Sedgemoor District Council is a Port Authority and with that comes a duty for the Executive Members to comply with the Port Marine Safety Code. A regular audit was carried out during the summer of 2021.
The independent auditor who reported to the Executive today (January 26th) said “This is the 6th Port Marine Safety Code audit I have carried out on Bridgwater Harbour Authority, and, as before, the Port is operated in a thoroughly proficient and competent manner by Keith Badsey and his team. Documentation supplied for the audit is first rate, and Keith is a highly knowledgeable and experienced Harbour Master. The Safety Management System, suitable and sufficient at the outset, continues to be refined and sets a high standard.”
As the Statutory Harbour Authority, Sedgemoor District Council has responsibilities for:
- Safe and efficient marine operations
- Pilotage
- Conservancy - maintenance of navigation channels and navigation aids
- Emergency response
- Environmental protection including oil spill contingency planning and waste management.
- Local lighthouses
Sedgemoor District Council has powers to levy charges on Port users in order to raise funds to finance the safe management of the Port. The limits of the Port are summarised below:
- Bridgwater Bay from Brean Down to east of Hinkley Point
- The River Parrett as far as Bridgwater town centre
- The River Brue as far as Highbridge Clyce Sluice
- A small part of the tidal River Axe
