Guernsey Press

Mariners voice concerns over ports operations

FORMER harbour masters and marine pilots have united to voice concerns over the way that the island's commercial ports are being run.

Published

Deputy Barry Paint's letter to Public Services minister Deputy Scott Ogier is countersigned by former harbour masters Captain Peter Gill and Captain Tim Spencer, former deputy harbour master Captain Tony Pattimore and master pilot Ian Brouard.

They say islanders have become increasingly concerned at the radical changes that are being applied to general policies, administration and operational methods at the two ports.

The men say they have been deeply involved with harbours for many years, and individually and collectively hold a wealth of maritime experience and knowledge.

These skills, it would seem, were no longer a prerequisite for the overall task of management of ports, they said.

'The present harbour master would seem to be overseen by the harbour director, who is assisted by a financial director and a leisure director, none of whom have any professional maritime experience,' said Deputy Paint, a former marine pilot, pictured.

Their worries also extend to operations, maintenance and future proposals.

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