As part of the Port of Milford Haven, Milford Fish Docks complies with all port-led safety requirements.
The Port continues to comply, so far as is reasonably practicable, with the Port Marine Safety Code which is a national standard that applies to all harbour authorities. The principle requirements of the Code directs ports to conduct risk assessments, implement a formal safety management system, employ properly qualified marine personnel and ensure that sufficient powers and resources are provided to manage the harbour safely. View Designated Person details >
The Port of Milford Haven manages its risks around safety, marine safety, environment and quality through the Port Integrated Management System PIMS). Each of these areas employs policies, procedures and work instructions using a standard approach which reduces duplication and improves collaboration across our departments. This is a critical part of our drive to set clear objectives inline with our values of excellence and sustainability across the whole organisation.
As well as the above, the Port has established a system for reporting, recording and resolving concerns and incidents; this forms part of the company wide Assurance Framework for the management of risk.
Concerns and incidents can be reported using an Event Report form. A set of instructions on how to complete and submit this form, as well as an outline of the process for dealing and responding to such matters, is included in the link above.
At Milford Fish Docks, safety measures include:
In addition, Milford Fish Docks is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Weather forecasts are displayed on the noticeboard outside our office, along with Notices to Mariners which are issued by the Port of Milford Haven.
Access and egress of Milford Fish Docks is via a lock and therefore all vessels transiting the lock must contact Pier Head on VHF channel 14 before entering or leaving.
We encourage all fishermen and owners of commercial fishing vessels to keep up-to-date with the latest industry information and guidance to ensure the safety of crews at all times, including the following:
Personal Flotation Devices – 18 February 2014
Between 1992 and April 2013, 103 fishermen died from drowning – over 99% of these fishermen were not wearing lifejackets (Marine Accident Investigation Branch figures).
Read a guide prepared by the RNLI and Fishing Industry Safety Group
Watch a video where a fisherman tells his story about how a PFD saved his life:
Milford Docks is a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) by virtue of the ‘Milford Docks Acts 1874 to 1981. Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) as the owner and operator of Milford Docks, has appointed an independent Designated Person to monitor compliance with the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code.
