Skippers wanted
THE Kennet & Avon Canal Trust is wanting skippers for its Hungerford based trip boat Rose of Hungerford, with the offer to train volunteers to Maritime & Coastguard Agency Boatmaster level.
This level allows the volunteers to control public trip boats carrying over 12 passengers, and they can go on to use the qualification to do commercial skippering, Mike Rodd of the Trust tells us.
Four boats
The Trust runs four such boats, others in Newbury, Devizes and Bradford on Avon, with all totally volunteer run with every penny raised (including tips!) going to support the work of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust—whose biggest current project is to raise £2 millions to ensure the future of the Crofton Pumping Station, whose grade I listed building is failing.
Skippers are needed to ensure the continued success of the Trust's Rose of Hungerford, which is a purpose-built trip boat. She is one of the premier tourist attractions in West Berks/Wiltshire, and has been operating from Hungerford Wharf since 1983. Last year she carried 4292 passengers in total, on 176 trips, both public ones (including the ever-popular Santa cruises) and special charters.
Re-opened the waterway
All the funds raised go to support the work of the Trust, which was instrumental in re-opening the waterway and now works to protect, enhance and preserve the canal and its surrounding structures, such as the world-famous steam-driven Pumping Station at Crofton.
The 'Rose' is wholly operated by an enthusiastic group of volunteers, calling in paid specialist expertise only when absolutely necessary.
However, as the boat's popularity and reputation grows, she is becoming the victim of her own success, and the Trust urgently needs more volunteers in many areas to keep things running smoothly.
Most urgent need
The most urgent need at the moment, though, is for Boatmasters. Trip boats like the 'Rose' are heavily regulated by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, and may only operate with a licenced skipper in charge.
Boatmasters are required to pass a national test, demonstrating skilled helmsmanship, and showing detailed knowledge of the boat, the local waterway and its regulations, weather conditions, etc. This training (mostly done on the job) includes courses on safety and first aid. The Trust pays the costs involved. In return, those who qualify as Boatmasters undertake to skipper regular trips with the Trust for five years. Although this is all volunteer work, qualified Boatmasters can also skipper other public trip boats, so this qualification could additionally lead to paid employment with companies that operate commercially run trip boats.
If you would like to find out more about helping on the 'Rose', please contact our Volunteer Manager, Tony Hill on 01793 534148 or 07751 129447, or by email at: