Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for FAQs

Click here for FAQs

Click here for FAQs

As a trust port, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners have no shareholders or owners. A Board of Commissioners is appointed to oversee the running of the harbour in accordance with a set of duties and powers.

Commissioners are selected on merit via an open recruitment process. Appointments are made for 3 year terms and a commissioner may serve up to 3 terms.

The Commissioners appoint a chief executive who is responsible for the day to day management of the Organisation. They also appoint a harbour master responsible for marine safety in within their Harbour Area.

A Consultative Committee is also appointed from Harbour users. Independent of the Commissioners, they consult on matters relating to the Harbour and provide feedback and suggestions to the Board.

Like other harbour authorities, FHC are empowered to raise money from harbour dues paid by vessels using the harbour. They can also charge for use of facilities such as moorings.  No funding is received from either central or local government and tax is paid on any profits made.

Profits are not distributed but kept for use by the Organisation. A reserve fund is maintained to provide capital for re-investment and cover loss making years.

Falmouth Harbour Commissioners have a number of responsibilities including:

• Safe management of the harbour area in compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code.
• Facilitating safe navigation through maintenance of navigation aids, hydrographical surveys and notices to mariners, including acting as a Local Lighthouse Authority.
• Provision of Pilotage Services for the Pilotage Area.
• Reporting and recording of shipping movements.
• Providing information to vessels via a Local Port Service.
• Maintaining effective pollution and emergency response
• Enforcing Harbour Byelaws and General Directions.

FHC also provide commercial moorings for larger vessels and ships. They have also created two business arms to provide facilities and services in an efficient and cost effective manner.

Falmouth Haven

• Falmouth Haven Marina berths.
• Premium, standard and visitor moorings.
• Rental of outdoor space on Custom House and North Quays.
• Car Park charges on Custom House and North Quays.
• Grove Place Boat Park and Slipway.
• Operation of the Fuel Barge.

Falmouth Pilot Services

• Provision of Pilotage Services for the Falmouth Pilotage Area.
• Boarding and Landing charges for use of the services pilot boats.

Trust ports do not distribute profits and are encouraged to provide a “stakeholder dividend”. Falmouth Harbour Commissioners supports local events benefitting the wider community, previous examples include:

• Sponsoring the Red Arrows event in support of Falmouth Week.
• Supporting local clubs and associations in the organisation of events, including sailing races and regattas by providing discounted facilities.
• Support of large scale events such as Tall Ships races by assisting with organisation and management.
• Support of shore side events and festivals by permitting use of Falmouth Harbour land.