Guernsey's representative at this year's Red Ensign Group Conference says he's looking forward to building on the work of last year's event held on his island.
Last year was Guernsey Harbourmaster Captain David Barker's first conference - this year he's already looking forward to adding his voice to what's going on.
'I’m looking forward to representing Guernsey at the Red Ensign Group 2019 gathering in Monserrat. It will be a chance to build on the work agreed at the successful Conference that Guernsey hosted in 2018.
'At this conference, we will be highlighting a number of projects that Guernsey is currently working on. These include the introduction of a Vessel Traffic Service, or VTS, in our harbour approaches later this year. This service, which is sometimes described as Air Traffic Control for ships, will use a number of sensors, including radar, AIS, direction finding, CCTV, and VHF radio to improve safety and assist navigation for vessels in our waters.
'Our system will follow the guidance issued by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency and will comply with the relevant regulations issued by the International Maritime Organisation.
'We will also discuss the introduction of or Small Commercial Vessels Code. This code, and the accompanying regulations, come into force on the 1st of May this year. They prescribe standards of construction, manning and emergency equipment for small commercial vessels operating from a harbour within Guernsey and Sark. The code has been developed in consultation with local boat operators and the UK MCA to ensure that crew and passengers can be assured of their safety.
'Finally, we will mention the development of our Civil Hydrographic Programme, under which we collect and broadcast maritime safety information, and ensure that our waters are accurately surveyed so that vessels can safely navigate through them.'