Wussername

Pleased that the op has gone well. Nurse tells me that you are very good in bed. Can send you my tea shirt if you wish. Andrew

I was unable to listen to the meeting unfortunately. Was there any provision made for the mooring Quays at Grt Yarmouth, Reedham or Norwich to be manned by a Quay assistant during the extended hiring season. In addition are the water and electric charging facility going to be extended at Reedham and other moorings ? I would also like to clarify my understanding of the Quay Assistant position. The person allocated to this duty is not a Ranger and as such would seem to hold a seasonal task for the Authority and is not offered out of season paid work. Andrew

The season would seem to have been extended. That is the difference. Or have I been misinformed? Andrew

Is that a given? There are hire boats on the Southern Rivers. Are not private boats entitled to the same degree of service as the hire fleet from the BA. Andrew

It would seem that some of the Norfolk Broads hire fleet will be extending the letting season to the end of November. November can be a cruel month, but can also provide a wonderful experience for those who come prepared for an experience like no other. Skeins of geese honking across an early morning sky, the evening flight, deer peeking amongst the reeds. If you are lucky a murmuration of starlings or waders will provide the final curtain on a late autumn day or an early winter day. A Seago day of large Norfolk sky’s, clear sky’s with occasional cloud ending with an occasional squall. Are the Broads prepared? I think not. The Quay Assistant at Reedham finishes on November 1st This particular mooring, or part of it, is controlled by the Broads Authority. I do not need to elaborate on the importance of a Quay Assistance on this particular mooring. Are other moorings affected? Should we be concerned? Andrew

Do not forget your winceyette pyjamas. Why are you going to Gt Yarmouth, it will be closed for winter. Andrew.

Time in the UK 22:11 Sydney early in the morning. https://webcamsydney.com/

I wish that I had bought a bit of marsh years ago and turned it into a mooring for several boats. Sounds a lucrative business. Once established few overheads. Good cash flow. Need, an important consideration but as yet never in doubt. Or, have I over simplified the matter.

Grab rails are placed on a boat for a purpose. It is not a resting place for boat hooks, mops and fishing rods. In your hour of need you will be challanged to obtain a secure hold.

Most accidents occur getting on and off a boat. Falling in. Broken legs, broken ankles, strained ankles. And so on. Fending off boats with legs and arms and hands. Why? Because people do not read or listen to those who offer or are employed to give advice.

Are we loyal to the broads? Yes. You have got that bit right. Have we tried other UK waterways. Probably not, but no doubt some have. How do they compare? I think that you are on the wrong forum, ask elsewhere. Old Wussername.

No offence taken. Not guilty guv re helm obliged to get away. It is very rare for this type of incident but I suspect a very difficult one to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Alan you are an experienced skipper also you know your own boat, in particular you know your boats handling characteristics. I have seen hirers inadvertently leaving a boat in gear whilst mooring. I have even seen one of our members leaving his boat in gear whilst mooring at our Salhouse meet. I have seen people using the morse control not knowing where the neutral position is or not knowing how to disengage gears completely. I'm sure that I have seen a prop moving albeit very very slowly even in neutral enough to cause injury i suspect. But I may have imagined that bit. Put it down to sans eyes, sans teeth, sans everything!

I am not trying to be smart or clever and I do understand why the engine needs to be turned off when people are swimming very close to a maneuvering boat. What is the recommended action if you suddenly find yourself amongst children in the water, swimming as was the case at Ranworth and Womack two weeks ago. What would your state of mind be if heaven forbid you contributed to an accident and is it not appropriate to take action now rather than wait for the conclusion of a judicial judgement which could take months.

I have given you a like. With all your Points, with the exception of point 4. It is point 4 that I have concern. How can anyone, any trial run driver, or indeed an on board traing skipper of undeniable forsight forsee all eventualities.

Then simply abdicate your concern. Your contribution. Your involvement. No one will criticise you.

The trial run driver is not a casual contribution to the holiday experience. It is integral to the customers safety and to the companies responsibility to provide value, concern, and a positive statement of commitment. Expenses plus a tip. It was never my objective.

At least it will demonstrate that we have tried. We will not have neglected our responsibility.

I was thinking of a somewhat more nefarious activity.

A bit spartan old man. I would go for Hathor or White Moth at our age what! what! Even got a piano on board, for a jolly old sing song. No creeping down the corridor in the dead of night now! Night night. Sweet repose. Half the bed and all the clothes. Now, where did I put my snuff box? Old Wussername

I am guilty as to having an attitude to some who hire and indeed some of those of the private sector. We should and must show tolerance and consideration. In turn this attitude must be reciprocated. As a forum we must demonstrate our acceptance of this ideal. Old Wussername

It is interesting to read of the interaction between the master, helm, skipper, pilot. Communication on a boat is imperative to a safe voyage. On a racing sailing cruiser expect to be shouted at, sworn at, encouraged, humiliated if things go wrong. On a hire boat it is not so extreme. But you must pay attention to your designated helm. It is his responsibility to communicate. Prepare the mooring lines. Tell the crew why you are turning the boat into the flow of the river When you intend to mananouver the boat. Secure the bow rope first and then the stern When to get off, when it is safe to get off. Do not jump. In brief the helm, the skipper must be aware of his responsibilities and be able to communicate with his crew. And the crew must be prepared to listen and conform. The above is a brief summary of his obligations but not all. Such an understanding may contribute in some way towards a discussion towards our commitment to identifying and reducing the frequency of incidents. Old Wussername Andrew

I do feel that in some instances that there is an over reliance on the bow thruster. It does have limitations. Unfortunately some trial runs do not take this into account and without this understanding some struggle during the mooring process. Andrew

I think that your guess may be wrong in the light of current events. Expect the unexpected.

I wonder what happened to all those people who read and who made a comment. Where have they all gone or are they still amongst us. I like to think that they still follow our ramblings but choose not to get involved. Andrew