Navigational Risk Assessment
The risks associated with marine operations are assessed and a means of controlling them deployed. The aim of this process is to eliminate the risk, or, failing that, to reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable. Formal risk assessments will be used to:
- Identify hazards and analyse risks;
- Assess those risks against an appropriate standard of acceptability;
- Where appropriate, consider a cost-benefit assessment of risk-reducing measures.
Risk assessments will be undertaken by people who are competent, especially when deciding which techniques to use and when interpreting the results. Risks will be judged against objective criteria, without being influenced by the financial position of the authority, to ensure they are kept as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). The greater the risk, the more likely it is that it is reasonable to go to the expense, trouble and invention to reduce it. There is a hierarchy of risk control principles:
- Minimise risk – by suitable systems of working.
- Combat risks – by taking protective measures to prevent risk.
- Eliminate risks – by avoiding a hazardous procedure, or substituting a less dangerous one.
The process of assessment is continuous, so that both new hazards to navigation and marine operations, and changed risks are properly identified and addressed. The navigational risk assessments will be circulated and available to all port users and employees and will be available on the port website. The Harbour Master will review all navigational risk assessments:
- On an annual basis
- Post-incident/accident
- Post review of the relevant marine accident or health check trend report
New assessments will be compiled prior to or because of a new operation in the harbour. An independent formal review will take place every 5 years by external consultants.
Risk assessment reviews are best conducted by utilising the Port User Group and other representatives who use the harbour regularly, including employee’s. A positive, analytical approach is needed to enhance marine safety within the port and harbour approaches, including considering past events and accidents, examining potential dangers and the means of avoiding them. Requesting the Port User Group to review and comment on the navigational risk Assessments is a standard agenda item for the 6 monthly meetings.
From September 2017, NPP commenced using the internationally respected Marico Marine web-based HAZMAN II maritime risk assessment tool for navigation and health & safety, incorporating:
- Hazard identification
- Risk scoring
- Risk controls
- Risk mitigation and risk reduction
- Auditing
- Exporting reports
- Incident database
- AIS swept path module
