A personal message from Jim Stewart, Chief Executive, Poole Harbour Commissioners.

What do we do?

* Ensure the highest safety and environmental standards within the harbour by providing a 24-hour manned Harbour Control Office

* Ensure the effective management of Poole Harbour for the benefit of all users

* Coordinate resources in the event of oil or chemical pollution in the harbour, or an emergency

* Maintain the shipping channels by dredging and marking with navigational aids such as buoys etc

* Provide a pilotage service for ships visiting the harbour * Allocate areas of the harbour for yacht moorings

* License works around the harbour (e.g. construction of jetties, etc.,)

* Maintain and develop port facilities for the benefit of existing and future customers

* Offer a full range of cargo handling services

To whom are we accountable?

A variety of people and organisations. These include the Government (because we are a statutory body), and harbour users ranging from ferry operators to 'weekend sailors'.
The Commissioners regularly consult with Local and District Councils, Southern Sea Fisheries District Committee, Poole Yachting Association and a wide range of environmental and commercial organisations. The Poole Harbour Commissioners Board meet at least once a month and copies of the minutes of their meetings are passed to the Local Councils. Copies are also available on this web-site for members of the public (see Monthly Minutes). Poole Harbour is a unique area of outstanding beauty, involving a huge range of interests - commercial, recreational, environmental and strategic.
It is important that all of these sectors cooperate together for the common good of the harbour.
This is the goal of the Poole Harbour Commissioners. We are working to operate an efficient port which can attract trade and tourism to the area, whilst ensuring the environmental health and safety of the harbour for all those who wish to pursue recreational activities.