The Port & Marine Facilities Safety Code (“the Code”) sets out a national standard for every aspect of port marine safety. Its aim is to enhance safety for everyone who uses or works in the UK port marine environment. It is endorsed by the UK Government, the devolved administrations and representatives from across the maritime sector and, while the Code is not mandatory, these bodies have a strong expectation that all harbour authorities will comply. The Code is intended to be flexible enough that any size or type of harbour or marine facility will be able to apply its principles in a way that is appropriate and proportionate to local requirements. The Code and the associated Guide to Good Practice (“the guide”) were both updated in 2025.

The key documents setting out PHC’s compliance are our Navigational Safety Management Plan and PMSC Policy Statement available above.

Designated Person: PHC appoints an independent Designated Person (DP) to monitor compliance with the requirements of the code. The DP for Poole Harbour is Captain Martin Phipps of ABP Marine Environmental Research (ABPmer) Ltd. All port and harbour users, including Harbour Authority staff have direct access to the DP. Concerns regarding marine safety in the port or harbour, in the first instance, should be raise with the Harbour Master. If additional, independent advice regarding the matter is required, any reasonable concerns can be brought to the attention of the DP. The DP has direct access to the Duty Holder (the Board of Commissioners) whenever this is deemed necessary.

Email: DP.Poole@abpmer.co.uk
Post: Designated Person (PMSC) ‘Poole Harbour’, ABPmer, Quayside Suite, Medina Chambers, Town Quay, Southampton SO14 2AQ
Telephone: 023 8071 1892 or 023 8071 1889
Website: https://www.abpmer.co.uk/services/maritime

Other Marine Facilities: As well as facilities operated by PHC, there are a significant number of independent marine facilities located within the waters of Poole Harbour, ranging from commercial berths and marinas to independent mooring providers, boatyards and slipways. PHC works with the operators of each facility to help ensure that all facilities feel able to report as compliant with the Code, and is in the process of agreeing MOUs (also known as a bridging documents) to clarify responsibilities between operators. Those who are seeking to comply with the code as part of the 2026 Compliance Exercise organised by the MCA here may contact harbourmaster@phc.co.uk for guidance and are reccomended to attend the twice annual Mooring and Boatyards Operators Group.