The Port Marine Safety Code was introduced in 2002 following the inquiry into the Sea Empress disaster at Milford Haven in 1998.  The main thrust of the Code is to make Board Members and Trustees individually and collectively accountable as Duty Holders for the safety of marine operations within their Harbours.

However, since its inception, there has been much difficulty in ensuring that Duty Holders recognise their responsibilities.  As a consequence of a complete review of the Code in 2009, the Department of Transport has made a renewed effort to emphasise the role of Duty Holders and Designated Persons.

In order to assist Duty Holders in each of the organisations represented fulfil their obligations under the Code, Stornoway Port Authority identified a suitable team to deliver the course, and formalise a syllabus that would cover all critical aspects of the Code and its relevance to non-executive members of Port Authorities.

The course was successfully delivered by Robert Tallack and Captain Gordon Dickins of IDG Maritime in a day and half session at Stornoway.  The attendees consisted of Senior Management and Board Members from the Stornoway Port Authority and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as well as seven Trustees from Ullapool Harbour.  Having undergone this intense training over the two days, the group was suitably briefed on what the ramifications are in failing to endorse adoption of the Code, and implement its entire content in the local environment.