Scholar Gypsy

Maybe worth adding that in an emergency, eg if the qualified operator falls in is or otherwise incapacitated, it is permitted for unqualified persons to use the radio,

The latest advice from ABP, to the coordinator of Trentlink: https://trentlink.wordpress.com/comms/ "A discussion with the Duty Officer at Humber Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) on 9th February 2022 indicated that craft proceeding downstream only as far as Keadby Lock that are not fitted with VHF should call Humber VTS by telephone (01482 327171) with their ETA at Keadby,1 hour before passing under Keadby bridge. They will then be notified of any shipping movements between Keadby Bridge and the Lock. Humber VTS expect that vessels passing downstream of Keadby will comply with ABP Byelaws (set out below)." I certainly use my VHF on the Trent, but the case for it is much less strong than, for example, on the much busier Thames.

This is indeed what I do - I use a hand pump with thin copper pipe to reach the bottom of the tank and take a sample.

There is an active and lively group offering advice about the tidal Trent (above Keadby). Links below, in terms of preparation I would buy the charts from the Boating Association, check your anchor and the cleanliness of your fuel. http://trentlink.org.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/666937220961360

And I thought you were heading for the Swale, near Sheerness and a good stopping point on the way to the Medway.

Is it just me, the photo in the original post is not visible to me.

I had a fascinating trip recently on the Strepy lifts in Belgium, built around 1900. Needed a lot of care and fiddling around by the operatives, eg adding ash to make a good seal, applying a crowbar at certain points in the process. https://scholargypsy.org.uk/2022/06/13/belgian-boating-part-1/ You could feel the whole structure swaying a bit, which was a bit disconcerting ...

CRT could promote a private Bill to change the 1994 Act, but a) it's a very expensive and long-winded procedure b) the outcome may not be what they (indeed anyone else) expected. The recent Middle Level Act is an example of such private legislation.

Not very helpful, but do you need to identify the plug and socket type first? The current models are different ... https://www.marinesuperstore.com/marine-communication/handheld-vhf-radio/standard-horizon-fist-mic-for-handheld Whilst on the subject of radios, I have just fitted an external aerial to my ICOM handheld set, which means I can now talk to London VTS from Teddington (on 5W). Previously it was rather hit and miss above Vauxhall.

But the NAA can (and I believe often does) require the marina to only allow boats that are licenced (and insured and with BSS) to moor there. Personally, I think that is reasonable and sensible, not least to protect other moorers.

Correct - the lower gates are opened by pulling on a chain and shut using a boathook. Here's a photo of the lock, and of my sons warming up with their boathooks (on their adjacent golf course)

Thanks! The wind wasn't too bad, but the wind over tide at Gravesend was unpleasant. We departed 30 mins after low water, with the benefit of hindsight I think I should have waited a bit longer for the waves to fully die down. Half a mile inland it was like a millpond. I personally think smaller nbs handle these conditions better, yes they pitch a lot, but they are much less likely to ship water eg through side doors, sink drains etc,

They are not quite that loud .... https://alarumproductions.org.uk/

It's a very gentle lock, and the keeper is very helpful. There are steel riser cables if you want to tie onto something.

I agree with you re H&S - our route to the shops in Seneffe was via a rather chaotic demolition site. My cruising companions were delayed at Ronquieres for a couple of hours, as a particularly clanky section of rail was replaced.

A few photos of Hermitage when the level is much higher than it is now. Plan B was to go through the lock backwards, but as you can see it was not necessary. (The bridge slopes a bit in both dimensions, and my boat is higher at the bows than the stern) https://scholargypsy.org.uk/2016/04/18/a-tight-squeeze-at-hermitage/

To work out the headroom at Hermitage lock, subtract the reading on this gauge from 4 1 metres. Currently bags of room.... https://www.gaugemap.co.uk/#!Detail/1598/1742

Thanks! They didn't do this when we were there, but it was raining most of the time... What I couldn't work out was whether / how the cassion was held tight against the connecting channel when at the top or the bottom- as this structure could not obviously resist forces along the line of the cassion. You could definitely feel the whole structure sway a bit, ditto with the monster modern lift, once the seal was broken.

The historic lift was fascinating, you could see exactly how it worked. Guys with a bucket of ash to get a good seal, opening sluices, moving hooks to lift the gates, the safety catch to stop the gates falling on you, and a large crowbar at one point,

Thanks! The record is about 25, I think. If I had a pound for every time I had typed Diamond rather than Platinum in the last six months of organising this, I would be doing rather well. Three of us were sporting our Diamond Jubilee Pageant flags, though, including BEATTY. I flew mine on the lead boat, even though the participant was me rather than the boat...

I was very lucky to be invited to spend a few days cruising the canals south of Brussels, including the second biggest boat lift in the world. Lots of big commercial traffic. https://scholargypsy.org.uk/2022/06/13/belgian-boating-part-1/ https://scholargypsy.org.uk/2022/06/13/belgian-boating-part-2/

Over the bank holiday we organised three cruises: Friday from Limehouse to Gravesend (seven boats) https://scholargypsy.org.uk/2022/06/12/platinum-jubilee-cruise-day-1/ Saturday from Gravesend back to Limehouse https://scholargypsy.org.uk/2022/06/12/platinum-jubilee-cruise-day-2/ Sunday from Limehouse to Brentford/Teddington, nine via the barrier etc and seven directly. https://scholargypsy.org.uk/2022/06/12/platinum-jubilee-cruise-day-3-limehouse-to-brentford-via-jenningtree/ Apart from a bit of sea sickness in Gravesend, it all went very well. The Royal Fleet Auxilary MOUNTS BAY was also there ....

I think the trip boat from Cambridge (?Georgina) used to do it quite regularly, for maintenance.

As well as Earith, I think the cradle at Hermitage can probably handle this boat (contact via Cathedral marina, Ely).

You beat me to it !!