A new compliance drive covering ports and marine facilities across the UK has been launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, with the aim of reinforcing safety standards and encouraging best practice across the sector.
The exercise, which began on 1 January, invites ports, harbours and marine facilities to demonstrate how they align with the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code.
While participation is not mandatory, the Code provides the framework for safe and efficient maritime operations, covering the protection of people, vessels, cargo and the environment.
The MCA said the three-month initiative is intended to help facilities review their safety arrangements, reduce risk and show accountability to stakeholders such as ship operators, regulators and local communities.
Interim MCA Ports and VTS Manager Keeta Rowlands described the exercise as a proactive opportunity to embed a stronger culture of safety and continuous improvement, stressing that participation is important for facilities of all sizes, from major commercial ports to small marinas.
