Shipping Inspection

I mentioned in a earlier post we are looking to cruise the River Weaver in later in the year but I would like to do a round robin using the Manchester Shipping canal if at all possible. 

The information guide provided by Peel ports lists several items the "ship" should have

Manchester Ship Canal Act 1960

   

THIRD SCHEDULE

  

Articles to be carried by a PLEASURE CRAFT whilst in Harbour

  

1. An adequate anchor and cable

2. At least two warps each being not less than fifty feet (15m) in length and of sufficient strength.

3. Such navigation lights and equipment for signalling by sound as will enable the pleasure craft to

comply with the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea and with the

Company’s Bye-laws.

4. At least two fire extinguishers of a suitable type approved by the Ministry for Transport and

maintained in accordance with the Ministry recommendations.

5. Sufficient life saving apparatus for as many passengers and crew as the pleasure craft is

designed to carry.

6. An admiralty chart or other chart approved by the Company for the Harbour and adjacent waters.

7. A copy of the Company’s Bye-Laws for the time being in force.

8. A current tidal Almanac.

The Pleasure Craft must be in the charge of a person over 21 years of age, who has such experience of

navigation as will enable him/her to navigate in the Harbour with reasonable competence.

  We now have all the above items though Almanacs and Admiralty charts are not necessary we have them just in case. We thought we might have a blocker with the age limit though, but as I'm just 21 years of age with 37 years experience I guess that counts as acceptable. 

All vessels on the canal have to be inspected by Peel Ports recognised surveyors for "sea worthiness".  Whilst we will not actually be going outside the canal into coastal waters the requirement still has to be met.

Yesterday I phoned a Mr Taylor at Middlewich and have booked AmyJo's inspection for 11th July.  Mr Taylor has a house on the canal near Wardle lock and has kindly offered for us to moor AmyJo there whilst he carries out the inspection.  We readily accepted his offer as we get to have another cruise. in AmyJo. 

Talking to Mr Taylor this inspection is not really as bad as is sounds.  He would be happy as long has items 1, 2, 4 and 5 are met.  We do not have a mast head light but in his words "You are not allowed to cruise the canal at night so nav lights are not going to be much use in daylight are they, in fact on a narrow boat they are just for display really"  I could always turn on the Francis lamp, they would definitely see that.