NABO Home

Details
Category: NABO Regional Reports
Hits: 153

A very positive meeting at the Crofton Pumping Station was held with Mark Evans, recently appointed as the Waterways Director. I emphasised how pleased NABO was, and indeed most boaters were, that Mark was now in this position, especially as he would be building on his previous excellent work running the K&A & B&T. Mark was very positive about the future, although noting that there were many staffing changes that needed to bed in. He also acknowledged that CRT's management of its contractors often needed attention. I could only agree with this, especially noting the dreadful mess their vegetation cutters had left the Mon & Brec towpath in – over long sections (and for over three months now) it was a mud-path, so bad that many of its regular users had to avoid it.

I did though take the opportunity to also congratulate Mark on CRT's (and indeed its contractors!) work at Crofton, where major engineering is taking place, largely related to improving the water feed for the K&A. Here the collaboration between CRT and the K&A Canal Trust, responsible for restoring and now running the accompanying historic pumping station, was excellent. Part of this work included relocating underground the historically-unsightly CRT pipeline - presently located right across the front of the station. It is responsible for moving water from the Wilton Water reservoir up to the feeder leat, which then provides water for the canal from its highest point.

Mike Rodd

Details
Category: NN Editorials
Hits: 167

Editor, Peter Fellows, has a wide range of news in these uncertain times.

Unsurprisingly, Covid-19 is foremost in most people’s minds and this is reflected in this issue. Mike Rodd has been attending EA and Thames User Group meetings on behalf of NABO. This is in addition to his many other jobs as Chair (such as responding to the Bridgewater tidal barrier consultation) and reporting as the Regional Rep for Wales and the South-West, both included in this issue. If one or more members in the general Thames catchment area would be willing to share the workload, it would greatly help Mike.

Treasurer, Helen Hutt was elected to CRT’s Council and another boating rep, Dave Mendes de Costa has sent NABO News a report on their first meeting with CRT’s National Boating Manager. Elsewhere, David Fletcher considers what might happen to red diesel, following an announcement in last month’s budget. He also reviews the recently published reports on the Toddbrook Reservoir near-disaster. Ken Hylins reflects on his first couple of years on NABO Council, with a plea for more involvement in council work by members. Mark Tizard gives CRT a pat on the back for dealing with all the damage and fallen trees, caused by this winter’s storms and floods. And finally, Tony Brooks casts a balanced eye over the suitability of lithium batteries in Techie’s Corner.

With the uncertainty around the effects of Coronavirus, boating could reasonably be said to be one of the safer places to be, so enjoy the better weather and keep well.

Details
Category: Boater Safety
Hits: 173

COVID-19 News Boat Safety Scheme Examinations Temporary Suspension

Following the most recent announcement from the Prime Minister regarding the UK’s response to the coronavirus crisis, the joint owners of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) are allowing a temporary extension to safety certificates for those craft requiring an examination in the period until the 14th April. Any future change will be reviewed in respect of the Governments most up to date advice and we will advise you accordingly. In the meantime, Navigation Authorities and licensing bodies will maintain a record of extensions.

 

News releases on BSS issues can be seen here.

See the full text here

Details
Category: Canal and River Trust
Hits: 162

CRT have said this tonight 23 March

Following the most recent announcement from the Prime Minister regarding the UK’s response to the coronavirus crisis, we are asking leisure boaters to stop all non-essential travel. As a result, and to help those who live-aboard (along with those who would need to travel to their boat in order to move it) we are suspending the requirement to move every 14 days. The suspension will be kept under review in line with revised government guidance, applying initially until 14 April.

We ask everyone to be considerate and make sure at least a minimal amount of essential movement is maintained to keep vital boater facilities and services accessible to those that need them. We will continue to maintain boater facilities and pump out cards are available from our online shop. (We will be urgently reviewing the implications for face-to-face sale of pump out cards and facilities keys from our public offices).

 

With immediate effect NABO recommends that cruising liveaboard members find a safe mooring with reasonable access to services and supplies and hunker down. Non liveaboard boaters should not visit their boats unless advised it’s safe to do so.

There are no instructions on BSS examinations in the current advice from CRT. If yours is due, talk to the license office and get their guidance. We are pressing for examinations to be supended for the critical period and will keep you advised. 

Listen out for further Government and/or CRT announcements.Their web site is here

Stay safe out there.