Four non-executive members are being sought for the Board of Cowes Harbour Commissioners (CHC). The Board is responsible for the strategic oversight of a wide range of activities that are vital to the safe management and economic prosperity of the 'Trust Port' of Cowes.

Cowes Harbour is currently in an exciting and challenging phase of its development and Commissioners will play a key role in helping to shape the future of the harbour and its services. The Commission considers the continued successful management of the harbour is fundamental to the future prosperity of Cowes and the Isle of Wight.

CHC are keen to attract capable individuals from a broad section of the local community and to ensure that a balance is maintained in respect of the skills and interests of its Board members. Applications are welcome from candidates with enthusiasm, commitment and local knowledge who can add real value to the current Board.

In particular, CHC are seeking candidates with knowledge and expertise in finance, law, and project management. Additional relevant experience relating to the following skill sets would be advantageous but is not prescriptive: port development, business management, safety, marine science and engineering, HR, and information technology.

These key posts offer an excellent opportunity for individuals to make a tangible and valuable contribution to the management of Cowes Harbour. CHC have recently completed an extensive stakeholder consultation, and a strategic review of the vision, objectives, plans and policies for Cowes Harbour for the period 2016-2021 is underway and will be finalised in 2016. The first stage of the harbour protection programme has been successfully delivered with the new detached Cowes Breakwater, and CHC are now looking forward to completing the second and third phases with the extension to the Shrape breakwater and new Eastern Channel.

In line with good governance the Commissioners are appointed on merit, on an open recruitment basis to provide the Commission with the professional skills and experience to determine the policy and business decisions of the organisation.

As reported widely in the local and national press, a devastating fire broke out at the Medina Village industrial estate in Cowes on Monday, 25th January. The multi-agency response to the blaze was led by Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue, along with other emergency services from the mainland.

CHC witnessed the fire start at approximately 1230 and were one of many who alerted the emergency services. The fire started at a small car mechanics workshop within the Medina Village industrial complex on land adjacent to the harbour.

The prevailing southwesterly wind blew thick, acrid smoke up and across the River Medina; at times the East Cowes Red Funnel terminal was completely enveloped in smoke. After consultation with Red Funnel and the IW Fire and Rescue Service, the vehicle ferry service was suspended. The Cowes floating bridge was also suspended on police advice as a result of the fire.

 

Read the full article at cowesharbourcommission.co.uk

Please be aware that the Cowes Local Notices to Mariners (LNTMs) have been reviewed and updated for 2016.

LNTM No 01 of 2016 is a comprehensive list of all active Notices currently in force; click on the links within the document for more information and detail on specific LNTMs.

 

All Notices can be viewed at cowesharbourcommission.co.uk

 

View the SoCs at cowesharbourcommission.co.uk

The Royal Yacht Squadron has submitted an application for a maintenance dredge licence. The area to be dredged includes the complete basin and approaches up to the fairway boundary. The final dredge level will be to approximately 2.5m below chart datum (CD), with the exception of the innermost area, which will be dredged to approximately 2.0m below CD. The work is aimed to be carried out either during April or the autumn of 2016, subject to the necessary consents being received from the Marina Management Organisation (MMO).

 

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