by Teresa
Slightly nervous about being on the Thames for 2 days in
early March as I am prone to feeling the cold. We were fortunate with the
weather (although still too cold for me) in that the sun came out on both days
and we finished just before the rain started on Sunday. The course was based
next to St. Catherine’s docks at the
headquarters of HMS President. This is the base for the Maritime Volunteer
Service which is a charity run organisation which allows a group of keen and
skilled volunteers to develop their skills in boat handling (in other words
play with boats).
Grant, Colin and myself were the keen trainees along with
three dive members from Clidive. Our trainers were Don, Joli, John and Ben. Kim
was our trusted helper for the 2 days trying to get the boats started and
fitting in some well needed knot practise when possible. Joli was the overall
organiser and managed to pack in a full programme for both days. The course
comprised of theory sessions on the hard boat and long practicals on the river.
Day 1
Our first jaunt was with Joli to the Thames Barrier where we
were then shouted at by the Port of London Authority because we were too close
and quote “didn’t you have your radio on?” We must have been too absorbed in
the driving to hear him! I practised a few manoeuvres with varying success.
Finished practical at about 3pm and had a late well earned sandwich before
digesting chartwork theory by instructor Ben. He was an excellent instructor
and managed to make plotting a journey using a compass look relatively easy. I
must buy that special instrument he used that made it all a lot easier.
Finished by 5.30pm and had luckily warmed up from being out on the Thames
earlier.
Day 2
Straight into the RHIB the next day. Ben took the three of
us out on the RHIB. I now felt much more comfortable behind the wheel and managed
to do most of the manoeuvres as expected. I can now pick up a diver from a RHIB
without running over them and time the drop-off (approximately) for the diver
to get to the buoy. The diver was simulated in the shape of a large water
bottle. Initially picked it up when it was thrown in water as didn’t want any
more litter in the Thames ! My particular
favourite manoeuvre was a sharp lefthand then sharp righthand turn
consecutively. Felt a bit like Bond girl without the youth and glamour.
Another theory session by Joli in the afternoon and knot
practise by Ben. I have to say knots are not my strength and I said something
like “I can’t do knots” to which Ben replied “if you can tie your shoe laces,
you can do knots”. Eventually I managed to do a bowline knot and a few others.
A final practical session for both groups in towing each others’ boats with
instructor Don enabling us to practise those knots again. Finished the day in
the nearby pub for a well-earned pint and dive chat as well as chat about the
Maritime Volunteer Service. Some Bermondsey members are interested in joining
the MVS to build on the boat handling skills we have learnt over the weekend
and all of us are keen to complete more courses in chartwork and GPS. Overall
an excellent course run by very committed, patient and skilled volunteers who
really deserve more than a pint in the pub at the end of the day. Big thanks
must go to all the instructors who gave up their weekend to train all of us to
become semi-competent boat handlers.
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