Harbour Master Captain Chad Murray, has prepared a draft Small Commercial Vessel Code for the Bailiwick of Guernsey (SCV (BoG) Code).
This draft code is now open for consultation and feedback from local mariners.
The purpose of the Code is to consolidate the requirements for the operation of small commercial vessels and their crews, whilst operating in and around the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Benefits of the new code:
- Ensure the highest of standards are met by domestic small commercial vessels
- One code of practice applicable to all commercial vessels (excluding fishing vessels)
- Structured crew licencing
- 5 yearly licencing renewals rather than annually
- Introduction of a Local Knowledge Endorsement requirement for Boatmaster licence holders.
- Introduction of the requirement to hold professional maritime qualifications to support domestic crewing licensing.
- Extended operating limits for all vessels to meet the needs of the outlying Bailiwick communities.
- Alignment to existing UK standards of construction and operations.
The requirements for manning and crewing will be phased in over a period of 2 years from implementation for existing license holders. It is intended that the new code and legislation be implemented during Q2 2017.
Consultation:
Guernsey Harbours would like to gather the views from the professional mariners and operators of small commercial vessels operating in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The full code is available here.
Please email comments to guernsey.harbour@gov.gg or send them via post to Guernsey Harbours, PO Box 631, St Julian's Emplacement, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3DL. All submissions should be made in writing and received no later than noon on Friday 27th January 2017.