PMSC Compliance

Littlehampton Harbour Board (LHB) is a Trust port and the Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA), Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) and a Local Lighthouse Authority (LLA) for the harbour approaches and River Arun as far as Arundel Bridge. 

The CHA area extends further than the SHA area to sea by virtue of ‘The Littlehampton (Pilotage) Harbour Revision Order 1988’.  LHB is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of all vessels within its area of jurisdiction.  This is delivered through a number of primary controls including the Pilotage service, seasonal harbour patrols and the Authority’s marine staff.  LHB has appointed an independent Designated Person to monitor compliance with the requirements of the Ports & Marine Facilities Safety Code. 

The Designated Person for Littlehampton Harbour is:

Monty Smedley of ABP Marine Environmental Research (ABPmer) Ltd

Nicholson’s Risk Management Ltd served as the board’s Designated Person from 2007 to 2019 until they were succeeded by ABPmer in a tendering process in early 2020.

All port and harbour users, including Harbour Authority staff have direct access to the Designated Person.  Concerns regarding marine safety in the port or harbour, in the first instance, should be raise with the Harbour Master (or for Authority staff with your direct line manager).  If additional, independent advice regarding the matter is required, any reasonable concerns can be brought to the attention of the Designated Person.

Designated Person Contact Details:

The Designated Person and the Maritime Team at ABPmer:

The Designated Person has direct access to the Duty Holder whenever this is deemed necessary.

The Ports & Marine Facilities Safety Code (PMSC), formerly known as the Port Marine Safety Code, was first issued in 2000 by the Department for Environment, Transport and Regions. The recently published 2025 edition marks a significant update following a 2023 review and extensive consultation with industry stakeholders, government bodies, associations, and maritime groups. This revised version reinforces the Code’s broad application across both ports and marine facilities.

Marine Safety Management System

The LHB’s Marine Safety Management System (MSMS) is reviewed by the Harbour Master and then Audited by the Designated Person at the end of each calendar year. The MSMS was last reviewed and audited by ABPmer in February 2025 and found to be compliant with the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code published by the DfT. The full Audit report containing observations to be addressed during the coming year is published as part of the April 2025 Board Meeting Pack.

The Board formally reviews its Marine Policies minimum every 3 years, the latest set can be downloaded on the Policies Page.

The Board also publishes a Safety Plan for Marine Operations every three years. The Littlehampton Harbour Safety Plan for Marine Operations 2024-26 was published February 2024, progress reports will be published quarterly as part of the Harbour Master Operational Report.

Purpose of the Code

The PMSC sets out the UK national standard for safety in port and marine environments, aiming to ensure the wellbeing of everyone working in or using ports, marinas, boatyards, and other marine facilities.

The Code promotes best practice by:

  • Establishing nationally agreed safety standards
  • Clarifying roles such as the Duty Holder and Designated Person
  • Defining responsibilities across and within organisations
  • Holding organisations accountable for effective safety management

The Code is primarily intended for Duty Holders. Ie those within their organisation ultimately accountability for safety. This typically includes senior personnel or boards with collective or individual responsibility. Duty Holders must fully understand the Code and ensure it is regularly reviewed and appropriately applied within their organisation. It is LHBs Board who are the collective Duty Holders for LHB.

Who the Code Applies To

The PMSC applies to any organisation operating a port or marine facility, including those without specific statutory powers. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Statutory, Competent, Municipal, Trust, Private, and State-owned Harbour Authorities
  • Ministry of Defence dockyards and facilities
  • Non-statutory ports and harbours
  • Marine berths, terminals, marinas, piers, and jetties (including those within or near SHAs)

These organisations often have legal duties concerning public safety, environmental protection, and worker wellbeing. Responsibilities are governed by marine legislation (e.g. Pilotage Act 1987, Merchant Shipping Act 1995) and general legislation (e.g. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974).

Implementation and Compliance

Organisations, including LHB, are expected to assess how each of the 10 safety measures applies to their operations and take proportionate steps to demonstrate compliance; while not all measures may apply equally, the Code encourages all marine facilities to adopt its principles as part of a continuous commitment to safety.

At a minimum, this means appointing a Duty Holder and Designated Person, having a Marine Safety Management System in place, identifying hazards, and carrying out formal risk assessments.

A guide to good practice on port and marine facilities 2025

This accompanying guide (also republished 2025) is intended to supplement the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code and it contains useful information with more detailed guidance and examples of how an organisation could meet its commitments in terms of compliance with the Code.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/port-marine-safety-code

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-good-practice-on-port-marine-operations