1. Health and Safety
1.1 There have been two serious equipment failures which required immediate and extensive investigation.
Accidental damage to a zodiac inflatable patrol craft whilst alongside the slipway at Knott End resulted in the total collapse of the bow section. There was no immediate danger to the crew, nor any injury, but the boat was subsequently "written off" as beyond repair.
The investigation raised the issue of the suitability of this type of craft for inshore work. The other 4 zodiacs in use were inspected and crews made aware of potential problems. To replace all 5 zodiacs with hard hulled craft would require larger engines, heavy duty trailers and 2 additional 4 x 4 vehicles, and extensive modifications to the FPV ‘Aegis’ launch and recovery systems.
A full risk assessment concluded that additional fendering to the existing craft, and crew awareness of the potential hazards, would reduce operational risks to a satisfactory level.
2) Whilst on a routine beach patrol the steering failed on one of the Committee’s quad bikes. Immediate investigation identified a failed steering arm joint. ‘Jury rig’ repairs enabled the recovery of the vehicle to the safety of shore. All other Committee quad bikes were immediately inspected and found to be serviceable.
A full risk assessment found the failure to be an isolated event, and concluded that there was no requirement to revise the current stringent service schedules and bi-annual replacement programme.
2. Accommodation
2.1 North Wales Office
A small sub-office has now been established in Menai Bridge within the Bangor University School of Ocean Sciences. The Biodiversity Officer, and newly appointed Traeth Lafan Development Officer, will be based at this office, whilst the PFO will continue to work across both Lancaster and Menai Bridge offices. The new office base has meeting room facilities, limited access to laboratory space for the processing of survey samples, and for 2 ‘hot’ desks for other staff working in the North Wales area.