Previous WA Chairman Mark Meade takes a look back at the creation and development of the Towage Good Practice Guides. . “Essentially it was designed to be a very down to earth and practical guide, it had to be easy to read and could be used not only to initially educate someone, but be kept […]
The Challenge, sponsored by the G+ and The Workboat Association is looking for solutions to safely enable an increase of the pax carrying capacity of workboats; which is currently severely limited due to necessary Covid-19 distancing controls. . Representatives from the G+ and the Workboat Association will be involved in the review of submissions. G+ […]
Mark Ranson reflects on John Percival’s role within the Workboat Association and the introduction of the John Percival Memorial Award. Who was John Percival? John Percival was well known in commercial workboat and leisure circles as the founder and head of Hoylake Sailing School (& John Percival Marine Associates (JPMA). After a career deep sea […]
Two of our VTE Assessors; Hugh Patience and David Brown, explain more about the VTE Scheme and what their role as Assessors includes. . Can you remember how you first got involved with the Voluntary Towing Endorsement Scheme? David: I first got involved in the Voluntary Endorsement Scheme on the invitation of the WA Secretary […]
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Workboat Association, a dedication has been made to the Woodland Trust. This dedication will be used not only to preserve and protect the woodland specified in the dedication but enables the Woodland Trust to create and protect more native woods; providing places rich in trees and wildlife for […]
Many will be aware that just before the weekend a new UK Minister was appointed with the role of Minister for Maritime after the cabinet reshuffle. Kelly Tolhurst MP of Rochester / Strood, previously a small vessel Surveyor and Director of a Marine paints supplier in the UK has been appointed the position. In 2016 […]
We look back at some of the key events from the past 25 years and hear from the people involved and where they are now. This month we learn about the origins of the WA Safety Forum from it’s first Chairman; Philip Woodcock. “Of all the significant achievements that the Safety Forum has achieved; that […]
“The whole workboat industry is a competitive business. This has
several advantages in our open economy, but also a number of drawbacks. Below the pros and
cons of the competitive market of the present tug industry will be considered as an example
for the whole workboat industry and the value of higher levels of collaboration in promoting
more cost effective and safer working practices as well as a higher degree of innovative
developments will be explored.”
At what age did you first decide to take up a career in the Maritime Sector? I grew up in Pembrokeshire, west Wales and started messing around in boats at an early age. After completing my first commercial yacht delivery while I was still at university, the idea of making a living while working on, […]
Feedback Survey IMDG (Dangerous Goods) Training and Certification for Workboats. Those involved in the transportation of Dangerous Goods at sea will know that training for those handling and working with Dangerous Goods cargo is mandatory for a vessel to receive and maintain its Dangerous Goods DoC. Though unless Owners/ Operators provide inhouse training, there […]
Scott Baker, Head of Marine Standards Europe at Svitzer Marine gives us an insight to his work and life in and outside of the Workboat industry. What is your current role at Svitzer and what does it include? My title is Head of Marine Standards for Svitzer Europe. I am one of four Regional heads […]
Damen Shipyards are one of the Workboat Association’s longest corporate supporters, UK sales manager ‘Frederik van der Linde’ tells us about his role and interest in the maritime industry. Who are Damen and what does your daily role include? Damen Shipyards Group operates 36 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 12,000 people worldwide. Damen has […]
