The Port of Cromarty Firth is committed to conducting all business activities to ensure the protection of our people and the environment whilst providing our customers with services that satisfy their needs. This overarching commitment is supported by the Port’s management team utilising an Integrated Management System (IMS) which is based on the context of the organisation and the strategic direction of the business.
HSE Guidelines for all Facility Users
The purpose of the HSE Guidelines is to draw attention to the key areas for consideration when using or working on Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) premises and outline the minimum standards expected. Due to the multi-user nature of PoCF premises, the primary objective of these Guidelines is to ensure that undertakings on PoCF premises by any Facility Users are managed, controlled and coordinated in conjunction with other Facility Users.
While on PoCF premises it is necessary that all Facility Users adhere to these Guidelines in addition to complying with all relevant legislative requirements.
Failure to comply may result in a Facility User being asked to stop work and/or leave PoCF premises immediately.
For the purpose of this document, the following areas together are referred to as PoCF Premises:
- Invergordon Service Base (Including West Harbour)
- Port Office with adjacent yard
- Saltburn Pier
Port Marine Safety Code
The Port Marine Safety Code (the Code) applies to all harbour authorities in the UK that have statutory powers and duties. The Guide to Good Practice on Port Marine Operations was refreshed in February 2018 in conjunction with the current version of the Code which was published in 2016.
Port of Cromarty Firth recognises that a robust Marine Safety Management System (Marine SMS) requires external and internal checks to ensure that performance against its policies and procedures is reviewed regularly. An independent external audit is carried out annually by the designated person, with the results provided to the Duty Holder (Board of Directors).
The last external audit confirmed the Port was deemed compliant across all areas of the Port Marine Safety Code. Internal audits are also carried out by the marine management, or the Port’s Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ) team, where this is deemed necessary by changes in procedures or when advised by the designated person.
Accordingly, the Port submitted its 3-year letter of Port Marine Safety Code compliance to MCA in March 2021.
Primary channel navigation buoys are maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board under contract, with the remainder managed internally and by local stakeholders. Navigation aid statistics of reliability from 1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023:
- Category 1: Target 99.80%, actual 100%
- Category 2: Target 99%, actual 100%
- Category 3: Target 97%, actual 100%
Marine staff training has been completed to the standards laid out in the Port of Cromarty Firth Marine Safety Management plan.
HSEQ Indicators
Providing safe navigation and a secure harbour are the priorities of port authorities around the globe. International security and border control are increasingly important in the modern world and the Port of Cromarty Firth’s main concern is for the safety and security of the people and vessels that visit the Firth.
