Port health services
We are a designated Port Health Authority. As no food or feed enters the port, we do not have a permanent presence there. Instead the service is operated by the Commercial Services Team on a request basis, subject to officer availability.
Services we provide
- ship sanitation inspections
- bacteriological examination of potable water
- legionella sampling
Ship sanitation inspections
Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), seagoing vessels must undergo a ship sanitation inspection at least every 6 months. These inspections assess:
- food safety
- infectious disease control
- pest control and waste disposal
- sanitation facilities
- crew welfare provisions
Inspections are carried out:
- at the request of the ship’s master or agent such as when a certificate is due to expire
- as part of other risk-based ship inspections
Fees and charges
We follow the standard charging regime recommended by the Association of Port Health Authorities (APHA).
Water sampling
We offer bacteriological testing of potable water. Chemical analysis is not available
- routine sampling days: Tuesdays and Thursdays (mornings only)
- Samples must be collected, processed, and packed by 12:30pm for courier collection
In exceptional cases, such as outbreaks of illness, we may arrange sampling outside these times.
We can offer bacteriological and legionella analysis. All samples are sent to the UKHSA (UK Health and Security Agency) laboratory which is UKAS-accredited and this would typically include:
- aerobic colony count at 22°C and 37°C (on request; additional fees may apply)
- coliforms
- escherichia coli (E. coli)
- enterococci
Request a service or get more information
Email: HBC.CommercialServicesTeam@hartlepool.gov.uk
We will respond to all requests for ship sanitation inspections and water sampling, and provide full details of applicable fees and charges.