Council briefed by Senior Pilot and Marine Manager of ABP Southampton
The SPS Council were fortunate to listen to a talk recently from a Senior Pilot with ABP Southampton, Captain Martin Phipps and ABP Southampton Marine Manager, Mr Ron Hayward.
Captain Phipps reminded us of the sea area covered by their pilotage services and explained the organisation behind it. He went on to describe how ship's safety is checked before ships are taken into the Solent and then the various difficulties and hazards bring a ship through Solent Waters. He illustrated his talk with some fine pictures of ships plying trade with Southampton and scenes of the navigational channel. He had several interesting accounts of incidents in his working experience.
Ron Hayward followed with some latest statistics on the success of the port and its importance to UK trade. He then concentrated on ABP's record in environment protection and the strict measures they take to safeguard the waters to which they are entrusted.
Report by M. Rhodes, Esq., OBE