Seeking Boat Owners - Photography Courses Worsley to Castlefield

[NigelatNWPC]

"I am not altogether sure..... I am not even sure that....makes me suspect that.... If it turns out...it should be fine... I think it is..."

 

Our approach to robust risk assessment is quite different to yours.

[ditchcrawler]

Thanks for all the replies (well, the constructive ones, anyway....)

 

A discussion with a day boat operator has been very productive and that looks favourite.

I think they have all been constructive, even if some of them were not wanted to hear but hopefully will have you going in the right direction without getting caught out at a later stage of the project.

[Tony Brooks]

"I am not altogether sure..... I am not even sure that....makes me suspect that.... If it turns out...it should be fine... I think it is..."

 

Our approach to robust risk assessment is quite different to yours.

 

I am not the one who came on here and attempted to co-opt boaters into an enterprise that might land them on a lot of trouble, you are. That does not speak well of your robust approach to risk assessment does it. What it does indicate is that you jumped in with no significant preparation and did not ask for advice first. However as is the way of this forum you got the advice and leads as to what needs a lot more research on your part.

 

When I did my research I concluded taking persons who would be paying for a course that involved being on a boat was too complicated and with too many regulations to make it worth while.

 

Anyone trying to give you definitive advise could if things went wrong be considered as passing themselves off as an expert with all that entails and as prosecutions have been brought in the past (at least one for manslaughter I believe) only a complete idiot would give such advice without a very sound knowledge in the area, probably qualifications to show competence, and above all professional indemnity insurance. This is why I and others point to things you need to consider but at the same time make it clear it is not definitive advice.

 

I wish you well in this project and hope it turns out well but in the light of your post so far fear you still do not fully comprehend what you are getting into.

[Liam]

One Thorn boat has been sold, they have 1 in operation and the 3rd boat has never been put into service I don't think and needs at least fitting out.

Your best bet would be to contact Mark on the trip boat Francis Egerton on 0161 724 4820.

 

He's a top bloke who will be able to help you.

 

http://www.bridgewatercruises.co.uk

[NigelatNWPC]

I accept that your expertise is in boat electrics rather than running courses for the public. That's what we do and the specialist underwriters who have examined the way we approach risk are happy to insure us to the tune of several million. I'll leave others to judge who has the better grasp on our approach to risk.

 

Best wishes.

[Alenafour]

I am pleased about that. However plaese tread with caution and get the MCA's views on the matter. I am not altogether sure the day boat operator would be clued up on the implications of having paying passengers aboard. I am not even sure that your students would be considered as paying passengers but my dealings with the MCA when I was considering setting up a roaming maintenance training boat makes me suspect that at least initially they would. If it turns out they would not be considered as paying passengers then as long as you stay within the maximum numbers it should be fine. However I think it is your company that needs to double check everything that has been mentioned and keep records to prove it has been done. A bit like your risk assessments really.

Not much certainty there from a self-styled legally-defined expert.

 

Your pomposity however, cannot be faulted.

 

The OP asked a simple question, succinctly answered by a couple of people with local knowledge, was there really the need for all this unnecessary verbiage which comes across more as like a pissing contest?

[ditchcrawler]

I accept that your expertise is in boat electrics rather than running courses for the public. That's what we do and the specialist underwriters who have examined the way we approach risk are happy to insure us to the tune of several million. I'll leave others to judge who has the better grasp on our approach to risk.

 

Best wishes.

Your at it again, Tony has run courses for the public for several years. When will you realise no one is trying to put you down, just pointing out points you need to take into account.

[NigelatNWPC]

Apologies, I took this to mean he hadn't run courses for paying delegates on a boat >>When I did my research I concluded taking persons who would be paying for a course that involved being on a boat was too complicated and with too many regulations to make it worth while.<<

[ditchcrawler]

Apologies, I took this to mean he hadn't run courses for paying delegates on a boat >>When I did my research I concluded taking persons who would be paying for a course that involved being on a boat was too complicated and with too many regulations to make it worth while.<<

I dont think it would if you go about it the right way, but I think there may be a few hoops to jump through on the way. Hiring a day boat would probably add £10 a head to the day, a bit of catering on board could well earn that back.I will be honest I don't know but I do know there are lots of things you would need to check if using a private boat. I point that was made was the Recreational Craft Directive, this states how many people can be on the boat, in most cases, not all this is the same as the number of bunks as it also ties in with ventilation requirements. So if you were using a private boat there is a good chance, not certain that you would legally overload it. Probably still 100% safe but if something goes wrong well your in the wrong.

I just get the feeling that most posts on this thread have tried to point out the pitfalls but you but you seem to be taking it as people putting your idea down. I am not an expert on anything but I think there has been some useful points made in this thread.

Thats my bit said, Bye

[Cheshire cat]

It might also be worth saying that as well as boat electrics Tony's courses involved letting members of the public loose on running diesel engines. The risks are not insignificant.

[tidal]

after 4 edited attempts to post a polite reply to Alena's comments I have decided that what I need to say would contravene the site rules.

So rather than attract the opprobrium of the moderators and my fellow posters I'm getting the fudge out of Rog

[Pluto]

One other way of running a canal photography course would be with one of the various historic canal boats. It may prove difficult to have people on board whilst sailing, though not necessarily insurmountable. However, the course could be used to photograph a historic boat passing through locks etc. Whilst moored, access to customers would not be a problem. It may be a little difficult to this with the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society's Kennet next year, given that we will be involved with the canal's 200th anniversary, but it could be a future project. You can contact the society via our website www.llcs.org.uk.

[NigelatNWPC]

Thank you Pluto, that's an interesting suggestion.

[Cheshire cat]

On the Bridgewater finding a lock will be a bigger challenge than getting the paperwork

[Liam]

Ahem, Pomona