Scarborough Borough Council, the harbour authority, historically operates a pilotage service and must provide a pilot to visiting vessels greater than 37m in length.
Over many years there has been a significant decline in the number of larger ships visiting our harbours which has necessitated very few acts of pilotage. Whitby has experienced no regular cargo operations since the year 2000 and Scarborough since 1986.
The fact that few pilotage acts are carried out has meant that the Harbour Authority is now unable to meet the obligations of the Pilotage Act 1987 and the recommendations of the Port Marine Safety Code in respect of pilotage namely that the service should be provided through the assessment and management of authorised pilots. To enable this to be achieved, the pilotage service must “have sufficient pilotage work to maintain their skills adequately”. (PMSC Guide to Good Practice, s9.4.5, 2017).
A comprehensive review of the pilotage service in Whitby and Scarborough Harbours has been conducted.
Taking the findings of the review into account a comprehensive set of additional control measures have been identified and the Harbour Authority is satisfied that the removal of the Pilotage Service would not significantly affect the level of risk once the measures are implemented.
It should be understood that the removal of the pilotage service does not affect the harbour’s standing as a statutory harbour authority.
As part of this review we are consulting for views and would ask that you consider the following questions:
- Do you agree that the historically provided pilotage service is no longer required at the borough’s ports?
- Do you have a view on whether the removal of the pilotage service will have any impact on harbour users or the local environment?
Should you require any further clarification do not hesitate to make contact Whitby or Scarborough harbour offices. Your response would be appreciated before 31st May 2018.
Responses to this consultation should be made in writing to port.services@scarborough.gov.uk or Whitby Harbour Office, Endeavour Wharf, Whitby, YO21 1DN.