Congratulations To Our Boat Operators

Last Thursday, 7th November 2023, the year-long process ended for seven happy boat masters. After all the medicals, sea survival, firefighting and first aid training required in Kilkeel Harbour, they went through two mock training days with a marine safety consultant on the lough.

Last week was exam week, carried out by two MCA examiners (Maritime Coastal Agency); it was a 6-hour exam, split into two categories, practical and theory and a thorough boat examination to add to the tension.

They were put through their paces, showing competence in safety in and around the lough, providing evidence that all safety aspects of the life rafts, life jackets, and communication devices are valid and competent for use.  They also had to provide proof of local knowledge of the inland waterways and collision regulations along with lights and markers and examine how to exhibit competency in manoeuvrability and pick up a man overboard.  To make matters worse, it was blowing a gale on two out of the three days, typical Lough Neagh conditions.  I won’t say who got the easy day, but you know how you are!!

A very well done to all who passed with flying colours; you can all start revising for the refresher in five years.
Sean McGarry
Jeffery Milligan
Jennifer Davidson
William Weir
Michael Crossan
David Brazier
Paul Toal