With the Port Marine Safety Code as a guide, I am able to help and support your port, acting as a DP, conducting audits or investigations or planning and carrying out drills to support compliance.
As an Associate Member of the UK Harbour Master’s Association, I follow what is happening within the UK ports and contribute to the forums.
The Port Marine Safety Code was introduced in 2000 following the 1996 oil spill from the SEA EMPRESS, the investigation into this exposed systemic failings in the safety management system of the port. The 2025 updated code, now called the Port & Marine Facilities Code (still referred to as the PMSC).
The principal changes to the 2025 Code relate to its layout and wording. There have also been changes to the layout, with the 2016 Code having four chapters; the 2025 Code now has ten chapters, following restructure, to match the ten principal measures for the successful implementation of The Code within your port:
- Duty Holder
- Designated person
- Legislation
- Duties and Powers
- Risk Assessment
- Marine Safety Management System
- Review and Audit
- Competence
- Plan
- Conservancy Duty
I have developed a number of Marine Safety Management Systems (MSMS) for different ports and these will take a fairly standard approach across the industry. The key for me has been user engagement so that the custom and practices of a specific port are the procedures laid out in the MSMS, not separate and unconnected.
To support the Code’s wide application across the industry, not just formal ports, the title has been updated to reflect both ports and marine facilities.