Risk Assessments
Between 2000 and 2003 the Government, through the DETR Ports Division, introduced a new set of controls on harbour authorities to improve the safety of harbour operations covering everything from pilotage to cargo handling to monitoring os vessel movements to reduce collisions.
Although the regulations are mainly targetted at the commercial sector, recreational use is also addressed, and in particular clubs organising events in such areas are now required not only to give prior notification of events to the Harbour Master (usually a local bye-law requirement in any event) but also to carry out a risk assessment, and inform the authority that this has been done.
To simplify the administrative burden on clubs, The RYA agreed with the DETR to provide standard Risk Assessment forms for all clubs. This work was completed in March 2002. The RYA standard forms divide events into Major, Medium and Minor Impact events according to the size of the event and the likely impact it will have on harbour operations. This encourages clubs to take a proportionate approach and will hopefully keep the paperwork involved to an acceptable level.
If you require further assistance please do not hesitate to contact the Legal Team Tel: 0844 5569519 Email: legal@rya.org.uk.
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