Health and Safety Executive

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Enforcing authorities at port premises

Within ports, there are a number of different enforcement authorities involved depending on the type of work being carried out and location. Below is a list of the different agencies with a brief explanation of the areas they cover along with a link to their websites.

Health and Safety Executive

HSE is responsible for regulating shore-based activities carried out on port premises by shore-based workers eg stevedores.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)

Work activities aboard ship by works crew, marine/maritime safety and ship/navigational safety.

Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)

Accidents to crew and to ships at sea.

The roles of the HSE, MCA and MAIB are explained more fully in the Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies:

Local authority Environmental Health Inspectors

Work activities in warehouses, shops, catering facilities and offices not on dock premises; leisure activities on or adjacent to inland navigations; complaints regarding nuisance)

Environment Agency

Activities affecting the environment.

Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR)

Railways on dock premises.

Police; Vehicle Inspectorate

Road accidents and carriage of dangerous goods by road.

HM Revenue and Customs

Import/export controls, excise duty.

UK Border Agency

The UK Border Agency is responsible for securing the United Kingdom borders and controlling migration in the United Kingdom.

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Updated 2011-01-14