§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are concerned, following the recent incident involving the "Sand Kite" at the Thames Barrier on Monday, 27 October, where an experienced English speaking crew were present, that the Port of London Authority proposals for Pilotage Direction No. 5 will increase the likelihood of incidents elsewhere in the district by allowing poorly trained, inexperienced crews with little spoken English to navigate without a pilot; and
Whether they will delay a decision on ratification of the Port of London Authority's proposals on Pilotage Direction No. 5 until after the review of the Pilotage Act 1987, as it could be seen that items in the proposals are relevant to the review; and
Whether they are aware of the increased risk that the proposed Pilotage Direction No. 5 of the Port of London Authority will place upon the safety and environment of the Thames estuary, particularly in light of the recent incident at the Thames Barrier involving the "Sand Kite".
§ Baroness HaymanThe Pilotage Act 1987 does not require directions proposed to be made by the Port of London Authority to be ratified by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions. It is for the authority to decide when the directions should come into force. The accident involving the "Sand Kite" is being investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. The authority will no doubt consider whether it has any implications for the Pilotage Directions. I understand that this vessel is already subject to compulsory pilotage while in the authority's jurisdiction, and would continue to be if the new directions are made, and that its master and first mate 3WA have held exemption certificates from the authority for some years.
The review of the 1987 Act by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions is at a general policy level, and it is not intended to include case by case examination of pilotage directions.