Newsletter Summer 2007
Contents:
- Fire Risk
- Development report
- Security
- Berthing Contracts
- Pollution still a problem
- Safety issues and equipment
- Dun Laoghaire Regatta etc
1 - Fire Risk
The front page picture on this issue is a factual photograph of a dehumidifier that had been placed in a yacht and switched on immediately. After approximately 75 minutes of operation this was all that was left of the unit. The interior of the yacht suffered smoke damage and some scorching of the navigation table. Coupled with this damage was the requirement to clean up after some four powder fire extinguishers had been discharged. The cause of the melt down as suggested by the Fire Brigade officer, who attended the scene to ensure all was extinguished, was the movement causing the compressor to become contaminated with liquid refrigerant and the immediate switching on of the unit. This caused the compressor to overheat and the rest is history.
Moral of this story - ensure the dehumidifier is kept upright at all times and if moved around allow time for it to "settle" before switching it on. Perhaps it is sometimes better to have a slightly damp boat than no boat. Do not leave dehumidifiers running constantly- use a time switch and check the overall condition of the unit or have it checked regularly.
2 - Development Report
As in any project involving several contractors there are cracks between stones, even sometimes pitfalls. I am happy to say that the main installation of the piles and the marina furniture has proceeded smoothly with only a slight hiccough when one of the breakwater units for the west pier area suffered damage in transit. The Walcon teams have provided their usual quality product with quality efficiency. Unfortunately the provision of the services has fallen behind schedule, in some cases quite significantly, and this has resulted in a delay to the completion of the west bight installation. The Facilities Barge unit has also slipped some two months. It will however, we are sure, be worth the wait. Sorry for the inconvenience of the non convenience.
The disabled hoist is in place and those with disabled friends or family may bring their boat to the Emergency Berth at the end of the gangway and the hoist can be used for transfer to and from the boat. We are providing a dedicated place at the base of the gangway where wheelchairs may be stored under cover when not required.
3 - Security
As of you are aware we have always placed, and continue to place high priority on the provision of security systems and procedure in order to protect YOUR property while at the same time trying to ensure that your enjoyment and the enjoyment of your friends is not degraded. We have continuously placed emphasis on the use of the security proximity cards, offering additional and replacement cards at a nominal cost which covers the cost of the cards themselves. We are now trialling an upgraded system that will provide enhanced photographic coverage using high resolution cameras coupled with a personal identity that you will always have with you and hopefully once registered with us you will never loose- your index finger fingerprints. The system will be introduced initially for the marina staff and will gradually be built up until experience dictates that a changeover is possible.
The fingerprint data collected will only be sufficient for your identification and access to the Marina. The detail recorded will not be acceptable for use by any legal authorities - Immigration, police etc. The data is stored using alpha and numeric coding which protects the system from abuse by hackers.
4 - Berthing Contracts
It is unfortunate that despite repeated requests for prompt payment we have had to chase a minority of berth holders for payment. We have reduced the offenders list to some thirty berths and by the time of issue of this newsletter our solicitors will have their full details and the appropriate action will have commenced to obtain payment of the berthing fees together with legal costs. In addition as these are all annual contracts the automatic right of renewal will be withdrawn as per the Marina operating rules.
We again say thank you to those who paid promptly initially and to those who needed a little prodding could we ask your co-operation for next year, if renewing, that you pay promptly.
5 - Pollution still a problem
This perhaps is incorrectly entitled - it is a fact that polluters are still a problem on several fronts. There has been another two instances of oil pollution on the main walkways and on the bridging ramp. This shows a total lack of concern and an ignorant attitude on the part of the perpetrators.
Man’s best friend continues to foul the marina walkways and no effort is made to clean up. Again this is an ignorant attitude and one which also demonstrates that a further regulation is not being observed - DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES. Quite apart from the failure to clean up any foul it is possible that the owner does not know the dog has fouled as the animal is running free. There is a very positive Health and Safety issue in this subject. It has been noted that some culprits are in fact crew or contractors working on berth holders boats. Perhaps a word in their ears by the berth holder might be appropriate.
6 - Safety issues and equipment
In the same way that theatres, cinemas, ships and aircraft draw attention to the location of the safety exits etc., might we suggest that you take a moment to familiarise yourself with the location of the nearest safety ladder, life ring and fire extinguisher safety cabinet.
As part of the extended Marina three specific fire pumps have been purchased and will be located at strategic points throughout the Marina once staff have been trained in their use. These are specialist units and we would urge all to ensure that they are not tampered with by idle or inquisitive hands.
We would again stress the regulation that requires children under the age of 12 to wear a life jacket on the Marina at all times. They should also be under the control of a responsible adult. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
7 - Dun Laoghaire Regatta etc
The Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta approaches and many visiting yachts are expected. In addition the Half Ton Classic Cup Regatta is also taking place through the same week. To those taking part in this event we wish you every success - fair winds and smooth seas. We would draw your attention to a facility which will be available during the two events. You may order sandwiches etc from "The Butlers Pantry" and your order will be available each morning for collection on the forecourt of the Marina. On return each day you will also be able to order for the following day.
Look up the menu on the Regatta web site http://www.dlregatta.org/ and also on the "The Butlers Pantry" web site - http://www.thebutlerspantry.ie/
Finally in this issue we would thank you all for your continued co-operation, forbearance and patience during the construction of the Marina extension. It has taken longer that hoped and planned for. We continue to strive to provide high standards in everything we do. Enjoy the rest of the "season" (With current weather it is better not to classify which traditional season it may be)
Sincerely
Hal Bleakley
General Manager.
