Newsletter June 2008
Contents:
1/- Berthing Contracts Payment&
2/- WiFi
3/-.Boat Identification
4/- Water Changes and Charges
5/- ISO 14001
6/- Emergency Berth
7/- Environmental issues
8/- Staff Changes
9/- Marina Grading.
10/- Safety
1/- Berthing Contracts – Payment. To those who paid their fees and returned their signed contracts promptly or within the 30 to 60 days payment period we say “thank you”. Your action assists in keeping down the costs of operating the Marina. We are facing into a future with obvious significant increases in our operating costs associated with lighting, heating and power supplies. In addition this year along with other commercial organisations we have received our first “Water usage charge”( see 4/- below.) To those who have yet to pay their fees we would advise that if not cleared by the 30th June i.e. 90 days overdue the matter will be placed in the hands of our solicitors with the added legal costs of such action being responsibility of the berth holder. In addition as there is a waiting list of berth holders requiring a transfer from the West Bight area we will reallocate berths accordingly and unpaid contracts will where applicable, be transferred to the West Bight.
2/- Wireless Internet./ Broadband. This is just to advise again that OceanWave WiFi is now “up and running” in the Marina. Just follow the instructions on their website http://www.myoceanwave.com/ and set up your own personal account. Once set up, you may use your account details to access your e-mails and the internet at the following marinas
Yacht Havens Group AB Ports
Lymington Ipswich Haven Marina
Plymouth Lowestoft Haven Marina
Pwllheli Independents
Largs Dover Marina
Troon Liverpool Marina
Neyland Tollesbury Marina
Fambridge Yarmouth Harbour Comms
Premier Marinas Ramsgate Harbour
Brighton Buckden Marina
Chichester Titchmarsh Marin
Falmouth Osea Leisure
Gosport Dart Marina
Port Solent Universal Marina
Southsea Falmouth Harbour Comms
Swanwick Portscatho Social Club
Sovereign Harbour Fowey Harbour Comms.
Portavadie
Ireland
Dun Laoghaire
Malahide
.
3/- Boat Identification. We would again ask that you take a moment or two to decide on a personal identification for your boat either a name or a number. You will note that your contract has a number that corresponds to the number we place on the identification label on your boat. With many boats of identical specification it is in everyone’s interest to ensure that their boat is clearly identified. This will ensure that potential and even understandable interference with your property is minimised. The Department of Transport has issued a Consultation Document on the proposal for the Registration of Vessels in Ireland. The Irish Marina Operators Association and the Irish Marine Federation will be submitting observations as appropriate. Summarising the proposal as it effects pleasure craft, it will only be vessels (including jet skis) whose length is less than 7 metres and whose engine power is less than 20 kW, which will be exempt from registration.
4/- Water Changes and Charges “Water Water everywhere and not a drop to drink” - Not quite. We are pleased to advise that the recent samples taken at random throughout the Marina have been analysed and found to be well above the minimum standards laid down by the EU for potable water. Samples are taken every year and have always been to this high standard. You will have noticed perhaps that many of the hose installations have been changed. While the standard of water was and is satisfactory, the outward appearance of the original hose installations was not. The white/blue striped hoses are the latest specification to minimise the potential effects of the UV rays from the sun.We have a quantity of the old hose pipes available – perfectly good for the garden – 30 metres for €10. Contact reception In line with other “industrial” applications in the area, Dun Laoghaire Marina now has to pay Water Charges based on the water utilisation which is calculated from a metered supply. These charges are raised on a quarterly basis. Like any utility service it is very easy to waste water by thoughtless actions. Bear in mind that there are requirements for water supply that are essential – showers and toilet facilities are the obvious ones. Likewise on the Marina itself the prime requirement for the provision of potable water is to fill the water tanks of your boat. It is all too easy to waste water when the boat is being cleaned and we would ask you either individually or through you to your contractor, to restrict the use of water during the wash down process to the minimum. When finished with the hose pipe please turn off the tap immediately and coil the hose neatly. Others do not appreciate the cats’ cradles that left for them to be sorted out before use.
5/- ISO 14001. The International Organisation for Standardisation ( ISO) caters for Environmental Management under the banner of ISO 14001. Under the umbrella of the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, the Harbour has been awarded ISO 14001 recognition. In obtaining this, all tenants within the harbour have also achieved individual recognition. Marina Marketing and Management Ltd is proud to be associated with the obtaining of this international standard for Dun Laoghaire Harbour and will continue to make every effort to maintain and improve environmental management. As a berth holder within the Marina we would ask that you continue to support our efforts with your efforts.
6/- Emergency Berth. Following a recent unfortunate accident at sea it was necessary to airlift an injured person from the western end of the Marina. While in this particular incident the injury might not necessarily have been immediately obvious it has served to remind us all that there is an “Emergency Berth” located at the base of the ramp beside the Administration Building. Should there be an injury or medical condition at sea that might require an Ambulance, contacting the Marina office by ‘phone or on VHF Ch 37A (M1) will initiate the call to the Ambulance service. The boat should then be brought directly to the Emergency Berth via the South Fairway. The Emergency Berth is also fitted out with a disabled hoist installation to assist in the transfer of disabled persons into or out of boats.
7/- Environmental Issues. While we may be satisfied with our efforts in contributing to ISO 14001 it is perhaps usefully to remind ourselves of some of some less savoury results should we be negligent in the disposal of certain items while at sea. Kevlar Rope will not degrade in this millennium – Glass Bottles will take over 500 years, Fishing lines, plastic bags and plastic bottles will take up to 500 years, Drink cans and polystyrene cups will take up to 100 yearsCigarette butts will take 3 to 5 yearsOrange Peel will take 2 years.Reduce, re-use or recycle where possible – dispose of all waste responsibly on shore.
8/- Staff Changes. Over the past two months we have said good bye to Michael Duke and to Charlie Byford and we wish them both well for the future and thank them for their contribution to the operation. We welcome Daniel Owens and Diarmaid Mullen to the Marina Supervisor role. In addition we also welcome our temporary staff for the “summer” – Aine Byrne, Sharon Quigley and Simon Hedderman.
9/- Marina grading As part of an Audit being carried out to assess the Marina and “grade” it there is a requirement to obtain anonymous inputs from our berth holders. These inputs are vetted by the grading Auditor and will assist him or her in arriving at the standard. We would ask you to please fill in your answers to the questions posed on the enclosed survey sheet and place it in the “Survey return” box in Reception. Your additional comments and suggestions will also be appreciated.
10/- Safety It is great to see young children being introduced to the sea. The recent good weather has increased the “traffic” within the Marina to a significant degree. We would however point out the dangers of young children in small inflatable dinghies manoeuvring in and out of the berths and into the fairways. They are not easily seen and may suddenly appear in front of a boat under power which may not be in a position to take evasive action due to limited room – please just think of all the consequences. As we approach the peak holiday period we wish you fair winds and calm seas whether you are staying “at home” or cruising to other areas. In either case plan carefully and effectively – remember it is better to be looking at it than looking for it.
Sincerely Hal Bleakley
General Manager.
