statutory powers and duties and therefore applies to Perth Harbour.

The Code provides a measure by which Duty Holder can be accountable for the legal powers and duties which it has to operate the port of Perth safely and to discharge its obligations effectively.

The Perth Harbour Safety Management System applies to marine operations within the port including pilotage, hydrographic and survey operations, mooring, towage, and maintenance of navigational aids.

The responsibility for implementation and compliance with the Code rests with the Duty Holder. The Duty Holder for Perth and Kinross Council is any person with delegated authority in line with the Council’s scheme of administration and are collectively, or individually, responsible for achieving full compliance with all relevant legislation as a minimum.

 

2. Policy Statement

Perth & Kinross Council recognises its continuing responsibility to provide a healthy and safe working environment. Hence it has implemented a Council Policy in line with the provisions of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Port & Marine Facilities Safety Code. Directors are responsible for safe working policies and delegate these responsibilities to competent officers.

A copy of the Perth Harbour Safety Management System is available on the Perth Harbour website.

 

3. The Safety Management System

The Safety Management System comprises the following principal elements – Introduction, Overview of the Port, Risk Management, Emergency Response Procedures, and Performance Monitoring. The document covers Regulation, Legislation and Guidance, Perth Harbour Documentation, Marine Operations Procedures, Safe Operating Procedures, Incident and Near Miss Reporting, Passage Planning, Risk Assessments and Reporting Requirements & Operations Matrix.

 

4. Auditing and Performance Review

The safety management system is subject to a systematic review of how well it functions based on information from monitoring and independent audits. This is to ensure that continuous improvement is made in development of policies, procedures, systems and risk control.

The Safety Management System is audited at least once a year independently by the Designated Person and is kept under continuous review by the Harbourmaster to ensure currency. The annual audit is undertaken on behalf of the Duty Holder and the results are reported to him/her formally by the Designated Person.  

Any actions or observations arising from the audit process will be addressed to the satisfaction of the Designated Person who will then confirm the completed actions to the Duty Holder and Harbourmaster.

 

Performance Objectives
Reporting Marine Safety Plan Report period January 2024 to December 2025

The purpose of this plan is to detail the safety aims and objectives that the Harbour shall strive to achieve thereby demonstrating the port’s commitment to the Port & Marine Facilties Safety Code. These Safety Aims and Objectives were last reviewed and updated January 2026.

 

No.	Aim/Objective	Details	Benchmark	Attained
1	Continuous review of Harbour Safety Management (MSMS) System and annual independent audit carried out	MSMS kept under continuous review for currency + independent audit carried out annually (minimum) by Designated Person. Following an audit the HM shall carry out relevant updates to the MSMS and publish on the Harbour website.	Audits carried out by DP and reports issued to Duty Holder.	TBC
2	Publish annual report to Duty Holder showing performance of port in relation to SMS	Annual report presented to Duty Holder.	Report published each year with ongoing performace measured	Yes
3	Ensure that Oil Spill Contingency Plan, issued under the authority of the MCA and Port Security Plan, issued under the authority of the DfT, Maritime Transport Security Division remain valid	Approval of OSCP + PFSP valid for 5 years from date of issue. Plans to be kept under review to ensure they remain fit for purpose and updated as necessary in the event of changes in operating procedures	Plan up to date and approved by MCA, including annual return submitted to MCA CPSO.  Plan up to date and approved by DFT.	Yes   Yes
4	Ensure that Port Emergency Plan remains valid and fit for purpose	PEP kept under continuous review for currency + updated as required	Plan remains up to date.	Yes
5	Carry out periodic mandatory PFSP and OPRC training drills/exercises	Various exercises to be carried out throughout year as detailed in Harbour OSCP and PFSP	Programme of training exercises up to date, as per requirements.	Yes
6	Continuous monitoring and review of existing and potential hazards to navigation	Full river surveys generally carried out at intervals of approximately 10 years. Additional surveys carried out as and when required on reported changes to nature of shipping channel	Six monthly harbour basin surveys undertaken and surveys promulgated to users.  Risk based surveys undertaken and surveys promulgated to users.	TBC
7	Ensure maximum availability of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) and submit reports + average availability to Northern Lighthouse Board	Target availability 99% (IALA Category 2) over three year rolling period. Reports to be submitted to NLB	Reports are submitted as per NLB requirements - yearly submission.	TBC
8	Ensure that Port Waste Management Plan, issued under the authority of the MCA remains valid and annual report submitted	Approval of PWMP valid for 5 years.	Plan in date and submitted to MCA for approval.	Yes
9	Ensure a Duty Holder is identified and trained as per PKCs Scheme of Administration.	The Duty Holder is responsible for ensuring compliance with the relevant parts of the Code. The current Duty Holder is the PKC Strategic Lead for Economy, Development & Planning.	Audited by Designated Person	Yes
10	Ensure Pilotage Services in place in line with CHA requirements.	Pilotage services remain in place with one authorised pilot, and one trainee pilot.	Trainee pilot to complete additional night passages.  Pilotage authorisation and insurance to remain up to date.	Dec 2025   Yes
11	The PKC Scheme Administration/Duty Holder  shall must appoint a suitably qualified individual as their Designated Person.	The main responsibility of the Designated Person is to provide independent assurance directly to the Duty Holder that the MSMS, for which the Duty Holder is responsible, is working effectively in ensuring compliance with the Code	In place under contract.	Yes
12	Harbour Operator shall undertake regular stakeholder engagement	HM to ensure regular stakeholder engagement is undertaken with all stakeholders.	Chair and attend regular Harbour User Meeting, attend River Tay Community Sport Hub, and chair River Tay Regeneration Steering Group.  1.Harbour User meeting 2. Tay Community Hub  3. Steering Group	TBC

Updated 24/12/2025