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 […]
This month John explains the background of GPS Marine Contractors, tells us more about himself and highlights some of the challenges that GPS are focused to overcome. . Who are GPS Marine Contractors and what is your role in the company? GPS Marine Contractors is the operator of the most tugs and the largest fleet […]
This year’s Workboat Association Safety Campaign has started. At the 2020 AGM it was decided that this years Safety Campaign would be Stop and Think! During the course of the year the Workboat Association will issue a number of targeted safety collections from around the industry that have significant interest to Workboat Operations. Six Safety […]
Professor Stephen Heppell provides some clear and practical advice for making the best of working from home. See original link: http://heppell.net/home/ “appreciating that not everyone is currently able or expected to work at home, many jobs can only be done directly (eg health professionals, bus drivers [or marine crew]) but for many of you the […]
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 […]
An article written for the Workboat Association by Sue Allen of 4C Offshore Ltd “Optimising current performance is the first stage. Excitingly, workboat operators in the offshore wind industry are leading on innovative vessel design. Investment in new hulls which improve seakeeping without sacrificing fuel consumption” When the client is paying for fuel, there would […]
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 […]
Ian tells us his story, what brought the HST team together and about their companies services and operation. Who are High Speed Transfers and what is your role within the company? High Speed Transfers (HST) are an Owner and Operator of Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) and General Purpose Vessels and my role in the company […]
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 […]
Indvidual Corporate Member ‘Chris Stopford’ provides us a view into his career and the world of a Self-Employed Mariner. What is the history of Alphasea Marine Ltd? I began working as ‘Alphasea Marine Ltd’ originally in 2002 to fulfil a Leisure and Small Commercial Vessel delivery service, as well as numerous local and near European […]
“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.”
