NABOThe Magazine of the National NewsAssociation of Boat Owners Issue 2 April 2017

PANAMA BOATING A THIRD CANAL AGE? MORE “VOLOCKIES” ON THE CUT 2

The NABO Council Regional Representatives Chair NW Waterways Stella Ridgway Richard Carpenter (details left) NABO News The magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners 07904 091931 North East, Yorkshire and Humber, Shared [email protected] Ownership Rep. Issue 2 April 2017 Vice Chair, NAG (Licensing and Moorings), Howard Anguish Communications Officer, Moorings 01482 669876 Contents NABO Calendar 2017 Mark Tizard [email protected], [email protected] 0203 4639806 London Waterways and NAG (Licensing & Mooring) Council Meetings in 2017: April 22nd, June 10th, [email protected] David Williams 4 Editorial July 22nd (if required), September 2nd, October Treasurer 07813 496208 5 In the Chair 14th, November 11th (includes AGM). Helen Hutt [email protected] 8 News: Boat licensing review, Transfer 07831 682092 South East Council meetings are held at boat clubs in the [email protected] Geoff Wood of EA waterways, Consultation on red diesel, Pennine explorer cruise, NINF Midlands area - see the NABO website for details. Legal Affairs and Continuous Cruising 07968 491118 Members are welcome to attend Council meet- Mike Rodd AGM. CRT mooring prices, Floating [email protected] ings; please just let the Secretary or Chairman Southern Waterways markets. HS2 consultation. Paddington 07831 860199 know in advance (contact details inside cover). [email protected] Andy Colyer Basin developments, CRT contracts, NABO News Editor 07733 364856 Mersey Link update. Cover photo Peter Fellows [email protected] Geoffrey Rogerson 12 Boating: Earth leakage on boats. 19 High Street, Bonsall, Derbyshire, DE4 2AS 13 A stitch in time. This month’s cover photo of the Bratch on the 01629 825267 07768 736593 Midlands Waterways 14 Lending a hand. Staffs and Worcester Canal was taken by editor [email protected] Peter Fellows Webmaster, NAG (Operations) and BSS Rep. Phil Goulding (details left) 16 Another boating world. David S. Fletcher East Midlands Waterways 21 Talking Points: Where do London’s Joan Jamieson Win a year’s free membership by having your 07719 276659 boats come from? photo selected for the front cover of NABO [email protected] 0115 981 2047 22 A third canal age? Continuous Cruising Rep. News. Please email photos as JPEG attachments, [email protected] 26 The Sessions. Phil Goulding West Midlands ideally portrait format with a file size of 2MB or 27 Leeds and Liverpool safety. 01271 865340 Alison Tuck larger. [email protected] [email protected] 28 Rotate: Threats to boating on the Floating Traders, Regional Reps Coordinator and Anglian Waterways Falkirk Wheel Next NABO News copy date Boater Liaison Rep. Vacant 30 Letters. I name this boat Paul Howland North Wales & Borders Articles, letters, cartoons and photos are most welcome. Images and photos in JPEG format 07443 635587 David Fletcher (details left) [email protected] Welsh Waterways please. Please email or post your contributions to Minutes Secretary Mike Rodd (details left) Vacant River Severn [email protected] by 29th April 2017 Vacant General Sec, Promotion and Recruitment River Thames Richard Carpenter Graham Paterson Mill House End Farm, Leyland, Lancashire 0118 986 3959 PR26 9HB, [email protected] 07989 441674 or 01772 600886 Dennis Hill NABO News is published by the National Association of Boat Owners [email protected] 07973 638866 PO Box 104, Leyland PR25 9AN Editor: Peter Fellows Production: Chris Pink [email protected]

NABO Online Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the contents of this newsletter are factually correct, we accept no liability for any direct Additional Contacts facebook.com/master.nabo or consequential loss arising from any action taken by anyone as a result of reading anything contained in this publication. The Assistant For The Disabled views expressed are not necessarily those of the Association. The products and services advertised in this publication are not Mark Tizard necessarily endorsed by the Association. Ken Hylins Twitter @NABO_Official 07852 911539 CRT Emergency No: 0800 4799947 EA Emergency No: 0800 807060 David Fletcher [email protected] Administration Contact CRT waterway managers at canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/our-regions Sue Burchett

NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 [email protected] 4 5 The Editor’s Column In the Chair From dark arts, via 100 feet-wide ‘Bring Out Another Thousand’ locks, to volunteer lock-keepers NABO Chair Stella Ridgway Ridgway gets ready for some springtime maintenance Editor Peter Fellows introduces a packed issue

been limited to trips to Bugsworth e emerged from hiberna- In the boating section, Helen Basin to water up, empty the Elsan tion in March and a group Hutt has an expensive clean-out of etc., but in the winter, the canal takes took our shared narrow- her diesel tank, diesel tanks being on a different life. Christmas was Wboat out for the first time something I guess many of us sim- quite busy although we were iced in this year, to introduce a new share- ply forget about, and David Fletcher this year, when nowhere else was up holding family to the joys of the cut. experiences a fascinating world of here. In fact, we had our first experi- Although it was a fine, warm(ish) boating through 100+ feet-wide ence of breaking ice to moor up as day, there were very few moving locks on the Panama Canal, aboard the canal was freezing as we moved. boats—possibly just as well while a 90,000 tonne vessel. Spring is also the time we double- the new family got to grips with the I have also included an article check everything after the winter. tiller! I was surprised at the amount on galvanic isolators for those read- There is work to be done—that in- of floating debris in the Coventry ers, who like me, previously thought stant water heater has seen better Canal, presumably from storm Doris that hull corrosion due to galvanic days. Replacing it means we have to a few weeks before, and we had sev- currents was simply some manifes- pring has finally sprung here dismantle the cupboard that it is in. eral stops to clear the prop. CRT tation of the dark arts. in the Peak District: the birds And should we also replace the gal- contractors had also been out on the Several readers have contrib- are busy building nests; the ley, as the oven is quite old, and is the job, removing large trees that had uted their views in this issue, both Swild garlic is sprouting; lambs fridge as efficient as it could be? The fallen across the canal. in ‘Talking Points’ and in the let- are being born and the ducks and cupboards are looking worn. BOAT In her column, Chair Stella is ters pages: Jim Batty has some fresh geese are mating loudly. My daffodils definitely equals ‘Bring Out Another also emerging from the winter, perspectives on low-impact, online opened this week, the sun shone, and Thousand’. We may even get the boat with a myriad jobs that need doing moorings for residential boaters; for the first time this year we didn’t painted this year, weather permit- come spring. Many Council mem- there are differing views on Scottish need to put the engine on to charge ting, with another undercoat on the bers were otherwise engaged and so Canals’ proposal to turn one of the the batteries as the solar panels had roof—is that five and is that enough? the March meeting was cancelled, caissons on the Falkirk Wheel into enough sunlight to charge them. We I am hoping to get to the User giving Fly on the Wall the day off, a pedestrian viewing platform, thus have noticed an increase in boats Group meetings in Manchester and but there’s been a lot happening at reducing the opportunities for hire passing as folks take their boats out Pennine and I will share reports CRT over the last few weeks—all and private boats to pass between for a weekend cruise or start a spring as they come in. The Partnership reported in this issue: the boat li- the Union and Forth and Clyde journey. This is the time of year that meetings have taken place and the censing review is underway; there Canals and Mark Tizard has some the boat gets a good spring clean, al- six-monthly Canal and River Trust are updates on progress to transfer thoughts on the activities of volun- though I am still waiting for the mud Council meets on 22nd March. I EA’s waterways and the impact of teer lock-keepers. to dissipate before clearing the floor am still hoping to attend, although HS2; price increases on CRT-owned Mark Holdsworth describes the and scrubbing it. Muddy towpaths changing my dialysis slot is a chal- moorings; a new interim head of charity ‘The Narrowboat Sessions’, and dogs equal a constantly muddy lenge. I have had a busy month, back boating, following Mike Grimes’ de- which raises money for Cancer floor and I have been pushing the and forth to the hospital for tests parture at Easter; and developments Research, while promoting unsigned mud around the floor all winter. We to go onto the Transplant Register. at Paddington Basin. musicians. There is also a look at have two Labradors who love swim- Dialysis curtails my ability to travel Plus a government consultation problems with boats hanging up ming, so towels to dry them off are and get to meetings and so we value on red diesel that no-one seems in locks on the L&L Bank Newton constantly drying, no matter what members being able to step in and to have heard about. Mike Rodd flight—and now we know where the weather. attend. This has also meant that we reports on the National Inland many of the new boats in London We moor on the Upper Peak did not hold a NABO Council meet- Navigation Forum AGM in February have come from. Forest Canal—a brilliant place for ing this month, although we still plan and there is a list of floating markets Enjoy this issue and the warmer water dogs and a lovely walking area. on having one in April. All members Photo: Peggy Melmoth at www. that you might want to visit this year. weather to come. Our cruising pattern over winter has are welcome. narrowboatwife.com NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 6 7 News News CRT review of boat Transfer of EA capital investment from the Government as some experts suggesting that the government is current income is less than the required expendi- looking to lower the use of gas oil as part of their licensing waterways—an update ture. The aim is to jointly present a proposal to plans to reduce levels of pollution, but this has CRT has begun the first phase of its three-stage After two ‘false starts’ in 2010 and 2013 and the Government within the next few months. not yet been confirmed. At the moment, little is consultation on how boats are licensed on its two new waterway ministers in 2015 and 2016, known about what the consultation will mean for waterways, using the independent charity spe- DEFRA, CRT and the EA have been working red diesel users. cialising in public engagement, Involve. In stage together since 2016 on the transfer of EA wa- Red diesel consultation Because the evidence is focusing on urban areas, one; representatives of the main boating organi- terways to CRT. Phase 1, to mid-2016, involved it is likely that any suggested changes will have sations are being interviewed to find their views information exchange, data gathering and c100 The government announced in the Spring Budget an impact on boilers and generators, but agri- on how the consultation should work and what site visits, with around 400 assets inspected. that it is seeking evidence to support the use of cultural vehicles that make short road journeys it should cover. In the second stage, from April, There has been consultation with the IWA, and red diesel. Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, said could also be affected. As far as NABO is aware, a series of in-depth workshops will be held with development of funding and management op- that the consultation will focus on understand- no boating organisations have been invited to boaters who reflect the diversity in the boating tions, leading to an interim report to the CRT ing how it is currently used and which industries take part in the short consultation, the findings community. Board and Trustees. use the most rebated gas oil. It is thought that the of which will be published after the closing date The final stage will consult all boat owners to They are now in Phase 2, to develop op- focus will be how it is used in urban areas, with on 30th June 2017 find their views on the options developed during tions, conduct a more detailed assessment of the the first two stages. The aim is to find the fair- transfer issues and undertake a preliminary en- Pennine explorer cruise est and simplest boat licensing system to address gagement with the key stakeholders. A detailed If you have a week to spare this summer, you could not do better than take part in the first Pennine the financial contribution made by different report was sent to the CRT Board and Trustees Explorer Cruise on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal from 23rd June to 1st July, organised by the types of boats. Ian Rogers, customer service and in November 2016 and further work to under- Huddersfield Canal Society and CRT. Starting at Portland Basin, Ashton-under-Lyne the cruise will operations director at CRT, said: “The current stand the costs and risks will take place in 2017. visit Stalybridge, Mossley, Diggle, Marsden, Slaithwaite, Milnsbridge and Huddersfield before finish- licensing system has been in place for over 20 This will include completing an asset manage- ing at Mirfield. To make the lock passages easier, the ‘roving rally’ will give boaters mutual help with years. Boating has changed a lot in that time and ment database for over 2300 of the EA’s assets the locks and assistance from volunteer lock-winders. A programme of evening events will add to the the Trust wants to ensure the licensing struc- that are proposed for transfer, information on excitement. ture is fit for purpose. Feedback from boaters their condition, steady-state maintenance costs Places are limited, so first come, first served. Early expressions of interest are essential by contact- suggests that many feel the current licensing is and capital investment costs. There are 640 miles ing the Huddersfield Canal Society. Not all boats can fit into Standedge Tunnel and the controlling overly complex and can be perceived as unfair, of navigations under consideration. In addition dimensions and other information are available at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/279. and this consultation seeks to discuss these areas to the Royal Military Canal and the harbours at pdf. Boats that fit the shorter, wider locks of the Huddersfield Broad and Calder and Hebble canals of concern.” Lydney and Rye, the 32 rivers and other navi- can continue to complete a circuit. Full length can turn at Huddersfield for the return Mark Tizard adds: NABO has already been gations that are subject to the transfer are: the journey. approached by Involve as part of the first stage Ancholme, Bedford Ouse, Burwell Lode, Cam, of the consultation. The interviewer asked what I Clen, Derwent, Ely Ouse and the Forty Foot Contact [email protected] to express your interest. thought of this approach. I asked her to name one Navigation, Great Ouse relief channel, Great other organisation with an effective monopoly Ouse, Idle, Lark, Little Ouse, Lugg, Nene, New that went to such ridiculous lengths to work out Bedford, non-tidal Medway, non-tidal Thames, a pricing strategy for its customers. I suggested Old Bedford, Old West, Reach Lode, Rother, that it was because none of the relevant staff had South Forty Foot, Stour, Sussex Ouse, Welland, any experience of using the product they were Wicken Lode, Wissey and Wye. The assets under selling. Instead of going through this lengthy, consideration are shown in the table. expensive process, it would be more honest Two scenarios are being modelled: navigation and cheaper if CRT formed some proposals of assets only and navigation assets plus ‘non-criti- its own (they must have some) and, if need be, cal’ weirs and sluices. Both scenarios will require just test these with either NAG or some boating group workshops. After all they are likely to pick Thames Anglian Medway Total the solutions closest to their internal proposals. Locks 48 62 11 121 Sluices 0 63 12 75 HAVE YOUR SAY Weirs 11 90 10 111 canalrivertrust.org.uk/national-consultations Bridges 133 58 6 197 Buildings 128 12 16 156 Boat gathering at Diggle Summit on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal Total 320 285 55 660 Photo: Ian Bradbury NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 8 9 News News

Mike Rodd at NINF JARGON BUSTER 2017 FLOATING MARKETS The National Inland Navigation Forum (NINF) NINF, National Inland Navigation Forum, a semi- met at the St. Pancras Cruising Club on 25th formal meeting of representatives of boating Linslade, Grand , 14 - 17 April, near February, with eight of its eleven member organ- organisations across the national network (not just the Globe Pub (LU7 2TA) between bridges 111 isations represented. This forum continues to be CRT waterways), a useful forum to share concerns & 112. a useful meeting point, bringing together naviga- and strategies outside CRT meetings. Bollington, , 14 - 17 April, tion bodies involved in the waterways. near Clarence Mill (SK10 5JZ) between bridges There was, naturally, much discussion of 26a & 27. were briefly mentioned and all member organi- issues relating to the possibility of the EA’s navi- sations were urged to get involved. Market Drayton, , 29 gational responsibilities being taken over by CRT. April - 1 May, Lord's Bridge 64 & Betton Bridge Of importance was the report from the recent Busiest locks in 2016 63. (TF9 1HL) Thames User Groups’ meeting, where Richard Berkhamsted, , 29 April - 1 Parry had said that providing all the facts come CRT’s latest Annual Lockage Report gives details May, between bridge 140a & Lock 53. (HP4 together, he has to move to a position when, to- of the total lockages at locks on all of its canals 1HS) gether with the EA’s CEO, Sir James Beavan, he that have telemetry devices fitted. The busiest Burton on Trent, Trent & Mersey Canal, 13 -14 can go to DEFRA to gain acceptance ‘in principle’. locks were the paired locks at Hillmorton on the May, Shobnall Field north of bridge 32b. (DE14 It is already costing significant sums of money to North , with 9,598 lockages, an in- 2BB) effect the investigation and this would be wasted crease of 5% since 2015. The next busiest was Stoke Bruerne, Grand Union Canal, 27 - 29 if it does not proceed. He had hoped that this New Marton Lock on the , with May, above Top Lock 14 towards the tunnel. (NN12 7SE) would have happened before the end of last year 9,104 lockages, an increase of 4% on the previ- Roving Traders at Black Buoy but there was still no progress. It was felt that the ous year. Somewhat less used, in third place, was Photo: RCTA Fazeley, , 27 - 29 May, best NINF could do now was to use all its po- Lock 4, Cholmondeston Lock on the Shropshire northwards from the water point by bridge 77 litical contacts to urge the Minister responsible Union, with 7981 lockages. The least-used lock CRT increase mooring (B78 3QZ) to end the uncertainty! Michael Stimpson would was lock 1, at Belan on the , Chester, Shropshire Union Canal, 24 - 25 June, also write to Richard Parry to ask what else NINF with 64 lockages over the year. prices between Bridge 123d (CH1 3LH) & City Wall could do to help move things on. More information: canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/ CRT says that the prices it charges for long-term Park. The possibility of expanding the towpath original/31240-annual-lockage-report-2016.pdf leisure and residential moorings are set by ref- Merry Hill, Dudley Canal, 25 - 28 August, along through the Edgbaston Tunnel, at the cost of nar- erence to market rates. It also reports that that the embankment between Greens Bridge & rowing the navigation, was extensively discussed. 97% of moorings have been sold at auction, many Daniels Land Bailey Bridge. (DY5 2QS/DY5 1XD) It was felt by most that this was yet more evi- above the guide price. It has used these sales to dence of CRT bowing to non-boaters’ needs and assess the level of price increases. The majority Birmingham, New Main Line Canal, 23 - 24 ignoring those of boaters; and also of not pro- of sites will have a 2.7% increase, based on the September, Barclaycard Arena, (B1 2AA) tecting the heritage of our canals. However, the projected inflation rate (RPI). Sites that have financial realities were recognised. an increased demand, or where CRT has made charges. Previously, ’ crite- There was also much discussion of concerns a ‘substantial investment’, will have increases ria for setting mooring prices were to compare about EA closing some of its waterways due to above inflation. Sites that are proving unpopu- prices at local marinas and other moorings pro- ‘safety concerns’. The meeting noted the IWA lar will have prices unchanged. In practice, 3% viders, but these made no reference to property campaign relating to this and requested all mem- of sites will have no increase in real terms, 57% prices in the local area. However, when ques- bers to discuss the matter with their councils. will have an inflationary increase, and 40% of tioned, CRT's press office said: “With regards It was pointed out, though, that the three cases sites will have increases of 1 - 3% above inflation. to waterside moorings, we’ve considered the lo- cited by IWA, although of concern, were well- CRT will only write to boaters on sites that will cal property market when setting out mooring known and the locks had been in serious trouble have above inflation increases, who are current- prices, along with a range of other factors, for for some years. ly on 12-month contracts. Three-year contracts some time.” So it now seems that rapidly increas- The changes to the hire code BSS require- are not affected. Boaters who have end of garden ing property prices in the area around a mooring ments were reported on and welcomed. It was moorings (adjacent to their residential proper- can also increase mooring fees for existing CRT emphasised, though, that there were still ongoing ty) or those moored on farmers’ fields, will have moorers, when their contracts come up for re- issues relating to hire-boat handover procedures permit prices increased in line with their local newal. not always being effective. ‘indexed’ mooring site. But, at least in one instance, the condition Finally, the issue relating to the charging re- However, there seems to be some deviation of the mooring doesn’t seem to have an im- views being undertaken by both EA and CRT from the factors that are used to set mooring pact on the amount being charged. An Oxford NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 10 11 News News boater complained to CRT about the deterio- Paddington Basin Will the last person rating condition of the towpath on the Agenda 21 moorings at St. Edwards. This was caused by As part of CRT’s London Mooring Strategy, leaving.... a leaking water pipe that caused a permanent Paddington Basin is to be transformed into ‘an CRT has awarded the national contract for all its muddy patch near to his mooring throughout the exciting hub for boaters, residents, workers and mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control summer and which, during the winter, became visitors’. GoBoat, a Copenhagen-based hire com- and automation work to AMCO. The contract a boggy swamp. Additionally, he reported that pany, will introduce electric day-boats, built from includes around 1000 pieces of engineering, the mooring had become so silted up that he had sustainable materials, to explore Paddington, from swing-bridges, pumps and level monitors, to keep getting a longer gang-plank as the boat Camden and Little Venice, operating from two to the Anderton Boat Lift and the Tees Barrage. is now moored some distance from the bank, pontoon moorings at the end of the basin. Two It covers maintenance, renewal, upgrades and re- which is crumbling into the canal. The mooring new visitor moorings will be created on the op- pairs and will run for seven years, starting on 1st rings are pulling out of the bank, but nothing has posite side of the basin. GoBoat will also trial a April. been done to rectify any of this. He then received free water taxi service for two days a week be- Mark Tizard commented: “So that's dredging a letter from CRT, informing him of a mooring tween Paddington Station and Merchant Square. outsourced, vegetation management outsourced, fee increase of 3.7%. Interim head of boating If it proves popular, the water taxi will become waste disposal outsourced, lock keeping out- NABO notes: charges should reflect the con- a permanent feature. Two new business boats: CRT has appointed North East waterway sourced (volunteers), and legal work outsourced. dition of a mooring and fall if the quality of the a gift shop and coffee outlet with the history of manager, Jon Horsfall, as its new interim I think this just leaves the enforcement and mooring deteriorates. The CRT-owned British the basin and its regeneration; and a floating head of boating, following the departure of licensing departments and, of course, the man- Waterways Marinas Ltd. (BWML) operates 19 café, run by ‘Beany Green’, serving coffee, lunch- Mike Grimes at Easter. Jon will remain in agement team. marinas and with CRT’s towpath moorings, it the post throughout the review of licensing, es and cocktails. A temporary ‘Floating Pocket is the largest provider. It could be said to be the which is scheduled to last until the autumn. Park’ will be created at the far end of the basin on market leader from a pricing prospective. Recruitment for a permanent head of boating waterspace leased from CRT. The park will have will take place in the meantime, with the ap- 730m2 of lawns, planting, communal seating and Fradley saved from HS2 plication date likely to be extended. a trade boat mooring. CRT has also promised to Photo: Pennine Waterways News ‘keep plenty of space for visiting boats’. CRT has responded to the Government’s consul- tation on the next phase of the HS2 high speed to the line were successful, including an alter- rail line, to highlight issues that could have seri- native alignment of the line to protect Fradley Mersey Gateway Bridge ous adverse effects on parts of the canal network. Junction, saving around £50m, and a 350m ex- It has also made suggestions to minimise these We reported on the new Mersey Gateway Bridge tension to the Wyrley and Essington Canal near last year. The project is due for completion in the effects and safeguard ongoing canal restoration Cannock to provide a future connecting point projects. autumn, but there is some way still to go, includ- for the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals. Details ing crossing the on the Phase 2B will link Crewe and Manchester, of the CRT response are at www.canalrivertrust. with an eastern line connecting Curdworth in south side of the river. org.uk/the-hs2-rail-network-and-our-water- Photos: Val Fletcher Birmingham to Leeds. These lines will affect ways/publications-and-consultation-responses the canals at a number of locations: a rolling stock depot near Crewe would have a 100m wide four-track crossing over the Middlewich Branch; there would be three crossings within a three km length of the near Northwich; a diversion of the ; and impacts on the restoration of the Ashby and Chesterfield Canals. During consultations for the first phase of HS2, rec- Fradley Junction is no longer in danger from HS2 ommendations for changes Photo: Peter Fellows

NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 12 13 Boating

STOP THEM BUGS.... Earth leakage on boats A stitch in time… Some advice from Tankbusters Edwin Watt of Galvanic Isolators explains the difference between earth leakage, stray currents and …could have saved Helen Hutt an embarrassing breakdown! Before filling up at a boatyard galvanic currents. or from a fuel boat, proffer urely I’m not alone in believ- that extra filters had to a clean jam jar and ask for a ing that my fuel tank is well be used and five hours sample of diesel to check for For further information, clarity. It stands to reason that arth leakage is mains electric Galvanic currents are at a very looked after, making sure no later I was facing a bill of contact Galvanic current that flows to earth low voltage, so they’re not dan- supply tanks should also be Isolators by phone on Swater or foreign bodies fall in, over £400! They pumped cleaned regularly to eliminate from the 240V circuit in your gerous to life. But they do cause 0757 8073490 or via keeping it topped up to prevent con- the fuel out of my tank, contamination, but I wonder boat, due to electrical faults corrosion of a boat’s hull, and cause galvanic-isolator.co.uk E densation, adding FuelSet to protect filtered it to remove wa- how many are. in wiring or equipment. You are faster than normal anode deteriora- against diesel bug. How wrong I was! ter, rust and diesel bug, protected from by getting a fatal tion. A galvanic isolator or isolation Clean your tank filler-cap and On the first really warm after- and returned it, along inside thread regularly and shock if you touch something live transformer can prevent this from noon this year, I moored up in a with 50 litres of fresh smear a little grease on it to by a residual current device (RCD) happening. fairly isolated, pretty spot, and fuel which they brought ensure a good seal to keep water which also provides some protection waded into my maintenance pro- with them. I was genu- out. against these electrical faults. Every Stray Currents gramme, changed the oil and filter, inely shocked by the For good measure, fit a water boat and shore supply should be fit- These currents flow as a result of the air filter and finally the fuel filter. difference between what filter—in the form of a bag which ted with an RCD, and in the event of faulty wiring or equipment. Unlike Unfortunately, I was unable to came out of my tank floats on the surface of the a fault in the boat’s wiring or equip- earth leakage, which would trip the refill the new fuel filter despite hand and the fresh diesel— a fuel—to remove condensation. ment, the RCD disconnects the RCD, stray currents often show no pumping for more than half an hour. cloudy old port against Not cheap, but worth it for extra electrical supply. What earth leakage symptoms, and everything appears The tank was about a quarter full, a quality rosé! Just try it. peace of mind. does not do, at least not directly, is to be completely normal. But it’s not. but I poured in another 20-litre any- Pump a jam jar’s worth Use Marine 16 fuel additive, cause corrosion to your boat’s hull. Voltages are not high enough to kill, way—to no avail. A call to RCR was of fuel out of your tank. which is a more effective biocide However, there are other types of but they are much higher than gal- inevitable. An engineer talked me If it’s not absolutely than FuelSet. earth currents that do damage a vanic voltages, so the potential for through various scenarios over the clear, bright pink, it’s boat’s hull and deplete its anodes. causing hull damage is enormous. phone but he was as stumped as I contaminated—and a breakdown Tankbusters Anodes can corrode from new was as to the possible fault. waiting to happen! tankbusters.co.uk to nothing in a matter of months. The following morning, an engi- Finally, I understand that pilots Bruce 07974808277 When, or even before, the anodes neer came out, seemingly unfazed on some river and sea crossings may are gone, the boat’s hull corrodes. at having to walk over a mile down insist on seeing evidence of a Imprinted Leakage the towpath. After some rather un- recently cleaned tank before pleasant blowing through pipes, he they will take you. How many There is yet another type of leakage, eventually got fuel flowing and the more reasons do you need? known as imprinted leakage. This filter filled. But... the engine wouldn't can come from the power supplies start. He surmised that more fuel of battery chargers, computer power was needed to ensure that there was supplies, phone chargers etc. Even enough above the out-take to pre- brand new equipment can cause vent any floating debris causing a imprinted leakage. Because of the blockage. But he recommended that high frequencies that these devic- I got the tank cleaned out because, es use, some of their power can be almost certainly, fuel contamination ‘coupled’ into the boat’s wiring, and was the root cause of the problem. When a galvanic current flows, it Galvanic Currents then to earth. There is often a direct takes metal from your boat’s hull Although still convinced that it and deposits it on the bank side. These flow whenever your boat is current component to this type of probably wasn’t all that bad, I did connected to a shore-based electric- leakage, and it’s this that can cause get the job done two days later, just …to fresh rosé ity supply. They occur as a result of rapid damage to your boat’s hull and to be on the safe side. Tankbusters, chemical reaction between the met- anodes. recommended by RCR, estimated a alwork of a boat and surrounding Again, everything can appear minimum £270, which in itself took metal such as pontoons, other boats, normal and this type of fault will not some swallowing. In the event, the From old port.… and the minerals in the bank-side. trip an RCD. diesel in my tank was in such a state NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 14 15 Boating: Volunteer Lock Keepers

NABO Members’ Comments Lending a hand “As most will say, my personal experience of the volunteer lock-keepers is If you live up t’north, CRT mixed. Generally, on the K&A, they are useful—especially on the Caen Hill is currently recruiting Mark Tizard reviews the activities of 'volockies' flight. The guys who look after the extremely busy Bradford on Avon lock do a volunteer lock-keepers for: really excellent job. But we also had an horrendous experience of a group of volunteer lock-keepers allowing kids in small kayaks to go down through the Leeds & Liverpool The volunteer’s role hen CRT was formed, there this should be graciously accepted. lock and getting aggressive when we told them that this was not allowed. In all Canal (Gargrave/ Bank Newton Locks, Welcome, engage and was a determined thrust to Volunteers are there to support wa- fairness, the local manager sorted them out pretty quickly when we officially Rufford, Wigan lock assist visitors increase the involvement terway users, not police them’. complained.” flight, Stanley Lock in of the public in the canal Deal with the general W Liverpool, Dobson and Recruiting volunteers “On the Mon & Brec, generally they do a good job, especially helping new hire- public, including system through the recruitment of Field Locks at Apperley boaters and other ‘Friends’ and volunteers. From the First, there’s a meet-and-greet ses- boaters to get though the main flight of locks. However, one of their regulars Bridge, Hirst Lock canal users, to provide boater’s perspective, the most no- sion for potential volunteers at their now thinks he owns the locks and proceeds to instruct all users, regardless of to Bingley Five Rise, information and ticeable effect of this has been the nominated lock flight, with a Q&A whether they need his (often questionable) advice or not!” Office to Newlay Locks, assistance introduction of volunteer lock-keep- session and a demonstration by ex- “When I first got my boat from Wilton Marina, I had never done a lock; nor Johnsons Hillock Locks, Blackburn Offer help to operate ers across the network. In 2015, CRT isting volunteers. Volunteers are had any of my crew. Read a lot, but very daunted. We arrived at our first lock the locks and handle recruited 700-plus volunteer lock- then selected and go through an in- Locks, Barrowford and boats through the and two born-on-the-canal volunteer lock-keepers took us through the whole Greenberfield Locks) keepers and deployed them over 70 duction and training programme: procedure giving me tips that I still use today. Gawd bless em.” locks (assistance different sites. CRT estimates that 1 Attendance at a one-day compre- Glasson lock flight, is mandatory at the volunteer lock-keepers speak to hensive induction to CRT. mechanised river volunteer and the boater should be and provide useful support to the around 11,000 people per week on 2 Attendance at a one-day Health & , Preston locks) aware of what the volunteer’s re- older boaters and single-handers. boats and on the towpath—a sub- Safety Foundation Course. Encourage water sponsibilities and authority are. Who They also provide reassurance to stantial number, not withstanding 3 On-site training days with quali- conservation—i.e. is in charge when the volunteer lock- hire-boaters and those who are inex- that CRT also estimates that there fied lock-keepers at a local site. check sluices are keeper meets you at the lock? After perienced. There is still some work are around 430 million visits to the 4 Verbal and practical assessment closed and encourage all, nothing in the information sheet to be done in managing boaters’ lock-sharing network per year. CRT also claims for lock-keeping. on the CRT website explicitly states expectations when encountering Undertake light approximately 3.8 million lockings Once this is completed the volunteer each year through its 1,583 locks. is ready to undertake lock-keeping that the boater is in charge when go- a volunteer at a flight of locks and maintenance tasks, ing through a lock. The implication perhaps CRT and the volunteer such as painting and Recruitment of volunteer lock- duties. edging around the keepers is ongoing and undoubtedly is there, in that the volunteer’s role lock-keepers themselves could make locks as agreed with they are becoming the face of CRT Boaters’ response to volunteers involves ‘assisting boaters to oper- it clearer that the person at the the Task Manager. as it seeks to widen its brand rec- The burning question is, of course, ate the lock’. But NABO is aware helm is responsible for safe transit This varies around the ognition—a key aspect of getting a are volunteer lock-keepers needed? that this has caused issues to arise through the lock. country. further grant from the Government Boaters are an independent group between boaters and volunteers. Report any significant when the existing funding expires. and there is a mixture of views as to One of these resulted in CRT clari- changes or issues to As CRT states: “Our lock-keepers whether we need them at all. After fying the role as follows: ‘The boater CRT staff. are the face of the canal, safely see- all, in the recent past it was very rare is firmly in charge and the volunteer ing boats through the locks, as well to find a lock-keeper helping boat- lock-keeper is only there to guide as helping with directions and infor- ers through locks at most flights. and (if you wish) to assist, with your mation on the area.” They come at a considerable cost agreement. Volunteers should never CRT advises volunteers as fol- that involves training, supervision, do anything without agreeing it with lows: ‘Help and advice should not be clothing, protective equipment and you, and certainly not put you or forced upon people, but offered with travelling expenses. your boat in any danger’. If this has a smile. Boaters are welcome to re- A common comment we receive not been your experience, fill out fuse any help offered by a volunteer at NABO is: “Why is their approach an incident report form that can lock-keeper—for some, operating so inconsistent?” For many boat- be downloaded from the CRT web- the locks is what makes their experi- ers, it is, perhaps, unclear what site and submit it. CRT will only be ence so enjoyable, or they may just their expectation should be when aware of any issues if we tell them. Volunteer lock-keepers Lee Cox and Mark have a different way of doing things. approaching a lock and seeing a In summary, volunteer lock- McCumsekey on the Liverpool Link Stanley flight Providing that they are not at risk of volunteer. CRT should manage that keepers provide a link between CRT, Photo: Lynn Pegler/CRT endangering themselves or others, expectation better and both the boaters and the local community NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 16 17 Byline

eing fortunate enough to go through the Panama Canal Another Boating World on a cruise ship in January, I Bwas asking all the canal-type Through the ‘narrows’ of Panama with David Fletcher questions that don’t appear in the guide books, so here are the answers I could find. The passage is about 52 miles overall, north to south, Atlantic to Pacific, through the narrowest part of the Panama isthmus. The sea lev- els are about the same on both sides and the summit is 85 feet above sea level, which requires three locks up and down. About half of the tran- sit is across Gatún Lake, which is a man-made reservoir, created by damming valleys to provide the navigation and hold most of the water supply. The remaining half, to the south, is an excavated chan- nel, which was the major part of the 19th Century original construction. The region is tropical, with 10 feet of rainfall per year, so water runoff is gathered from the surrounding jungle-covered mountains. The level in the lake is controlled by weirs and excess water drains to the sea at both ships transit each day and the cost of maximum width—two feet clear- use going down, because of the traf- All Photos: Val Fletcher ends. Water supply is not always about $250,000 per ship is one of the ance on each side. At the northern fic flow. New locks were opened in abundant and there have been prob- main sources of income for Panama. end, there is a pair of triple-staircase 2016, and these are much wider, lems recently with low levels in the Approaching the locks, there is a locks at Gatún, with no side pounds. at 180 feet. They are a single run lake due to El Nino weather effects. long sea channel protected by sea One set were being used for ascend- of triple-staircase locks, with each There is no back-pumping. Reduced defences on the north side and natu- ing and one for descending. There chamber having triple side-pounds levels can result in large ships being ral headlands on the south. There was a steady run of ships going both and no back-pumping—plenty of denied passage due to their lack of are currently two access bridges over ways in convoys, with four in the potential for over-topping here! clearance over the top cill. The depth the canal: one at the canal narrows lock chambers and another pair at They are adjacent to the old locks, in the navigable lake is about 65 feet (Centennial Bridge, clearance 260 the lock landing, waiting to enter. with massive, long, excavated header which is much deeper than the ships’ feet); and the other at the southerly Lock filling is fast, taking about 10- and tail channels. They are open for draughts. sea exit (Bridge of the Americas, 15 minutes. The gates are doubled tankers, bulk-carriers and container When arriving at the canal, clearance 200 feet but tidal). A third as a precaution against ship damage. ships, but not currently for cruise there are lots of ships at anchor at is under construction at the north- There are also intermediate gate po- ships. Ships using these locks are re- the north end port of Colón, wait- ern sea entrance. sitions in the locks, but they did not ferred to as ‘Post-Panamax’ and tugs ing for a transit time or for orders. The main locks were built in appear to be used, and some were are used to control these ships in the Cruise ships pay extra for a daylight the 1900s and are 110 feet wide, a missing. new locks. passage, because that is what the dimension that has driven ship con- At the southerly end, the locks In the old locks, transit is assisted passengers want. We had an early struction for decades (as we know are split and there is a pair of single by the use of electric locomotives time slot and arrived off the coast on our canals—about seven feet locks at Pedro Miguel, and, after a known as ‘mules’. These do not pull at 7am. A transit through the canal wide). Vessels built to go through the short pound, a pair of double-stair- a ship through the locks, but are takes about nine hours, and this canal are called ‘Panamax’, and our case locks at Miraflores onto the used to keep it central, side to side happens day and night. About 40 ship was an example, having 106 feet Pacific. These locks were both in and fore and aft. The ship’s engines NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 18 19 Byline Boating —The Panama Canal

are used for forward movement. The the ship alongside and guide it for- which also prevents the mules from very disconcerting mules have two wires on separate ward into the lock approach, so that being pulled off the track by the ship. to see an approach- winches, so that they can pull on ei- the mules can be attached on the Passage through the locks was very ing oil-tanker ther, with or without moving, a bit offside. The winches are constantly slick and professional, and the shore man­oeuvring like an like a moveable bollard. In our case adjusting the tension so that the ship crew were very happy to exchange oncoming hire-boat we had three mules either side: the is positioned accurately. There was smiles and waves. The shore boat- across the channel, first was tied square to the bow, to visibly very little space between the men, who came onto the ship with and then whizzing keep it central; the second was part ship and the lock walls, but there the pilot to handle the wires (work past with minimal way back from the bow and held a are rubbing strips and there is no demarcation), had a ready supply separation. We used spring line to check the ship from continuous contact. We did notice a of fridge magnets and other tourist no tugs, but vul- ramming the gates; and the third couple of lurches during the passage junk. nerable ships, such at the stern uses two wires—one as and there was some loss of paint on Once into the massive Gatún as tankers, have a a spring and other as centring line. the sides. The ship sides were cleared Lake, there is anchorage (visitor ‘brake’ tug, close- This was duplicated both sides. Our of protrusions on the boat deck lev- moorings) and a buoyed and marked coupled astern, and ship was 90,000 gross tonnes; pre- el, with lifeboats winched inboard channel, which involved a lot of another cruising be- sumably smaller ships need fewer and cleaning gantries removed. twists and turns though the many hind, just in case. mules. The locks are marked with In the photo, you can see the islands. All around is impenetrable The channel to distance boards at the side, so that mule tracks (five feet gauge). Note tropical jungle, and this is the main the south is the true the crew know how far they are into how they run up a steep incline as security protection for the canal canal, called the the lock to avoid hitting the gates. they go to the next lock level, using zone. Occasionally, the railway line Culebra Cut. It was The ship approaches the locks a centre rack. The lights on the top can be seen, which is a legacy of the excavated though at a one-sided lock-landing, with a of the cab, along with bells, allow 1900s’ construction. It would have the mountains, and was a massive tug alongside on the off side. Steel the mules to communicate with the been impossible to build the canal undertaking. The ground continues wires are taken out the ship by row- canal pilot, who is in charge of the without railway arteries to move to move here, due to the rainfall, and ing boat. Apparently they have tried ship in the locks. The power for the resources into the centre and the there are frequent land-slips. The ca- all sorts of work boats, but rowing mules is obtained from an under- excavated material out. In the Gatún nal has a fleet of dredgers to keep on boats are best. The mules then winch ground third rail on the shore side, Lake, ships pass each other, and it is top of this, and has also spent money NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 20 21 Boating—David Fletcher in Panama Boating Paved with gold? Where do London’s new boats come from?

hilton Marina in Canal and River Trust and cover the www.whiltonmarina. Northamptonshire posted running costs of diesel to heat your co.uk/narrowboat- blog/2014/01/the-secret- a blog in January titled: ‘The boat ... making day to day living very of-living-cheaply-in- WSecret of Living Cheaply reasonable in a city location.” london in London’ that has caused some “There is now a growing com- London Boaters Group consternation among the boating munity of young people living on at www.facebook.com/ community. In part, it reads: “We the waterways not just in London, groups/73933281285/ have noticed a trend in the past 18 but across the whole of the coun- months of young people purchas- try. With over 3000 miles of canals ing narrow boats from us with the in the UK there is plenty of room to intention of cruising to London and accommodate this new trendy style living on the canal system in the city. of living.” An amazing 3rd of all narrow boats sold from our Marina each year Centennial Bridge terracing the hillsides to limit runoff. ally being dredged a bit deeper. Both make their way down to The channel is too narrow for ships are affected by rainfall and water us- London. This alternative to pass, so they operate in convoy. age, and so the summit pound level living accommodation This means that the Pacific locks can vary by a few feet. The quoted is allowing young peo- were in operation with both sets of maximum draught for Panamax ple to get their foot on locks going one way. The one-way ships is 39 feet. The air draught is the property ladder, and convoys limit the traffic flow and limited by the 1960s Bridge of the have an investment in prevent continuous operation both Americas, which has a clearance of the future. Young peo- ways. 200 feet. Historically, this has not ple who are looking to The three canal pilots came on been a problem for the Panamax leave home and find board on the approach to the first vessels or for post-Panamax cargo their own accommoda- locks and left only when out to sea vessels, which are wide, deep and tion and independence in the south. The Panama is the only long, rather than high. But the new are choosing to buy a No space to moor? Boats in Little Venice, London canal in the world where pilots take generation of post-Panamax cruise narrow boat. Affording a Photo: Jon Wilks, the Box Room at boxman.co.uk responsibility for the ships. In our ships and liners over 100,000 gross bricks and mortar prop- case, the ship was not fitted with a tonnes can be too high to get under erty has just become too expensive Becky Wallace shared the follow- conventional rudder and propel- the bridge. Queen Mary 2, for ex- for many. It is estimated that there ing with the London Boaters group: ler. Instead it has turnable propeller ample, is 232 feet and cannot pass. is around 100,000 narrow boats “I used to write web content for pods and no rudder. The pilot said to All they can do is go in from the currently in London already, with Thai hotel chains and villas, having the master that he was not confident Atlantic, cruise Gatún Lake and exit easy access to commute via the un- never visited them and only given in handling a ship with this drive and back to the Atlantic. Some operators derground getting around London the sketchiest of briefs. I success- that she should retain command. of Caribbean cruises do this already, couldn’t be easier....” fully wrote a load of aspirational Navigation through the canal is even with smaller ships. “Becoming a continuous cruiser buzzwords and bollocks, which is constrained in several ways: until So there we have it: a brilliant means you don’t need to buy a per- exactly what this little beauty reads recently, the width was limited by experience and well worth doing. manent mooring licence and, as long like. It's just written in such a f***ing the old locks to 110 feet, the length If you are interested in finding out as you cruise every two weeks, you disingenuous way. Am I wrong to be less so, at 1000 feet. This has been more, there is a lot of information are able to continue to enjoy living p***ed off with its tone and inaccura- overcome with the new locks: the on the web, including videos of ships on the water ways.” cy? Sell your boats by all means, but depth limit is water over the top cill in transit. They give a very good im- “When living aboard all you have stop advertising cc'ing as the pana- of about 40 feet, with the lake gener- pression of what is going on. to pay is a cruising licence to the cea to all your woes.” NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 22 23 Talking Points

engineer. All are enthusiastic about The third canal age? their unique lives afloat and 99% of them are self-funding. These peo- Some fresh perspectives on the inland waterways from Jim Batty ple are an intrinsic part of the ‘new’ emerging canal world. This upsurge in liveaboard boating is similar to Jim Batty is a s a liveaboard narrowboater, waterways had begun. Increased rail its historic predecessor in being fi- photographer, graphic aware of changing times on competition meant a dramatic fall in nancially motivated, but now by designer and author our inland waterways, I’d like boatmen’s pay and many responded two different main factors: the sky- of ‘Narrowboat Life: rocketing costs of buying or renting discover life afloat on Ato raise three related thoughts to the financial squeeze by moving the inland waterways’ that I think are worth discussing. their families into the back cabins of a home; and the emancipation of (Bloomsbury; 2016). The first is that we are presently their boats, initiating the first large- pension savings. Also, I wouldn’t experiencing an historical shift in scale expansion in liveaboards on discount the existential need of canal use, with liveaboard boat- the system. The commercial trans- many, young and old, in stressful ing becoming increasingly more shipment era concluded with the times to ‘downsize’, ‘simplify life’, ‘live important. The second is that navi- near-dereliction of the waterways closer to nature’, or adopt a more ‘en- gation authorities oversee assets by the mid-1950s, which ensured vironmentally aware lifestyle’. The that have more social, political and the near-disappearance of working actual increase in residential boat- financial value than is often gener- families afloat. ing is difficult to quantify because ally recognised—potentially offering A second great canal era, from the various navigation authorities organisations such as CRT greater the 1950s onwards, has seen the have so rarely asked. Most recently resources and self-determination. waterways system reborn for leisure (in 2008), BW asked in a boaters’ Thirdly, by encouraging new think- boating and recreation—thanks to a survey: ‘Is your boat your main ing in canal and marine engineering couple of brave and forward-think- residence?’ 18% replied ‘Yes’ as their we can produce and sustain small- ing individuals and an ever-growing main or Monday-Friday residence. scale, online residential moorings host of like-minded waterways vol- Extrapolating from this, BW esti- across the system that do not greatly unteers. The number of private, mated that there were about 5,400 hinder cruising, for example, those hire and co-ownership boats has residential boats out of approxi- that don’t necessitate ‘tick-over’ grown continuously since and, not mately 30,000 privately licensed speed when passing boats. surprisingly, alongside this expan- boats. More recently, in places like Cruising past boats: Public moorings (right) and mixed London, CRT has been counting residential (left), near Rickmansworth sion has developed an equally keen Photo: Jim Batty Historical shifts in canal use interest in living afloat. Over the the increase in continuous cruisers The first great canal era—when most past decade especially, trade in new on an annual basis. In March 2012, address local housing needs is a of the inland waterways were built— and second-hand narrowboats as 638 CCers were sighted; in March mammoth, complex, hugely expen- was one of trans-shipment. At the liveaboard homes has been swift. 2016, there were 1,615, representing sive and often controversial task. time, this was a genius solution to Some boatbuilders have even shifted a 150% increase over five years. Of Any simple, economical, safe and the problems of moving raw materi- production from narrowboats to course, we can’t conflate continu- environmentally aware solutions als, manufactured goods and foods liveaboard wide-beams to meet de- ous cruisers with liveaboards, but that can contribute to local housing between mines, villages, towns, mand. Last summer, we witnessed the data suggests a strong trend and needs, while simultaneously reduc- ports and other markets, with a more newly-minted replica Dutch anecdotal evidence of the increase ing the number of comparatively few important passenger servic- barge homes cruising the River in liveaboards across the system cer- expensive homes needed to be built es thrown in. This era peaked with Thames than ever before. tainly isn’t difficult to discover. on brownfield or greenfield sites, Canal Mania in the 1790s. Who are these people living Online moorings—valuable would be very valuable indeed. By 1825, a quarter of the canal afloat? During our seven plus years waterways assets At the same time we have an un- system had been sold to railway cruising as liveaboards, we have met precedented shortage of residential companies—outclassed by advances every sort of person imaginable, For a wide variety of reasons—po- moorings on the system. Boaters in steam locomotion and metal track from architects, accountants and ac- litical, economic and social—we have been asking for more livea- technologies. Canal companies be- tors, via IT experts, consultants and have a shortage of homes in Britain board facilities for years, and the gan to sell off their ‘day-boats’ and mechanics, to photographers and and many local authorities are un- need is increasing. the long commercial decline of the musicians—and recently a nuclear der great pressure to develop more. Scattered across the waterways Their obligation to evaluate and NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 24 25 Talking Points Talking Points

and limited development of online A low-impact online mooring residential moorings would make would be along the bank of a well- a worthwhile contribution towards dredged canal or river and offer a the UK’s housing problem and a big depth of about 18 inches below the difference to the growing population maximum draft of any craft likely to afloat. be tied up at it. The mooring would be indented into the towpath or Low impact, online moorings— offside bank by at least 3.5 feet and beyond the controversy preferably more where possible. This Most non-boaters are surprised widening and possible deepening that online moorings can be con- of the mooring channel is crucial troversial. Here’s the lay of the to the stability of stationary boats land as I understand it: many boat- and the efficient progress of pass- Rough banks: Public 14-day mooring (left) and CRT ers are not keen to see more online ing boats. Such moorings would be long-term mooring (right), Great Bedwyn, K&A residential or leisure moorings be- equipped with a reasonable number Photo: Jim Batty cause they dislike having to slow of rings and their walls would have a down to tick-over when cruising vertical, reinforced and long-lasting system, in the hands of CRT and past a line of moored boats. That construction—built of formed met- other navigation authorities, are said, some boaters, probably a mi- al, wood, concrete or whatever was short sections of linear canal and nority, are adamant that slowing to locally appropriate. Importantly, river moorings that, with a relatively pass moored boats is not an incon- the walls would be well-fendered. small investment, could be trans- venience and simply a welcome part Linear marine fendering can be ex- formed into highly valued, low-key of inland boating’s tranquil pace. It tremely sophisticated (no more bald residential spaces. That is, highly is also present CRT policy to elimi- car tyres!) and I expect a dedicated valued by liveaboard boaters who nate online moorings in areas where inland waterways variety would be want to remain within a particu- new offline facilities, such as ma- designed and installed. For exam- lar community. They are extremely rinas or waterside developments, ple, composite material fenders are valuable to local authorities on tight are built. Unfortunately, commer- available in a range of ‘D’, ‘B’, ‘O’ and budgets that are desperate to both cial offline developments are very other profiles, incorporating a varie- make a dent in their overall housing patchy across the system and very ty of wear-resistant and low-friction plan requirements and address the Passing online residential and leisure moorings, expensive to build—and can only properties that protect and absorb needs of those already locally afloat. Great Bedwyn, K&A represent a partial solution to moor- the energy of a range of differently- Of course, it is up to organisations Photo: Jim Batty ing requirements. On the other sized craft. So, not rocket science such as CRT to proactively promote hand, CRT does wish to ‘seek more but rubber science. tric points. If these moorings seem these valuable assets to local and appropriate recognition of residen- These type of low-impact online expensive, reflect on the difference national authorities, build partner- tial moorings in national and local moorings would ensure that well in costs for a local authority to: a) ships, negotiate development and government policy and guidance, tied-up boats remained relatively upgrade a six-narrowboat length of long-term licensing agreements, particularly within the planning stable—rising and falling but not canal; and b) secure planning per- and so on. But surely this would be and housing sectors’, and it hopes overly jostling, grounding, catching mission, develop the infrastructure to their financial advantage, contrib- to encourage a ‘more informed con- or shifting laterally when craft pass for, and build, six new homes on the ute to the upgrading and successful sideration’ of residential moorings at 2 or 3 mph, rather than at tick-over edge of town. guardianship of the inland water- by local authorities. (From ‘Policies speed. As to numbers, it is prob- Really, I’m suggesting that, in ways, and benefit boaters and other for Mooring Along the Banks of ably appropriate to the waterways changing times, we need to consider canal users across the system. our Canals and Rivers—Policy 10’, environment that low-impact lin- our inland waterways from fresh Naturally navigation authorities CRT; active 2009 - present). I believe ear moorings are limited to, say, no perspectives: view them within a and trusts are not housing provid- many boaters’ worries about online more than six 70-foot berths within shifting historical context; seriously ers—they have a host of waterway moorings could be alleviated by the a specified distance. Residentialconsider promoting them in higher responsibilities to be getting on with. development of a more technically moorings developed in partnership profile ways; and actively seek out And residential moorings are not a savvy, lower impact type of mooring. with, or subsidised by, local authori- modern, low-impact methods that silver bullet to the housing shortage. Here’s my view of what this might ties, would probably require water, address age-old problems. I think But a careful, ecologically sensitive look like: rubbish disposal and perhaps elec- our beautiful waterways deserve it. NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 26 27 The Narrowboat Sessions Leeds and Liverpool lock safety Mark Holdsworth explains the rationale for the charity and its development over the last three years. boater has won a substantial out-of-court settlement from CRT after his boat sank in More information he Narrowboat Sessions (NBS) North Wales. Cariad IV started her A Lock 40 of the Bank Newton thenarrowboatsessions. is a charitable organisation, first musical tour days after hearing flight in 2012. The settlement means com created to promote unsigned the dreadful news about Maggie, that CRT does not have to make a www.facebook.com/ Tmusicians and at the same time and the itinerary was changed to in- formal declaration of liability or fault thenarrowboatsessions raise money for Cancer Research. clude Hebden Bridge as a matter of and it continues to say that the lock @thenarrowboatsessions, I started the NBS after realising urgency. We arrived there ten days is not defective. However, L&L canal Contact: that I’d lost more friends to cancer later, despite a water shortage on the incident reports included 24 cham- thenarrowboatsessions@ than anything else, despite being a Rochdale. Amazingly, Maggie and ber wall boat hang-ups, of which 22 aol.co.uk, or 07831 566556 motorcycling ex-serviceman! My husband Steve Tilson came aboard were on the Bank Newton Flight, in- wife Sue’s cousin died in her late and performed possibly their last cluding eight at Lock 37 and seven at 40s from cancer, leaving Sue as the duet together in the extra-large front lock 40. CRT’s published Minimum oldest member of her cratch of Cariad IV, only weeks be- Safety Standards specify that locks family aged 47. The fore Maggie sadly died. should not have protrusions that final straw was when Every musician that views the could snag boats. In view of this, the the lovely folk musi- videos on Facebook wants to take boater asked the Health and Safety cian, Maggie Boyle part, so there is never a shortage of Executive (HSE) to issue CRT with announced that her people to play on the boat—to the an improvement notice, stating that cancer was terminal. point where I have had to limit the the Trust has failed to take all rea- I spent most of sessions to 100 each year, organised sonable practicable measures to my childhood on and and assisted by my wife Sue, Catrin ensure the safety of its locks, but the Stonework on the north wall of Lock 40 around the Trent and Francis, artistic and website advisor HSE has refused to act. Photo: Peter Fellows Mersey Canal near Kira Jamieson, Alan Rutherford and The boater noted that the Trust Shardlow in the 1960s regular crew member, Steve Rickard. had provided HSE with a draw- condition of the locks and know that From the The Floater In our second year, we headed ing of the ‘out of vertical’ Lock 40 it is dangerous to share with another Febuary 2017 at www. Double CD for sale in aid south to Stratford upon Avon and north chamber wall and its 'protru- boat, a pair often being too wide to thefloater.org and of Cancer Research, last year we went north again, to- sion risk'. Re-pointing of the wall escape the protrusions, so are in fear Tom Crossley at www. The Glendale Family; a wards Lancaster but, due to engine in 2006 and 2009 shows that CRT of being hung-up. But newcomers, narrowboatworld.com six piece band and all trouble, detoured to Liverpool. This and particularly hire-boaters, know 9426-the-disgrace-that-is- alone, the famed singer- is aware of the risk, although it has bank-newton songwriter Nick Harper. year we will be heading to London. neither agreed nor denied the risk. nothing of the dangers, and can find There are now more than 500 He requested HSE to reconsider themselves in a dangerous position videos on our website and Facebook its position as there is a high prob- when sharing. page. All genres of music are wel- ability of another boat hang-up, The boater commented: “It was a come, provided that they are due to CRT failing to carry out any Trust QC who told one of his boat- predominantly acoustic. Our first remedial work. HSE replied, say- ing clients that it is CRT's unwritten album is currently on sale on the ing it has pointed out again to CRT policy to agree to settlements at and I’ve been website or Facebook (all profits go to that the history of incidents at the any cost rather than have recorded involved with Cancer Research). Betty Jones is the Bank Newton flight demonstrates judgment against it. I wish I knew the canals ever brains behind the album production, a risk remains, as does the duty on that before, because I wanted to go since. We live on and tracks for a second album have CRT to assess and control it. HSE to court, and reluctantly agreed to our boat, Cariad just been selected. It will hopefully has advised CRT to closely monitor the settlement in the interest of my IV, and when not be on sale in the summer. any incidents or near misses to see wife's health and welfare. Sadly the touring the NBS, The music videos from the ses- whether whether any more needs to four years of CRT’s lies, deceit and our permanent sions often appear on NABO’s be done to reduce the risk. Regular arrogance will have a lasting effect mooring is in Facebook page. users of the flight are aware of the on my wife." NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 28 29 Rotate! Scottish Canals are under pressure over both their increases in charges and their ‘Rotate’ project for the flagship Falkirk Wheel

plan for a static pontoon to be Looking at this rationally, the fitted to one of the caissons changes are an attempt to make of the Falkirk Wheel, named more money from the lift, which A ‘Rotate’ would leave just one needs an operational subsidy, while caisson for use by the trip boat and accommodating the fairly limited any other boats wishing to travel be- demand for through traffic. If it's a tween the two canals. The proposal floating pontoon carrying foot traf- would reduce the availability for fic, it is readily reversible. The policy hire and private boats by 75% be- is arguably short-sighted, as it might cause the main users of the wheel be a better idea to try and promote are trip-boats operating at the site. more boat traffic. Scottish Canals says: “We have There is also an issue that, while been considering how we can of- it's a feature, it is also a barrier in the fer more opportunities for visitors same way that, say, Marple Locks to experience the Falkirk Wheel; are. I've had boats moored on the in particular, those who don’t have summit of the Macc and have gone opposition is significant. Has the on a weekend". The Falkirk Wheel showing a widebeam trip boat in the lower time to take a boat trip onto the past the top of Marple Locks far Scottish public signed up to the idea "So this puts SC well on the way caisson. Union Canal. We are still at an early more often than I've gone down that the canals are about boats, or do to achieving their aim of becoming Photo: Sean McClean (Wiki Commons) design stage and we are carrying out them - the novelty wears off. That they see them as linear parks?” a regeneration agency rather than a full review of the project. Rotate may be happening with the Scottish a : a role that will not change the nature of the Canals and that long pound from Responses from Scottish many delegates left last year's World Falkirk Wheel, or prevent navigation Falkirk to Edinburgh. boaters Canals Conference in Inverness of the Lowland Canals.” I don't know enough about "Put that together with SC's vision feeling was SC's primary objective. Capercaillie Cruisers to comment of the canals as ‘linear parks’ and This is, therefore, a very sad day Increase in charges on the business model, but the mar- the future for navigation and boat- for the Lowland canals indeed and Falkirk-based Capercaillie Cruisers ket for canal holidays in the Scottish ers isn't looking safe in their hands". there are people within SC Property says that the charges Scottish Canals Lowlands needs a lot of promo- "This is an absolute disaster for Department that should be hanging aims to levy next year, said to be tion and development; the market Scottish Canals and for Scottish ca- their heads in shame". an increase of up to 500%, would needs to be created not just tapped nals". And a visiting English boater see the firm running at a loss. The into, and you can't just tag it on to "This will be 'Parks’ as in some- Comments: “Scottish Canals don't hire company is one of the boating the English tourism offer. While where to park a boat, I take it? The exactly go out of their way to en- pioneers in the Scottish Lowlands, Capercaillie Cruisers are a bit of a idea that someone would actually courage visiting boat owners to starting with two boats and now op- success story, they seem to be the want to untie a couple of mooring their waterways. The cost of our erating twenty-one. only show in town, and perhaps the ropes and cruise to a different loca- visitor’s licence for seven days on the Waterways planning consultant, exception rather than the rule. If tion is clearly anathema to SC. This Caledonian this year is going to be Patrick Moss, says: “One of the is- the hire market was really ripe, I'd appears to be a simple piece of £140.70!. sues with the Scottish Canals is that have expected more operators, with mathematics that has come to un- Hardly cheap for a 23ft boat and they haven't attracted that much up to half a dozen based along the derpin SC's current philosophy and way more expensive then other areas boating activity - I'm not sure how canal, for example (the first thing will enable a caisson on the Wheel we have visited. The EA charged us many private boats are based on that comes up on a Google search to be permanently taken over by a £14 for seven days on the Fens and the canals, but from what I gather is boats being used as Air BnB - and pontoon, unmolested by those pesky the Broads Authority was £31 when very few of them ever go anywhere. that's really not healthy). The local hire-boats that queue up for passage we visited last year. NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 30 31 Have Your Say Letters to the Editor

Contract Delivery Manager is currently trying to Canal on the return journey, even though it has Letters to the Editor secure extra funds to continue to proceed south, used the canal’s water and facilities for a shorter Opinions expressed here are independent of NABO policy and however, due to budget restrictions we are not period. He said this will be considered when they optimistic”. As for the condition of the collapsing review the arrangements. statements made have not been verified as true. banks and bridges, I despair. The 28-day ‘no return without payment’ period Dave Chipchase applies from the date the boat last departed from Edgbaston update as it slows the cyclists down too much. I wonder on a free visit, even if three- if they've done any similar survey... doubt it. or seven-day licences have been purchased since After a rummage, I found one of my, as yet un- Peter Jaggers More on licensing review that date for subsequent visits. Although the tried, Christmas presents to play with; it's a radar Bridgewater Canal website talks of ‘temporary li- I cannot imagine that NABO Council’s sugges- speed gun. So armed with said gun and the mul- cences’, ‘permits’ and ‘return permits’ these are tion that the licence bands be reduced to just tilingual instructions, I stood on the back of the all the same thing and can be purchased at any Licencing review ... two will go down well with some boat owners. boat and ... well you guessed it, speed-gunned time during those four weeks. To keep charges revenue neutral for CRT, would the passing cyclists. The results, while not ac- I think it is quite unfair to wide-beam boaters to If a boat made two same-direction circuits of the mean that smaller craft would be paying more curate enough for the legal system, were pretty suggest they should pay 50% more, after years Cheshire Ring within a 28-day period in which than at present. At present, the authorities seem consistent and interesting. of paying the same as narrowboats. New regis- payment was necessary, two three-day tempo- to be able to cope with multiple bands, CRT 18, The normal speed for a cyclist is between 14 and trations maybe, but increases out of the blue on rary licences would be acceptable. Temporary Gold Licence 19, EA Anglian 8, and EA Thames 16 mph. The pushing-it-a-bit cyclist is up to 19 this huge scale for existing boaters are just not licenses must be purchased by telephone on 16. With just two bands, an 18 foot boat would mph but in the 20+ mph club, there were four reasonable (I do not have a wide beam!). NABO Mondays to Fridays between 1400 and 1600. pay same as a 45 foot and a 46 foot the same as at 20 mph, six at 21 mph (note: these six were appears to be suggesting that licences for all There is, however, also provision on the BCC a 70 foot. As for charging wide-beams, I would traveling together and this was the speed of the boats should be divided into under- or over-14 website to purchase on-line at any time. If a consider the Thames system the best, as craft woman at the back; the leader was leaving them m bands in the interests of ‘simplicity’. It may be permit is required at a weekend and the boat come in various widths. If some reduction is behind), two at 22 mph, one at 23 mph and one simple, but I can't see how the owner of a 47 ft crew is not tech-savvy, it is acceptable to enter given to wide boats because they cannot use all at 24 mph. boat will think paying the same as 70ft one, or Bridgewater Canal without a temporary licence of the system, a similar reduction should apply Should any of the 20+ mph club ride on the a 30ft boat paying the same as a 45ft is OK. I and pay an Enforcement Officer, who can accept to craft over 57 feet, which are also restricted. road outside my house at these speeds, they'd be don't think working out rates based on accurate both cash and card payments. It was accepted When people buy these boats surely they are breaking the law as the speed limit was reduced lengths (and possibly widths) is beyond the wit that the website is insufficiently clear as regards to 20 mph recently due to safety concerns. Yet of most, especially in these days of calculators aware of the waterways they can use. Rodney Hardwick arrangements for visiting boats and there are they do nothing wrong just because they are on a and computers. The EA certainly used to publish plans to revise it. pedestrian towpath. These were all normal-look- tables for all lengths and widths, so CRT could Brian Johnson ing cyclists. easily do the same. Their online licence renewal Where? the vale, just up from where CRT is database presumably could cope with the calcu- Bridgewater clarifications considering narrowing Edgbaston Tunnel to sin- lation. I hope NABO will not recommend this Following another exchange of emails, I have gle-way working, so the towpath can be widened idea to CRT. It is just the sort of poorly thought spoken at length with Peter Parkinson at through scheme they would go for! Bridgewater Canal Licensing and had a con- I name this boat … ... and South Oxford restoration structive conversation. He told me that some of I would find licence and (above inflation) moor- the issues I have raised had never been queried If you have spotted a boat name that made you ing increases more acceptable if I saw evidence smile, please let me have a photo to use in fu- with them previously and all will be considered of better maintenance of my local canal. While as they negotiate a new reciprocal agreement ture issues. Here’s one from Helen Hutt. it is good to learn in NABO News that the South with CRT, so it is possible arrangements may Oxford between Newbold and Wormleighton change at some time in the future. has had attention paid to vegetation clearance, At present, he has clarified the rules as follows: regrettably the stretch between Banbury and the free period allowed on the Bridgewater Canal Oxford is in a dire state. Offside and towpath side is up to seven days and expires the day a boat vegetation is rampant in many areas and reed/ leaves their waters. He accepted my point that sedge growth in the channel is making one-way it seems perverse that if two boats leave Preston working increasingly necessary. Last December, Brook on the same day, both returning there on spurred on by an item in NABO News, I ex- the seventh, one going only to Castlefield and changed emails with CRT about this. I quote the other to Wigan, the former will require no part of their reply, referring to the work on veg- payment but the latter will need to purchase a etation clearance south of Wormleighton: “Our temporary licence to enter the Bridgewater NABO News Issue 2 April 2017 NABO News Issue 2 April 2017