THE EFFECTS OF LOCKDOWN A PASSAGE TO THE NORTH EAST THE FUTURE OF BOAT PROPULSION - National Association of Boat Owners
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The Magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners
Issue 3 May 2020
THE EFFECTS OF LOCKDOWN
A PASSAGE TO THE NORTH EAST
THE FUTURE OF BOAT PROPULSION
2
3
The NABO Council Regional Representatives:
Anglian Waterways
Chair, Legal Affairs and BSS Rep. The magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners
Vacant
Mike Rodd
07831 860199 nabochair@nabo.org.uk East Midlands Waterways Issue 3 May 2020
Vice Chair Vacant
Mark Tizard London Waterways
Contents Next NABO News copy date
07818 757676 mark.tizard@nabo.org.uk David Williams Articles, letters, cartoons and photos are most
4 Editorial.
Treasurer 07813 496208 london@nabo.org.uk wel
come. Images in JPEG format please.
5 In the Chair.
Helen Hutt Middle Level 7 Fly on the wall. Please email or post your contributions
07831 682092 hontreasurer@nabo.org.uk Vacant by June 27th 2020. Our email address is
8 Around the regions: Wales and South-
NABO News Editor nabonews@nabo.org.uk
North East, Yorkshire and Humber, Shared West, North-West
Peter Fellows Ownership Rep. 9 Membership: Membership renewals
19 High Street, Bonsall, Derbyshire, DE4 2AS Howard Anguish and Coronavirus. Review of GDPR
Cover photo
01629 825267 nabonews@nabo.org.uk 01482 669876 yorks@nabo.org.uk, shareowners@ regulations. To remind you of what summer on the water-
Webmaster, NAG (Operations) and BSS Rep. nabo.org.uk 11 News: Letter to Richard Parry. ways used to be like, this month’s cover photo
David Fletcher North Wales & Borders Waterways 12 Towpath visitors. was a scene taken by Helen Hutt in York.
07719 276659 web@nabo.org.uk David Fletcher (details left) Win a year’s free membership by having your
13 Impact of restrictions on waterway
Media Officer North West Waterways businesses. photo selected for the front cover of NABO
Alison Tuck Ken Hylins 14 Meeting with CRT’s Head of Boating. News. Please email photos as JPEG attachments,
07450 108659 alison.tuck@nabo.org.uk 07852 911539 khylins@hotmail.co.uk 15 Meeting of National Inland Navigation ideally portrait format with a file size of 2MB or
Communications Officer, Moorings Rep., Forum. larger.
River Severn
Continuous Cruising Rep. 16 April updates by EA and CRT.
Phil Goulding (details left)
Phil Goulding 18 Boating: IWA looks to future boat
01271 865340 cc@nabo.org.uk River Thames
propulsion.
Graham Paterson
Promotion and Recruitment 21 On-board induction cooking.
0118 986 3959 midthames@nabo.org.uk
Ken Hylins 22 A passage to the North East.
07852 911539 khylins@hotmail.co.uk River Trent
26 Yet more on CO.
Vacant
Minutes Secretary 28 Techies’ Corner: What needs checking
Vacant South East Waterways when you get back to your boat?
Geoff Wood 29 Rewind: Issue No 3, 2005.
General Sec. (External Relations)
07968 491118 se@nabo.org.uk 30 Letters . I name this boat.
Mark Tizard
07818 757676 gen@nabo.org.uk Southern Waterways, Welsh Waterways
Mike Rodd (details left)
NABO Online West Midlands Waterways
Alison Tuck (details left)
Mark Tizard
facebook.com/master.nabo Additional Contacts
David Fletcher NABO News is published by the
Twitter @NABO_Official Assistant for the Disabled National Association of Boat Owners
Ken Hylins PO Box 7366, Wolverhampton, WV1 9GQ
07852 911539 disability@nabo.org.uk
For membership matters: 35 Williamson Drive, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5GJ
Administration
Editor: Peter Fellows Production: Chris Pink
Vacant
Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the contents of this newsletter are factually correct, we accept no liability for any direct
or consequential loss arising from any action taken by anyone as a result of reading anything contained in this publication. The
views expressed are not necessarily those of the Association. The products and services advertised in this publication are not
necessarily endorsed by the Association.
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020
4 5
The Editor’s Column In the Chair
T L
he ramifications of the And in other news ike many of our members in extension of licences—but it is also
Coronavirus lockdown have It’s not all Covid-19 though: David self-isolation at home and understandable that they have asked
dominated the waterway Fletcher reviews NABO’s progress unable to travel to our boats, those of us who can afford it, to do-
news for nearly eight weeks with the data protection regulations, it has really come home to nate back to them the savings we
at the time of writing and these are since they were introduced two years us how much the canals and rivers gain, and I encourage those who can,
widely reflected in this issue. ago, and requests the small number are an essential part of our lives. It to do so.
CRT’s decision not to close tow- of members who have not yet re- also reminds us how precious these I feel it is necessary for me, per-
paths to visitors initially caused sponded to get in touch. waterways are, and how urgently we sonally, to address the question of
an intensely negative response on David also describes progress need to ensure that they are pro- the towpath usage. I am deeply con-
social media by some liveaboard with a CO monitoring study that is tected. cerned that CRT has been seriously
boaters. NABO’s support for CRT’s underway. For those of you dream- This will be especially important and often publicly abused for its ap-
decision is explained by Mike Rodd ing about your next trip, Helen Hutt in the days ahead, when our econ- proach to the use of our towpaths
recounts her last big adventure in omy will look very different from during these days of self-isolation.
the first of two articles about her the immediate past, with govern-
Mostly, but not all travels on north-eastern waterways.
Stephen Peters commends the ben-
ments facing many horrendous
difficulties in recovering from the
financial wrecking balls caused
Mindful of the needs
about Coronavirus efits of induction hobs in the galley
and I have reviewed a paper by
IWA’s Bowman Bradley, looking into
by the pandemic. And—of vital
interest to all of us—at the same
of others
Editor Peter Fellows has news of other the future for boat propulsion, with time as the Government will be NABO Chair Mike Rodd considers some effects of
additional comments by Mike Rodd. trying to sort out this mess, CRT the pandemic
developments, even though little is happening on As we ‘went to press’, the and EA will be bidding for at least
the waterways Government announced some eas- some essential government funding. To me, it seems that there are two
ing of the lockdown measures and As I have said before, I just cannot sides to the debate. For the many
in his Chair’s column. NABO also CRT adjusted its restrictions to en- see how either body will be able to (6,000 plus?) folk living on their
welcomes CRT’s support: for high- able non-liveaboard boaters to visit continue without some level of gov- boats, it would seem logical that,
risk liveaboard boaters who are their boats to check that everything ernment support, at least similar to with most towpaths less than two
self-isolating; for the extra month’s is OK. Tony Brooks describes what that which has been received in the metres in width and right up against
licence offered to all leisure boaters; to look out for in his Techies’ Corner past. However, I really can’t see such their moored boats, CRT should
and its support for trade and hire- article. However, boaters are still bids being high on any government's simply close the towpaths to all but
boat businesses, each reported upon unable to cruise, except to visit es- priorities. It is vital, therefore, that the boaters. A logical argument, but,
in this issue. In his regional sential services, but everyone is boater representative bodies, such as what about the many folk who live
rep’s report, Ken Hylins, who hoping that the current movement NABO and RBOA, get behind CRT’s in tower blocks in a city where there
is self-isolating on his boat, restrictions will soon be safely eased. and EA’s bids—even though we must are no local parks to exercise in?
describes the assistance he It would be nice to think that we can also continue to be critical friends Where else can they go to walk the
is being offered by CRT vol- all be back on the water by the time when needed. kids—except on the safe, local tow-
unteers and local residents. that the June issue of NABO News I fear for so many of the water- path? Or, what if your shortest route
However, many small wa- is published but, even if this is the ways-related businesses who are to (possibly essential) work is along
terway businesses do not case, I suspect that we are in for a facing a devastating year with pos- the towpath and the alternatives are
qualify for the Government long haul back to a new version of sibly no income at all. I can also see much longer walks or rides up steep
assistance on offer and there normality. The waterway ‘landscape’ that many boaters may be financially hills (like those around Bradford-
is a request for members to will be changed, hopefully not ir- challenged and unable to pay marina on-Avon and Bath) on some
contact their MPs to rectify retrievably, by the effects of this fees etc. If this causes them to move cyclist-unfriendly roads? These folk
this with additional financial virus. In the meantime, if you have their boats onto the towpaths, that have legitimate needs too. So, per-
support measures. If noth- exhausted your supply of waterway will further compound the marina sonally, I agree with CRT's current
ing is done, there is a real books and magazines as you while operators’ financial position, as well policy (at the time of writing) of lim-
risk that many boatyards, away the lockdown hours, I hope as (in most cases) CRT’s. If boaters ited but shared and considerate use
marinas, chandleries and that you enjoy reading something are additionally unable to pay their of towpaths, to comply with social
hire companies will go out of new in this issue. licence/registration fees, this will distancing restrictions.
business. Stay safe. add to the impact on CRT’s and Unfortunately, of course, there
EA’s finances. We welcome CRT’s will always be a small number of
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 2020
6 7
In the Chair NABO Council meeting April 25th 2020
folk who then selfishly abuse the be kept safe. This crisis has brought
situation—and go screaming down
a towpath on their racing bikes try-
home to us all just how interlinked
we are—and the use of towpaths is
Fly on the wall
ing to beat the latest STRAVA speed just one more example of how we Observes proceedings at the Council
record. Or those whose exercise is ought to be mindful of the needs of
meeting in April
a 20 km run, normally with their others, together with the vital need
W
mates, along a lovely flat and well to keep everyone as safe as we can. I
cared-for towpath. Unfortunately, should add that the reports we have ith everyone still in and it is not enough to put up
CRT’s approach to handling this received from liveaboards with spe- lockdown at home, I signs advising people to avoid
situation seems to have been to just cial needs have been very positive again listened-in to the moored boats with liveaboards,
tell its boating community what its regarding the support they have all Council members’ tel- with too much text for passers-by
policy is, and then put up signs. This received from CRT staff. econference call. to stop and read. One liveaboard
is instead of going public and stating Naturally, meetings with the sen- Councillors welcomed CRT’s Councillor reported people fish-
clearly, through the national press ior management of the EA, relating support for boaters by extending ing next to his boat and groups
and other media, that towpaths to their navigational responsibili- their licences for a month and also of long-distance walkers stopping
should be used by non-boaters ties becoming less dependent on developing payment plans for boat- nearby for a rest, which he blamed
ONLY where absolutely essential, government funding and exploring ers who are experiencing difficulties on people being confused by lack of
and then laying out the conditions how to become more commercially paying their licence fees—the indi- clarity in the signage. Councillors
under which this may be done, so viable, have ground to a halt. This cations suggest that a lot are having agreed that a simple message, such
that those who have no choice but to also appears to have happened with difficulties. CRT is also giving sup- as ‘stay away from here’, and diver- NABO calendar 2020
moor against the towpath can also evaluating the tenders to oversee the port to the hire industry with a sionary routes around liveaboard Council meetings are
Photo: Helen Hutt three-month licence rebate as an boaters, where possible, should be
management of all the EA’s Thames normally held at boat
moorings. We know that there were emergency measure. devised. But the real problem is not clubs in the Midlands
two experienced bidders for the The Council agreed that boaters local residents out for a stroll or a area.
contract, and they await a decision. should continue to pay their licence cycle-ride along a towpath; it is the However, with Covid-19
While this will only immediately af- fee in the short-term, even though lycra-clad runners and speeding they will be held by
fect boaters using the Thames, the they are unable to use their boats, cyclists, panting as they approach teleconference in June,
underlying concept of outsourcing but this could become an issue in unsuspecting walkers from behind, September and October.
moorings management is of vital in- the medium-term. For those who who, if infected, are potentially Members are welcome
terest to all of us, as I am sure CRT moor in a marina, the mooring fees spreading the virus to large numbers to attend meetings and
add to their problems and a conse- of people. CRT should crack down to join in those held by
will be looking very closely at this teleconference; please
approach! quence may be boaters moving to on such selfish activity by banning
just let the Secretary or
Your NABO Council continues to towpath moorings to reduce costs. running and high-speed cycling on Chair know in advance
meet regularly via teleconferences, This will have a knock-on effect on towpaths—after all, the roads are (contact details inside
and the sessions have proved to be marina incomes and CRT should now almost empty and perfectly safe cover).
very productive and well-attended. be supporting marina owners to get for these activities. The remaining dates for
As in so many other areas where we government assistance. CRT is using the ‘Boaters’ Council meetings in 2020
are being forced to operate in differ- NABO also supports CRT’s deci- Update’ to communicate its distanc- are as follows: June 20th,
ent ways, I do wonder what we will sion not to close towpaths, despite ing requirements, effectively asking September 5th, October
be able to take from these experi- the uproar on social media and boaters to enforce these. It should be 10th and November 14th
ences when the situation changes abusive emails being sent by some using the local and national press to (includes AGM).
back. Whilst face-to-face meetings boaters to CRT’s Customer Services. inform land-based residents of what
are valuable, these teleconferences Towpaths are important for local they can, and cannot, do on tow-
are less costly and can be very pro- residents to get some exercise and paths. It has also advised liveaboard
ductive. Food for thought! fresh air, especially in urban areas, boaters to move to a quieter moor-
Finally, despite these strange but CRT’s promotion of towpath use ing if they consider themselves to be
times for all of us, I wish you eve- at the start of the lockdown smacked at risk, but other boaters see them
rything of the best and, for those of a ‘wellbeing’ PR exercise. There moving and think ‘if they can move,
unlucky ones who are not living on are problems in physical distancing so can I’ and lockdown restrictions
their boats, I hope we all see our where narrow towpaths are being are starting to be ignored.
boats again soon! used by large numbers of people, Byeee until happier times.
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 2020
8 9
NABO News
challenged about their presence on the canal. I
Wales and the
South West
have moved to a more secluded spot and I am
now getting almost no people coming near the
Membership matters
boat. There have been six boats that have passed David Fletcher and the Membership Team
Mike Rodd me, but their direction of travel is possibly to re-
With many boaters safely turn to their home moorings. I have had three
self-isolating, there is little emails from CRT, asking about my position and Renewals and Covid-19
movement on the canals. what services I need to be open. A CRT volun-
It was reported that teer has called three times to see how I am. The Our May membership renewals have all gone out team already under restrictions, we must avoid
there were scores of dead local community has offered to help with a free to those with an email address. Some members doing this. Bank standing orders are our prefer-
fish spotted in the Kennet & Avon in Devizes. do not have standing orders in place and action ence, but direct transfer or PayPal are good too.
The EA said the coronavirus lockdown has re- is required by them to pay by direct transfer or Perhaps someone could make the payment on
sulted in a drop in traffic and activity on the PayPal. your behalf? Please use your membership num-
canal, and this has created a series of stagnant
pools between locks—resulting in the fish suf-
Around the The only paper documents being sent are
to those very few people for whom we have no
ber so that we can identify the receipt.
Having said that, if there is no alternative, we
focating through a lack of oxygen. However, a email address. We have also changed our corre- ask that you give us a call, and we will sort out
local fish expert (also a medical professional)
commented that there had probably been a toxic regions with spondence address for all, to a personal one in
Nantwich, so that we can better respond in these
difficult times. If you get a paper letter, and you
something, perhaps extending membership for a
few months until this is over.
Please be sure that we remain committed to
leak as the distribution is quite localised. Also,
the fish involved are stillwater animals and could
cope. A local boater said there had been a large
diesel spillage in the area, which may have led to
NABO’s have an email address, please let us know so that
we can use it in the future.
We ask for members’ cooperation by avoiding
supporting all members who don’t use the in-
ternet and similar systems, but we need to use
time-saving technology wherever possible so
the deaths. payment by bank cheque if at all possible. It may that we can concentrate our efforts on those who
There have been reports that, on the K&A,
there have been some unfortunate conflicts
regional reps be very convenient for you to write a cheque and
post it, but that just transfers the problem to the
really need a paper reminder.
The membership team will really appreciate
where liveaboard boaters, who are understand- membership team. A cheque is of no use if we your cooperation to keep things going in these
ably very unhappy with the folks cycling or cannot go to the bank and, with the membership difficult times.
running along the towpaths, have taken mat- electric hook-up and several local people have
ters into their own hands. However, there are a offered to shop for me (I must be getting old!),
significant number of people who have almost and I’m told that, if I need assistance, I should
no alternative but to use the towpath to get to just ask.
work—including some working in Bath hospitals David Fletcher adds: Following a wet
and care homes—perhaps a case of a small mi- February, both March and April have been very NABO Review of GDPR regulations
nority of thoughtless people spoiling things for dry, particularly in the north. Due to this and
the majority? some lower levels in reservoirs post-Toddbrook,
An update on progress over the last year. public knowledge or is about someone’s profes-
the Peak Forest, Macclesfield, Huddersfield and
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sional life can be personal data. Almost anything
North West Leeds & Liverpool canals are closed for the fore-
was introduced in May 2018, following the Data we do with data counts as ‘processing’; including
seeable future. The aim is to save water so that,
Protection Act 2018. collecting, recording, storing, using, analysing,
Ken Hylins when the system is reopened, we have some wa-
We concluded at that time that the regu- combining, disclosing or deleting it.
I am at Appley Bridge, a ter to play with. There has been some comment
lations do apply to ourselves, as we hold We must regularly review our processing
suburb of Wigan on the on social media about a blockage on the feeder to
information about people for a ‘business or other and, where necessary, update our documenta-
east Lancashire border. the Peak Forest from Coombes Reservoir. I un-
non-household purpose’. The law applies to any tion and our privacy information for individuals.
There have been signs put derstand that, although there is a blockage, this
‘processing of personal data’, and therefore covers We must review and update our accountability
up about the limited use of is not the only problem and it could take some
all organisations, whatever their size. ‘Personal measures at appropriate intervals. This is done in
the canal towpath close to time to get this flow going again. The stoppages
data’ means information about a particular liv- April each year.
me. mean that the coal boats cannot pass and sup-
ing individual. This might be anyone, including
They have had little effect on towpath footfall port those liveaboards on these waters.
a customer, client, employee, partner, mem- Our current position
as, in my estimation, there is a three- to four-fold As we went to press, we heard that Ken is
ber, supporter, business contact, public official Review of the processing activities. There are
increase in its use. A policeman walked along the scheduled to have major heart surgery; we wish
or member of the public. It doesn’t need to be no new activities and the procedure still ap-
towpath last Sunday afternoon, but nobody was him well for a speedy recovery
‘private’ information—even information that is plies.
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 2020
10 11
Membership matters News
tempted. It is possible that they have moved
After extensive chasing, house without telling us. It is proposed to
write again after the virus lockdown is over,
Dear Richard
we are now down to using recorded delivery. We have records to
demonstrate that we have attempted to get
An open letter from NABO to Richard Parry
D
agreement. Council may wish to consider the
five members who have best course of action should we be unsuccess- ear Richard. and will be at risk of closure, with
ful. Following NABO’s recent the resultant loss of facilities and
not agreed the privacy Statement on data security. Web security and
theft of computers are the prime concerns.
Council meeting, I have
been asked to write to you
moorings. We would support any
attempt by CRT to help the marina
policy These issues are addressed in the procedure
and will be further considered in the risk as-
to raise the following concerns: we
appreciate the efforts that CRT is
industry, either directly or through
Government. We would suggest that
sessment. now making to limit the use of the CRT considers temporarily forgoing
Privacy policy adequacy. We have a policy in Review of complaints. There have been no towpath for exercise, specifically in its 9% mooring levy for marinas that
place and no amendment is proposed at this complaints. areas where there are moored boats, are prepared to offer a mooring ‘hol-
time. There have been no challenges. Review of data loss or disclosure events. but we feel more needs to be done. iday’ to those in genuine need.
Review of the accountability of Association There have been no losses of data in the year. We are hearing of instances We urge CRT to start talking to
officers. These are set out in the procedure (Nantwich and New Mills, to name the insurance sector regarding the
and no changes are recommended. Main action items identified in 2019 but two) where speeding cyclists and requirement for the BSS, to arrive
Review of access to data by Association offic- Continue with initiatives to complete agree- serious runners are putting the rest at a general agreement that this re-
ers. Access to data is limited to membership ment by membership (to be continued). of the towpath population at risk. quirement is formally suspended.
team members. Write to life members and share the data we Because they are exercising strenu- Hopefully, there is an awareness and
Procedure adequacy. The procedure has hold (completed). ously, they are inevitably exhaling understanding that, once the lock-
been checked against the Information Document the responsibilities of officers and more forcibly than a gentle walker down requirements are lifted, there
Commissioner’s Office’ requirements and is approve in Council (completed). or leisure cyclist; and this is why we will need to be a substantial period
considered adequate. The latest version is out Document the data that we hold, including feel that this particular group should of time, months not weeks, for sur-
for comment by Council. the archives. Say why we keep these and ad- be told, not encouraged, to use al- veyors to be able to deal with the
Review of data holdings. We have completed dress actions (audit completed and results in ternative routes such as dedicated backlog and for boatyards to be able
a data survey to identify what we hold. There procedures, completed). cycle paths, roads and wide pave- to carry out any remedial work.
were no surprises. The most significant data is Make further efforts to retrieve archives held ments where 2m distancing can be Finally, there is growing con-
held on the website and on membership team by Richard Carpenter (completed). guaranteed. It is often too late if they cern that the safety of some boats
members’ computers. We have completed an Write simple procedures and approve in happen to see a poster once they get moored on the towpath may be at
impact assessment on data loss. Council (completed, further version with to the towpath. We suggest a local risk, either internally through the
Statement on data minimisation. We have Council for comment). radio campaign or a press release state of batteries, bilges etc., or ex-
completed the disposal of historical paper Carry out a risk assessment and impact as- sent to the relevant outlets and post- ternally through the possibility of
holdings and now concentrate on web-based sessment on data loss, and address actions ers within the nearby communities. damage and vandalism. Some insur-
data. arising from it (risk assessment outstanding). We welcome the extra month ance policies insist that boats are not
Statement of storage limitation. We have had Consider in Council whether we have enough given to leisure boat licences. We left unattended for extended periods
no requests for deletion of members’ data. We expertise on this issue (no action taken, to be suspect many boaters are likely to of time. Should the lockdown be fur-
have adopted a routine of data deletion from considered). face increased financial difficulties ther extended, CRT should consider
the live database in the year following a resig- in the coming months in meeting granting permission for boaters to
nation. Backups are retained. Proposed actions for 2020 their licence and mooring payments visit, but not move, their boats to
Statement of members’ acceptance. After Continue with initiatives to complete agree- and hope that CRT will keep this enable batteries to be recharged etc.
extensive chasing, we are now down to five ment by membership (five persons only). under review the longer the cur- In summary, our members are
members who have not agreed the privacy Update the procedure and approve in Council. rent restrictions remain in place. very appreciative of the steps CRT
policy. These are all longstanding members Complete a risk assessment on data loss and We are concerned that boaters will is taking to contact and protect vul-
without email and may have limited under- address actions arising from it. be tempted to vacate moorings nerable boaters and the steps already
standing of GDPR. They have been written to Consider in Council whether we have enough and move to the towpath to reduce taken to cushion the effects of the
several times, and phone calls have been at- expertise on this issue. costs. Some marinas, already hit by lockdown on the trade and on boat-
loss of trade through chandleries, ers generally.
hire boats etc. will struggle to cope Regards, Mike Rodd
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 2020
12 13
COVID-19 News COVID-19 News
Towpath Visitors Impact of Restrictions on
...swapping tourist hotspots for local towpaths
Since the start of the coronavirus distancing Brindley Place in Birmingham and Camden.
Waterway Businesses
measures, CRT reports a shift in usage from busy However, these percentage figures should Write to your MP
tourist hotspots like Little Venice in London or be treated with a degree of caution: the actual
P
central Birmingham, to local less-used canal tow- numbers of visits, pre-lockdown, in the top three
paths in residential areas, increased usage by less inner-city areas are tiny compared to more popu-
lease write to your MP to What we want from You can find out who
affluent communities where green space may be lar locations and, even now, during lockdown
raise concerns you may have Government: your MP is, and how
at a premium. they are comparable to many other locations; best to contact them,
for the waterway businesses A financial package, similar to
The report gives data from towpath counters some other popular locations; Stratford on by looking at the
and organisations in your that offered to the fishing in-
around the country, who noted that the largest Avon, Brecon show increased numbers of visits; Parliamentary website:
local area. dustry, to enable navigation
percentage increases in numbers of visits were and other inner-city areas; Coventry, Sheffield, members.parliament.uk/
You may want to include some of authorities to underwrite licence
in Burnley, Sandwell and Blackburn and other Leicester and Leeds show falls in visitor numbers, FindYourMP.
the following points as part of your and mooring fees for waterway
inner-city areas. The three largest percentage falls as towpaths are no longer being used for commut-
letter, but it is best if each letter is businesses for this year. This
in numbers were recorded in Paddington Basin, ing or lunchtime breaks.
unique. would relieve businesses of a
Average Daily Count significant cost and allow navi-
Baseline before Post lockdown The key issues gation authorities to continue to
Area % Change
lockdown 21st March The inland waterway leisure in- maintain the waterways so that
Burnley 97 350 261% dustry is worth approximately everyone can safely use them
Sandwell 52 156 199% £1.5bn to the economy but when the restrictions are over.
Blackburn 194 555 187% waterway businesses are dispro- Additional financial schemes for
Milton Keynes 84 229 172% portionately impacted because the businesses that are still falling
Torfaen 416 1028 147% the majority do not qualify for between the gaps of the grants
Wolverhampton 125 291 132% existing Government support. and loans already on offer.
Walsall 89 205 130% They have little or no access to
Birmingham (Inner) 463 1024 121% the grants, loan schemes or rates Please ask your MP to:
Tottenham Hale 1051 2248 114% rebates currently being offered by Raise this matter with George
Ilkeston 314 595 90% Government. Business owners Eustice MP, Secretary of State
Liverpool 236 440 87%
are wary of taking on loans which for Environment Food & Rural
London (West) 948 1424 50%
would have to be paid back next Affairs, and Rishi Sunak MP,
Pocklington 126 171 36%
year despite having lost this year’s Chancellor of the Exchequer;
York 1557 2078 33%
income. Attend the next meeting of the
Stratford-upon-Avon 361 471 30%
Brecon 495 585 18%
The high dependency on income All-Party Parliamentary Group
Nottingham 297 342 15%
during the spring and summer for the Waterways on this impor-
Manchester 748 830 11% means that the Covid-19 cri- tant topic.
Brent 1671 1740 4% sis has hit at the worst possible
Stockton-on-Tees 623 584 -6% time, with annual expenditure for
Coventry 208 186 -11% maintenance and running costs
Devizes 431 373 -13% having already been paid out over
Saul Junction 241 185 -23% the winter.
Sheffield 602 433 -28% Most waterway businesses have
Leicester 570 409 -28% had to cease trading while the
Leeds 2438 1561 -36% current restrictions are in place.
Pontcysyllte WHS 610 380 -38% Some have already closed per-
London (Camden) 5173 2729 -47% manently, with many more at
Birmingham (Central) 2567 1241 -52% significant risk of collapse before
London Paddington 11224 3094 -72% the end of the year.
Photo: Bradford Wharf Services
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 2020
14 15
News News
NABO at the user groups NABO at the user groups
Meeting with CRT’s Head of Boating National Inland Navigation Forum
Mike Rodd and Mark Tizard have a catch-up call with Matthew Symonds, CRT’s Head of Boating, Mike Rodd reports back from the meeting
joined by his deputy, Rachel Haywood.
T
Approximately one third of CRT staff have have a material financial effect on other engi- he NINF met via a teleconference on not been invited to recent meetings. The General
been furloughed and the Trust is topping up neering works, dredging etc. Saturday 28th March, with most member Secretary would contact IWA about this fail-
the 20% to ensure that all staff continue to re- Matthew advised that it was too early to un- organisations represented. This forum ing. It was also agreed that having a separate
ceive full pay. derstand whether the current emergency continues to be a useful platform for the Parliamentary Group covering the Thames was
CRT has given trade/hire businesses a three- would impact future Government grant fund- various bodies to exchange views, bringing to- not necessary.
month rebate/refund on trade licence costs. ing, but it was hoped that the importance of gether the navigation bodies, CRT, EA and other The question of creating additional residen-
The trade rebate, the reduction in income the towpath for exercise and ‘wellbeing’, and waterways’ organisations having current active tial moorings was discussed in some detail and
from licences, friends and museums, and a CRT’s management of its liveaboard custom- members, including The Barge Association, members strongly supported the view that this
fall in property investment rentals/values ers would be seen in a positive light. the Association of Waterway Cruising Clubs, should be encouraged, especially given that the
have resulted in CRT facing some financial CRT will continue to maintain the Bridgwater NABO, the Great Ouse Boating Association, (only?) growth in the number of boats being pur-
constraints, which are difficult as yet to quan- and Taunton canal but give up the lease on the Historic Narrow Boat Club, the Commercial chased was for use as prime residences. Indeed,
tify. Bridgewater Docks. There are ongoing dis- Boat Operators’ Association, the IWA and the this was probably the reason why many boat
There are currently no plans to offer a pay- cussions around CRT managing moorings. Residential Boat Owners’ Association. builders were still in business!
ment holiday for leisure licence holders as BSS discussions are also ongoing with all in- The meeting attempted to look positively to- It was agreed to support the recent changes
it is unclear how many have been impacted. terested parties. CRT is concerned as a BSS ward the future, but recognised that the present promoting the use of smokeless coal and prop-
CRT is asking all licence holders who are in certificate is currently a condition to obtain crisis would both be with us for longer than pres- erly seasoned wood, by banning the sales of
financial difficulty to get in touch to discuss a licence (the same for most marinas and ently anticipated and would inevitably impact products that do not satisfy these requirements.
a revised payment plan (note: this is a defer- insurers). All agreed that there might be an on the years ahead. The situation regarding the It was also agreed to monitor the red diesel situ-
ral not a withdrawal). Boaters are urged not impact on licence/insurance/mooring renew- future funding by Government for all waterways ation, noting that the proposed changes could
to cancel their direct debits, as this would als if there is insufficient allowance made for authorities meant that we, as the representatives have serious impacts for many users, including
cause difficulties for both CRT and the boat- boaters to obtain a BSS certificate and to get of most boating organisations, needed to be seen effects on commercial boats.
ers concerned, but to contact the Trust. CRT any remedial work done once the lockdown is to be joined together and getting behind the bids Once again, the issue of short-term boat rent-
will also offer advice on how to access other withdrawn. by CRT and EA. als (mainly via Airbnb) was highlighted and it
support if it is able to. These plans will be Mike pointed out that the EA appeared to Part of this had to be via direct contact with was agreed that NINF would support all attempts
reviewed should the lockdown continue for be adopting many of CRT’s practices and MPs and local councils and, once again, it was by the navigational authorities to regulate this,
longer than is currently envisaged. Matthew confirmed that CRT is offering ad- felt that all bodies should be invited to attend all where possible. It was noted, however, that some
With a few minor exceptions, the winter stop- vice in many areas when asked. He was also meetings of the All-Party Parliamentary Group marina operators were actually encouraging the
page programme has been completed. There aware that the EA was tendering for manage- for the Waterways, as it appeared that most had present bad (and questionably illegal) practice!
was some discussion about extending the ment of moorings and enforcement and he
boating ‘season’ by deferring winter stoppages would look at the outcomes.
to enable boats to cruise later in the year. Mark noted that the virus had shown how im- This is How Boaters’
Matthew reported receiving many emails re
towpath safety, many of which had been very
portant towpath services are, given that many
marinas had closed and some closures might
Reps Should Work
vociferous and often abusive. The issue had be permanent. He hoped that CRT would YOUR USE
become more manageable with improved take this into consideration in its thoughts
Having seen the poster that CRT suggested LIMIT YOUR OF CANAL TOWPATHS
boaters should print out—a corporate blue back- USE OF CANAL TOWPATHS
posters and banners, which seemed to be about the future provision of facilities (the ground with a few white letters that is expensive
working, and with CRT’s advice that livea- internal report on this, which was due to be in its use of ink and impractical, and obviously Strictly for local use only
Please keep your distance from
board boaters could move to quieter areas. discussed, has been delayed). The two ten- designed and approved by non-boaters—Mark #StayHomeSaveLives other people and moored boats
The work at Toddbrook is to be planned over ders for removal of waste and maintenance of Tizard contacted Helen. She passed the com- before... ...after
several years, and other similar reservoirs facilities are due to be awarded shortly. This ments on and well done to CRT for taking them
have been subject to inspection and lowered should lead to improvements in areas such as on board and changing it.
#ProtectTheNHS
#StayHomeSaveLives
water levels. This is not currently expected to recycling.
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 2020
16 17
CRT News CRT News
April Updates by the EA and CRT Non-governmental agencies and charities that offer free help and advice
The strategic review of the EA boat registration month from their current expiry date. With the
Waterways Chaplain The Money Advice Service
charges has been postponed and a new charge crisis affecting the Trust’s income, it is asking
Emergency contact through contact form 0300 500 5000
scheme will be delayed until 2022. Boaters who those who are able to afford it, to donate the ex-
at www.waterwayschaplaincy.org.uk www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
are navigating rivers to access essential services tra month’s licence fee back to the Trust, using
or facilities should take care in case of unmarked the ‘donate’ button on its website. Shelter Christians Against Poverty
hazards or obstructions to navigation, such as CRT has adjusted its mowing regimes, with 0808 800 4444 01274 760720
fallen trees and shoals. cutting only at locks, landings and moorings www.shelter.org.uk www.capuk.org
Reduced operations by its staff mean that the (deemed essential for safe access). General tow-
EA is unable to respond to these as normal. EA path grass cutting will be deemed non-essential. Samaritans Age UK
staff will not provide assisted passage at locks Cutting from the nearest access point to towpath 116 123 0800 169 6565
that can be self-operated and they will only op- moorings, to ensure access is maintained, will www.samaritans.org.uk www.ageuk.org.uk
erate locks where they are obliged to provide be from the water's edge to 500mm behind the
this service. From 9th April until further no- towpath. (Mowing regime maps can be found at Salvation Army Civil Legal Advice
tice, the EA has introduced lock restrictions at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk, search ‘Mowing 0207 3674500 0345 345 4345
Abingdon, Marsh, Hambleden, Cookham, Bell regimes’.) www.salvationarmy.org.uk www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Weir, Sunbury and Teddington Locks. Passage
through locks at Hambleden, Cookham, Bell Information for those living on their boat Citizens Advice Bureau Silverline
Weir and Teddington is by prior arrangement CRT is continuing to maintain essential boating 03444 111 444 24hr helpline for older people
and on an exceptional basis only. This can be facilities, and services can be found at canalriv- www.citizensadvice.org.uk 0800 470 8090
sought by emailing WaterwaysThames@envi- ertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/
ronment-agency.gov.uk or telephoning 03708 boating-services.
506 506, although there may be considerable Pump-out cards can still be purchased from that is compiling a list of the help available to those who are experiencing financial hardship
delays in facilitating requests. Passage is not CRT’s online shop at shop.canalrivertrust.org. boaters around the network. There is also a range due to the virus, more information on the CRT
possible through Marsh Lock, which has a tree uk/shop. A list of privately-operated facilities of support from the Government, available for website tiny.cc/vlmloz.
blocking boat passage, and Abingdon Lock, can be found at tiny.cc/fbmloz CRT will update
which has been damaged through misuse by a the list of facilities that are open. If boaters know
boater. Sunbury Lock has a sunken boat in the of facilities that are not listed, they should inform
main channel above the lock cut. These locks will CRT via the online webform canalrivertrust.org.
be reopened when the EA operations teams are uk/contact-us. Uncertainty in Bridgwater
able to recommence their activities. There are increasing reports of fly-tipping
CRT and the EA have extended BSS certifica- and pollution incidents and CRT has reminded
The future of Bridgwater Docks has
tion until 11th May for boaters whose certificates boaters that, regardless of the usual method of
become uncertain as CRT will not renew
have expired or are about to expire. The situation disposal (pump-out, Elsan, composting etc.), un-
the lease when it expires in July due to
will then be reviewed. Boat owners are advised to der no circumstances should sewage be emptied
the cost of maintaining the docks in the
check any implications for their boat’s insurance into a waterway. If boaters see any instances of
long-term. It will work with Somerset
cover, linked to the temporary waiver of BSS fly-tipping or pollution, please report them at
County Council to find alternative ways
certification, with their broker or underwriter. canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us/reporting-lit-
of managing the docks to safeguard their
For more information, visit the BSS website at ter-weeds-and-pollution.
future once the lease expires.
www.boatsafetyscheme.org. On the matter of Self-isolating on a boat: CRT is proactively
insurance and any clauses relating to leaving a contacting boaters who are known to be in a Volunteers already have a role at the site
boat unoccupied for a length of time, CRT sub- high-risk group, including those with equality ad- and a voluntary group or organisation
sequently suggested that boaters should speak justments, those who are pregnant, and those who taking a more active role to manage
directly to their insurance provider, believing it are over 70. Anyone who lives on their boat and and maintain it is one possible option,
likely that insurers would not be unreasonable, falls into one of these categories should contact particularly as they may be able to bid for
given that boaters are following Government CRT to obtain support at www.gov.uk/coronavi- funding that’s not available to the County
guidelines not to visit second homes or make rus-extremely-vulnerable. There is a Facebook Council.
non-essential journeys. group www.facebook.com/Boaters-Covid- Bridgwater Mercury
All CRT licences will be extended by one Support-National-Network-102792934713394
Photo: CRT
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 2020
18 19
Talking Points
amount of diesel used on inland
The IWA looks into the
The Existing Fleet
Boat diesel engines last a long time waterways is relatively small, so
and owners are likely to be reluctant this may be acceptable.
to convert from diesel to electric
future of boat propulsion drive unless required by legislation
to do so, which Bowman believes is
Peter Fellows reviews a recent report unlikely.
B
So most existing diesel-powered
boats will be with us for many years.
The full report is owman Bradley, the leader There are very few problems
If we don’t want boats to be made
available at www. of IWA’s steering group, has installing a battery bank in a narrow-
waterways.org.uk/blog/ obsolete by legislation or owners
produced a report on his boat: weight is not a problem; space
greening_our_waterways to be forced into expensive conver-
vision for more sustainable is more available than in a car; and
sions, there needs to be a way of
boating. power requirements are well within
significantly reducing the environ-
He acknowledges that the over- the range of the current technology.
mental impact of diesel engines.
all contribution of inland waterway The main drawback is cruising range
One such way is to use biodiesel,
craft to carbon emissions is small, and recharge times, but both will
which, while not being 100% ‘green’,
but it will inevitably come under improve. Batteries can be recharged
is an improvement over mineral die-
scrutiny and boaters have a social using a shoreline, or by on-board
sel. But using 100% biodiesel has a
responsibility to ‘do our bit’. His re- photovoltaic cells or wind turbines.
number of disadvantages:
port examines technologies that are Batteries can also be charged by
It is manufactured from veg-
currently available, or close to being hydrogen fuel cells. However, there
etable oil, commonly palm oil,
available, in three categories: new are environmental issues around the
which makes biodiesel thicker
build; the existing fleet; and refuel- manufacture, recycling and disposal
at UK winter temperatures. This
ling/recharging. of batteries.
is currently not a problem when
Hydrogen is converted into elec-
it is used at low percentages in
Hydrogen fuel cell operating New Build tricity in a fuel cell. The technology
mineral diesel, but it would be
principle Bowman believes that it is likely that is well developed and the size of ex-
a problem at 100%. Some bio-
Photo: ASU Renewable Energy canal boats in future will be driven isting cells can propel a narrowboat.
diesels are now being produced
Center by an electric motor; the technology However, currently hydrogen is not
which can resist winter tempera-
energy.asu.edu.jo exists and is mature. ‘green’ as it is mainly manufactured
tures, using a blend of oils.
from hydrocarbons, but it could be Electric motor and battery
Pure biodiesel burns at a lower Refuelling and Recharging
made ‘semi-green’ with CO2 cap-
rate than mineral diesel, which Significant capital investment will bank
ture, or it could be manufactured
causes problems for high-revving be required for refuelling with both Photo: Mothership Marine
from ‘green’ electricity. Like LPG, it mothershipmarine.com
road diesels, but canal boat en- an electric recharging infrastructure
can be used to power a conventional
gines are low-revving and so this and a hydrogen refuelling infra-
internal combustion engine, but
should not be a problem. structure.
there are some environmental issues
Some diesel engines have rubber Commercial operators will not
with this, such as NOx emissions.
seals in their fuel systems, which invest until the boats exist to use it
The combination of a battery bank
are not resistant to 100% biodies- and private owners will not invest
and hydrogen fuel cell gives flexibil-
el. This can be corrected at a cost, in the boats until the infrastructure
ity and reduces the cost of the total
and modern engines are biodiesel is available. It is unlikely that gov-
installation because of the reduced
resistant. ernment will provide the finance.
size of the fuel cell. The cost would
Biodiesel manufacture requires Electric charging already exists in
currently be higher than a diesel en-
the use of a small amount of hy- most marinas and this is adequate
gine, but this will reduce and, in any
drocarbons and so is not 100% for slow charging of batteries when
event, the cost of a propulsion unit is
‘green’, but it is significantly bet- boats are moored. It would require
not a high percentage of the cost of a
ter than mineral diesel. upgrading for fast charging, in a
new boat. Hydrogen would give the
Vegetable oils to make biodiesel similar way to road vehicle charg-
required range and the capability for
use land that could be given ing stations, but it is difficult to
fast refuelling.
over to food production but the imagine every visitor mooring being
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 202020 21
Talking Points Boating
On-board induction cooking
Stephen Peters is in the galley.
L
Fuel Cell
Hydrogen
ike most boat owners, my is that the lowest
tanks cooking requirements have power setting, al-
until recently been met by though satisfactory
Batteries and
using a gas cooker and/or for simmering or
control microwave oven. heating-up soups, is
In my case, the cooker is an elder- too hot for heating
ly Flavel Vanessa LPG stove with two milk, which burns
burners, a grill and an oven. It still and caramelises in
works well and is in good condition, the pan. The answer
considering it is over 20 years old. is to find a brand
However, it does not have flame- with lower power
Yanmar trials a hydrogen- equipped with such charging points. powered buses! failure protection on the burners settings.
fuelled propulsion system Hydrogen refuelling is more Certainly—as NABO has said (which is a requirement for all new I have recent-
Photo: yanmar.com problematic and currently does not in the past—there are ways of cut- cookers) and the pan-support grid ly done precisely
exist on the system. It needs a dis- ting the pollution caused by boats. was starting to get rusty until I had it that and bought a
tribution system, probably tankers, Applying smokeless zone control re-chromed. Not being a fan of using ‘Tillreda’ induction
and will be more costly than red requirements to all boats in all areas LPG on-board, I acquired a port- hob from IKEA,
diesel pumps, but the technology is would certainly reduce pollution. able electric induction hob, which priced £39, which
available. It may be possible to devel- Also, including emission tests dur- now caters for most of my cooking has lower power set-
op a network of hydrogen refuelling ing the four-yearly BSS inspections requirements. And I would recom- tings and is far more
stations at hire fleet bases, if enough would be very beneficial. mend anyone with access to 240VAC controllable and
hire companies could be persuaded However, a blanket require- power to consider following my lead. simpler to operate.
to use hydrogen boats. ment to move from diesel to electric The model I have on my boat is a The only problem
power isn’t a catch-all panacea— Tefal single-hob, which costs about with this appliance
The views of Mike Rodd CEng particularly for existing boats. What £49. It is small enough to sit on a is its larger space re-
Whilst I enjoyed the technical con- is normally (and conveniently) ig- worktop and can be stored away quirement, although
tent of this article from the IWA, nored by the eco-warriors are the when not required. It has a maxi- it has provision for
I am concerned about its implied considerable ecological costs in- mum power requirement of 2100W storing the cable and
support for the current barrage of volved in extracting the required and nine power levels that draw less a handle which acts
emotionally-charged environmental raw materials, many of them rare, current. There are also a number of as a hanger for storage. I use this one Portable induction hob
initiatives, led (for example) by the that are needed to manufacture the pre-set power settings for heating, at home for my everyday cooking re- Photo: Ikea
Mayor of London. electronics and especially the batter- stewing and frying. Most users will quirements as I know it would take
The paper seems to imply how ies, together with the environmental prefer the controllable manual mode up too much of my worktop area on
polluting our boats are, which sim- cost of transporting them and in- and, once a pan has reached boiling the boat.
ply provides the eco-warriors with stalling them. Also ignored is that point, you can select a low setting for Induction hobs will, of course,
‘ammunition’, while ignoring the fact boat engines have a long life, and simmering. only work with compatible sauce-
that the overall pollution created by that replacing them sooner than Experience has revealed a few pans but this need not present a
boats, compared with other forms necessary would simply increase minor drawbacks—the first being problem. Many pans are marketed
of transport and accommodation, is their lifetime pollution costs. the shiny ceramic hob, which could as suitable for induction hobs and it
minimal. Boaters are amongst the most result in a pan sliding off if your boat is possible to buy quite cheap stain-
Indeed, in London the overall environmentally-aware communi- rocked. I consider this not to be a less-steel pans from many discount
pollution caused by all the boats ties, so it’s senseless to attack them problem when used on calm inland stores. Induction cooking is fast, ef-
together is probably less than that by encouraging regulations that will waters but I could not recommend it ficient, clean and safer than gas and I
derived from a handful of diesel- be meaningless in the long term. on tidal waters. The second criticism can recommend it.
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 202022 23
Boating
versing out onto the river less so—I
A passage to the North East did an elegant 360° pirouette before
pointing in the right direction again
Part 1: Evesham to Ripon, the top of the network east of the Pennines. and fought the tide for the first hour
or so en route to Keadby Lock. So
Helen Hutt recounts her greatest challenge after 14 years of continuous cruising.
many power stations, pylons and
T
turbines made the more than four-
o achieve this, the Trent had my presence, the crew opened only hour trip rather unattractive; then
to be conquered. Tackling one gate, at which point I realised we had to dawdle for nearly an hour
this great river single-hand- they were novices. Waiting for them waiting for the lock because only
ed had always filled me with to sort themselves out and open the one sluice was working. So, plenty of
trepidation, despite having cruised offside gate, Pipistrelle was dragged time to practise in my head that up-
the Thames from Limehouse to onto the weir overflow. After full stream approach and positioning for
Lechlade, and the Severn, Wey and throttling and two men trying in the turn into Keadby Lock– tricky
Soar. I needn’t have worried. vain to pull the boat into the lock, I but successfully executed.
Two and a half weeks after leav- decided to back off and try again. I The Stainforth & Keadby Canal,
ing my mooring in Evesham, via the left them to it after the lock. part of South Yorkshire Navigation,
Avon, Severn, Staffs & Worcs and was a revelation. It is so wide that,
Trent & Mersey, I reached Sawley On the Trent even though moored on pins, one
Marina, filled up with diesel and On the Trent, there was an hour’s barely felt another boat passing—
bought the Trent and Ouse guide hold-up at Holme Lock waiting for a not that there were many! The
books. Moored overnight in Sawley tug towing a barge to come through. scenery wasn’t great, with Keadby
Cut, I hardly slept thinking of the That was my first encounter with power station seeming ever-present,
adventure to come. But on a glorious a big barge on the river and I’m glad but Vazon sliding railway bridge was
May morning I set off down the river I didn’t have any more! Then, an un- fascinating. Built in 1925, it is one of
into new territory, through two locks eventful journey to Newark (where only three in Europe, and clears the
and into Beeston Cut, and moored a tour of the Castle ruins revealed it water by a mere 2ft. Controlled from
on the outskirts of Nottingham for wasn’t built as a castle at all, but as a a signal box, winches slide the bridge
a couple of days (sadly Nottingham residence for the Bishop of Lincoln, deck sideways to clear the naviga-
Castle was closed for renovations). in 1129) and on through Cromwell tion. Luckily, I went through with
On unfamiliar water, it’s always Lock onto the tidal Trent—and two other boats, whose crews took
comforting to buddy up with an- the potentially scariest bit of the turns to operate the ensuing swing
Leaving Cromwell Lock other boat, so I was delighted to see journey. Turning off the river into bridges.
Photo: Helen Hutt one pull out ahead of me towards Torksey Cut for an overnight stop My first overnight stop was at
Castle Lock. Despite acknowledging was much easier than expected; re- Thorne. The engine had seemed Waterways of the North East Map: opencanalmap.org.uk/Google
noisy during the day, so I checked the
fan belts etc., and found the bolts on
the generator bracket had sheared.
Fortunately, there is a boatyard right
next to the visitor mooring, where
I was able to get the bolts replaced
the following day. But I’m not always
so blessed—reversing back into the
pontoon mooring, I got a jacket
wrapped around the prop.
Now for the Big Locks
Every one long enough to take an oil
tanker and electrically operated, but To allow boats to pass, the whole deck of the Vazon bridge slides
the control box always seemed to be sideways on rails, pulled by steel cables.
on the wrong side! Photo: Chris Allen/Geograph, Drawing by Helen
NABO News Issue 3 May 2020 NABO News Issue 3 May 2020You can also read
