Question reference: S5W-36179
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 11 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 23 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding seafarer welfare on drill ships currently moored in the Port of Hunterston.
Answer
The Scottish Government has not held discussions with the UK Government regarding seafarer welfare on drill ships currently moored in the Port of Hunterston. Shipping safety and seafarer welfare are matters reserved to the UK Government.
Transport Scotland officials recently consulted with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Statutory Harbour Authority regarding a drill ship at the Port of Hunterston which had become adrift.
As a consequence of the incident, the MCA undertook General Inspections on the Ensco DS-8 vessel and on the Valaris DS-4 vessel. During these inspections, a number of deficiencies were noted and enforcement notices issued. Full and separate investigations have been completed by Clydeport as the Statutory Harbour Authority and by the ships’ management companies.
The Harbour Authority has been liaising closely with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and its report on the investigation has been submitted to the MAIB.
The Scottish Government expects the highest shipping safety and crew welfare standards and for these to be applied in the case of those vessels and personnel accessing our ports and coastal areas.