Wednesday, 11 June 2008

Conference Room 1

Tax Incentives and the Environment
Sarah Black, Project Manager, The Green blue
Ian Govier, Senior Tax Partner, Grant Thornton LLP
The marine sector can take advantage of direct tax incentives which the Government has introduced to encourage business towards more environmentally friendly practices. This seminar will explain how marine companies can claim back enhanced tax allowances (ECAs) if you invest in energy efficient improvements to your site, water saving devices or other environmental upgrades. Similarly, if your product is energy or water saving, getting it listed under this Government scheme could make it more attractive to potential customers who can offset 100% of the capital against tax.

Managing Marine Waste in association with The Green Blue
Brian Clark, British Marine Federation
Complying with environmental legislation and compliance with waste is becoming increasingly complex and expensive. The British Marine Federation and Royal Yachting Association have developed an 'Environmental Code of Practice' (www.ecop.org.uk), which summarises the range of legislation and issues that operators must consider when running a waterside business. A speaker from the British Marine Federation will briefly explain the main principles of the ECOP and answer any questions.

Small Craft Surveyors Forum Seminar - Title TBC
Sponsored by the Small Craf Surveyors Forum (YDSA, IIMS, Society of Consulting Marine Surveyors, RINA, IMarEST, The Nautical Institute)

Conference Room 2

ACPO Diving and Marine Working Group Meeting
David Wright, Secretary

Conference Room 3

UK Harbour Masters' Association AGM
Peter Moth

Ports and emissions - policy issues and practical solutions for port and terminal operators
Eleanor Hadland, Head, Maritime Transport Consultancy
There is a growing concern with climate change, and participants in the international transportation sector are under increased pressure to operate in both a clean and sustainable manner. Moffatt & Nichol will present a short overview of the latest policy developments in the arena of port and shipping emissions. the presentation will also identify the range of practical strategies that port and terminal operators can consider for both greenfield developments and existing operations to reduce both pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Liability Directive in association with The Green Blue
Caroline Connell, DEFRA - Marine Projects
More EU legislation is on the horizon with the Environmental Liability Directive, which the UK has yet to bring into force. This will affect all future waterside developments, for whom a more rigorous consents procedure could be looming. It aims to prevent and remedy environmental damage caused to species and natural habitats protected under EU law, particularly that caused by contamination. So if your activities impact on natural habitats and ecological status of a water body, you ought to find out more as the compensation regime will be strict.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Session covering boat construction, codes of practice, the Automatic Identification System and training.
Roger Towner, Head of Seafarer Services and Ship Registration
Update on Boat Master's License, thoughts on suggested work boat qualification and development of the new Maritime Studies Qualification.
Keith Oliver, AIS Manager
Overview of MCA Automatic Identification System and its implications for Search and Rescue, and Vessel Monitoring: The MCA is the UK competent authority for AIS, and has a national network covering the UK coastline. The presentation will explain the various uses that such information can be used for. In addition an explanation of the differences of Class A and B equipment. Current and forecast legislative information for carriage of AIS will be explained. A period for questions will be allowed for in the speaker allocated time.
David Ralph, Technical Manager, Fishing and Code Vessel
Customer oriented regulation - the Codes of Practice for Small Commercial Vessels. Their origin, their performance and their future.