CASTLE Point boatmen were given a taste of coping in an emergency situation at a life raft training session.
All boats carrying passengers are required by law to carry a life raft, and the day was a chance for their crews to practice for an emergency situation.
The session, which was held at Runnymede pool, Thundersley, saw sailors practice inflating rafts, loading passengers and even righting the raft if it tipped over.
John Anderson, a licensed boatman, said: “It was great to have the opportunity to practice in a safe place. Hopefully I’ll never have to use the life raft in an emergency situation, but it’s vital to keep your skills up to date in our industry.”
The session was arranged by Castle Point Council, who licence passenger boats in the borough.
Cliff Brunt, chairman of licensing, said: “I’m delighted we were able to help and support our licensed boatmen in this really practical way.
“Castle Point is a great place to enjoy a trip on the water, but it’s most important all our pleasure boats are safe for use.
“If you are booking fishing or sightseeing trips in the Thames estuary, always check before you book that the vessel is properly licensed with us.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel