Dover Port Health Authority
Food Safety and Water Quality on Vessels
Food Safety
Dover Port Health Authority conducts Food Safety inspection on
board cruise ships, Ro-Ro ferries, merchant vessels, small
passenger vessels and pleasure craft that dock at Dover Port.
Inspections are conducted to protect public health and safety
from food-borne disease. In 2003 the Food Safety (Ships and
Aircraft) (England and Scotland) Order 2003 came into force, it has
extended the definition of a 'premises' for food hygiene purposes,
to include ships. This means that certain provisions outlined in UK
food hygiene legislations now apply to ship inspections.
Dover Port Health Authority also provide training on basic food
hygiene and offer advice and guidance to crew, passengers,
operators, agents and fellow regulators on:
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
- Training
- Infectious Disease Control
- Waste Disposal Systems
- Water Quality and Supplies
- Pest Control
- Lighting levels, ventilation, drainage and sanitary
accommodation
Port Health Officers are highly trained in Food Safety and good
hygiene practice; they conduct thorough inspections of the galleys,
food storage areas, preparation areas, waste disposal and water
quality arrangements. This often involves talking with crew and
passengers.
Dover Port Health Authority work closely with the Maritime
Coastguard Agency who are responsible for crew conditions and
welfare and the general Health and Safety on board ships.
Water Quality
Dover Port Health Authority take potable water samples from
shore side bunkering points and from a variety of vessels including
cruise ships, Ro-Ro ferries, merchant vessels, small passenger
vessels and pleasure craft that dock at Dover Port.
New guidelines for water quality on board vessels have been
produced in partnership with the Health Protection Agency. Port
Health Officers of Dover Port Health Authority take water quality
samples in accordance with the new guidelines. Samples may be taken
as part of a sampling programme, to test turbidity, taint and or
the presence of faecal indicator organisms. Port Health Officers
also offer advice on cleaning regimes and chemical safety.
Please contact us if you would like further information on any
of the above areas.
Contact Port Health
Telephone: 01304 872216
Email: porthealth@dover.gov.uk
