Port Skills and Safety

PSS had hoped to have a replacement Apprenticeship Framework for ports in England and Wales available by 2007. However, the new Apprenticeship Blueprint had introduced a requirement for a knowledge component that our replacement framework would have to meet.

PSS had explored a number of options for complying with the Blueprint. It is now clear that the work involved in compliance requires a complete reappraisal of the available options; and this is ongoing.

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Managing Safely in Ports is a PSS tailored course developed for the ports sector. It is built on the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) generic course, Managing Safely.

Managing Safely in Ports is designed specifically for the management of health and safety needs of supervisors and managers working in the ports sector and is complementary to the aims and objectives of the Safer Ports Initiative.

To maintain the IOSH approval of the ports specific course, PSS must undertake to update course materials to incorporate the latest syllabus for the generic course. The deadline for submission of new materials for approval is 31st July 2008.

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PSS launched the new National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications for Port Operations and their Supervision in the latter part of 2006. Based on significant industry consultations, the new qualifications cover a broader range of port operations and are easier to assess than the old ones. They also include a significant health and safety content, which is part of the sector’s wider strategy to improve health and safety performance through the skills agenda.

PSS continues to maintain and develop the promotional and delivery networks within the UK to facilitate access to and uptake of the N/SVQs.

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The Steering Group for the project to create health and safety guidance for ports met on 10 October 2006 to approve the:

• Scope of the guidance
• Process to appoint a project consultant
• Procedure for development and approval of the guidance

A small work group has since been formed to trial the production of guidance on a single ‘lead’ topic. This is to ensure that the guidance is produced in an acceptable style and format, which can be applied to all subsequent guidance topics and can be easily updated and accessed. The lead topic is ‘lighting in docks’, which will in effect replace the lighting standards in Safety in Docks under Docks Regulation 6.

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This project will create a Foundation Degree Framework for Ports, within the umbrella of a Framework for the Maritime sector. The Maritime Framework will include separate legs for shipping, ports and other maritime interests to facilitate the future transfer of seagoing skills into the ports sector. Currently, the Ports Framework is aimed at Port Managers, Harbour Masters, Pilots and VTS Operators.

Good progress had been made in 2006/7, both on the development of the Framework and the proposed MCA Awards for Harbour Masters, Pilots and VTS Operators. It was decided that the MCA Awards would be incorporated within the Framework but could also be delivered and certificated separately. Assessment for the Awards would be through an industry group of experts, including the MCA, who will provide the certificate.

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Considerable work had been done in 2006, through Regional Skills Workshops and industry consultations, to complete the Ports Sector Qualifications Strategy (SQS).

The SQS, developed with funding provided by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, is a very significant document, which will shape the future of qualifications and certificated training in the ports industry. It aims to:

• identify a framework of fit for purpose, accredited training and qualifications and timescales for their development
• ensure required delivery capacity and mechanisms, and
• maximise funding opportunities.

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PSS is currently working with the MCA and other maritime states, through the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to improve container ship design in relation to the safety of stevedores and ships crew. At the IMO DSC Meeting in September a course of action was approved to:

• revise guidelines for the preparation of a Cargo Securing Manual

• make amendments, including a new Annex, to the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing; and

• revise IMO recommendations on the safety of personnel during container securing operations

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PSS is working with interested subscribers and the HSE on a project to produce of a series of generic vibration assessments for specific items of port plant.

PSS is currently in discussions with the HSE to determine the best way to take this project forward.

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The national launch of Safer Ports Initiative 2 (SPI 2) took place on 10 May 2006 on HQS Wellington, London, and was hosted by the PSS Chairman, Des Crampton. More than 80 industry representatives attended the event.

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The ports industry’s Code of Practice for the Engagement of Non-Permanent Employees (NPEs) in the Ports Industry was introduced to ensure that no ‘non-permanent employee’ should be engaged in ‘cargo handling’ unless fit and competent to do the work, having received appropriate health and safety induction training.

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The HSE has published Guidance for HSE Inspectors on Handling Containers with Slewing Cranes, following consultations with PSS subscribers. HSE Inspectors are likely to compare slewing jib crane container operations, being carried out, with the new guidance when visiting dock premises. A copy of the Guidance is available from the PSS office, or please refer to Information Paper 085/2005.

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