PSS is a not for profit business existing for the benefit of its members. It has a leading role in:

• Developing National Occupational Standards for the industry,
• Organising Port Accident Prevention Officers conferences
• Safer Ports Initiative 2
• Producing health and safety guidance for the industry – including a new Code of Practice to replace the Approved Code of Practice ‘Safety in Docks’ COP 25

The PSS website contains more detailed information, including some free industry guidance.

• Maritime Skills Agency

The Maritime Skills Alliance (MSA) was formally established in January 2004, and brings together the Fish Catching, Marine Leisure, Ports and Shipping industries in a strategic alliance to focus on the skills needs of the maritime sector.

• Department for Transport (DfT)

The Department for Transport was set up to provide a stronger focus on delivering the Government's transport strategy. Their role is to set strategy and policy context, and to manage relationships with the delivery agencies. The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch [MAIB] are part of DfT. HSE works closely with both organisations in areas of shared interest and where the expertise of one organisation can assist the other. The work of MAIB in accident investigation is to discover the cause with a view to preserve life and avoid accidents in the future. It does not apportion blame. MCA was created by a merger of the Marine Safety Agency and HM Coastguard.

Trade Unions

HSE seeks to work with trade unions to improve standards of health and safety at work. In the Docks Industry this is primarily the Nautilus UK, and Unite.