Issue - meetings

Report by Head of Governance and Law

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch Report on the investigation of the foundering of the passenger ferry “Vixen” at Ardlui Marina, Loch Lomond on 19 September 2012 was published on 20 June 2013.  The Report made two recommendations in relation to Argyll and Bute Council to prevent similar accidents occurring in the future which were before Members for consideration.

Decision

1.    Agreed that Argyll and Bute Council’s Standard Conditions for Boat Hire Licences be amended to:-

a)    adopt the Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code as the standard to be applied for small passenger boats carrying fewer than 12 passengers on categorised waters

b)    adopt the Code of Design, Construction and Operation of Hire Boats let for hire on inland waterways

c)    require boats which are the subject of the Boat Hire Licensing regime to be regularly surveyed by a competent person, as approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

2.    Noted that the amended conditions will apply to boat hire operators across the whole of Argyll and Bute Council area;

3.    Noted that Argyll and Bute Council will continute to liaise with West Dunbartonshire and Stirling Councils to promote safe boating, by assisting those local authorities where requested, with establishing effective boat hire licensing schemes in their areas of Loch Lomond;

4.    Noted that Argyll and Bute Council, together with West Dunbartonshire Council and Stirling Councils, will consolidate the joint working already undertaken with the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the application of relevant legislation to improve the safety of small commercial passenger boats on Loch Lomond; and

5.    Noted that Officers will report back to the Committee on the outcome of the further discussions with West Dunbartonshire and Stirling Councils.

(Reference: Report by Head of Governance and Law dated 24 December 2014, submitted)