Decision details

Agreed

That it is recommended to Council to approve:-

(1)        that work on a business case to transfer the Exeter Ship Canal to the Canal and River Trust ceases and that a Management Plan for the canal is developed in-house;

(2)        that officers be tasked to develop a business case to employ a Harbour Master or similar to deliver Port Marine Safety Code compliance, improve safety and improve operational management on the River Exe;

(3)        that, in compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code,:

(a)  the Service Manager Business and Commercial Operations be designated as the ‘Duty Holder’ in respect to the Port of Exeter and the Constitution be amended accordingly;

(b)  an external competent body be engaged to fulfil the role of ‘Designated Person’ as defined by the Port Marine Safety Code to undertake competency and safety audits;

(c)  that a budget of £10,000 be identified from within existing resources to engage specialist marketing and business development expertise to support the preparation of a Marketing Plan for the Waterways and to deliver the additional income requirements.  

(d)  that the Mooring Licence issued since 2013 be applied to all moorings in the Port of Exeter and that, where the licensee is unwilling to accept the new licence conditions, action be taken to remove the vessel from the Port;

(e)  that only vessels deemed suitable at the Council’s absolute discretion be permitted into the canal, with responsibility to make such a determination be delegated to the relevant Service Manager; and

(f)   where repairs are necessary or ‘off season’ maintenance is required, these activities be confined to the Eastern side of the Basin or the Boat Park (in Michael Browning Way) and this be cordoned off from public access.  

Reason for Decision:

As set out in the report.