ATYC Training Twenty-Ten

[boatone]

I see the ATYC are endeavoring to set up a Twenty-Ten initiative to improve training for, and competency of, Thames boaters.

The minutes of the October ATYC meeting suggest that this would not compete with the RYA but it seems to me that the objectives are very similar to the Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate scheme which the RYA has run through its schools for a good few years now.

Seems to me that members of ATYC clubs will probably already be the sort of people that spend some time practicing their boat handling skills, even if they do not actually enter competitions.

What does the forum think?

 

[TrueBlue]

Excellent idea B1.
Methinks it's not so much to the benefit of ATYC members but more for the myriad of non club members.

The worst "offenders" are those who only come out at weekends for a potter, they are usually either those who know it all (been on the river for ever), or those who think no skill is needed. "I can drive a car it's just much slower"

It has to be made a fun or interesting happening, else nobody will be attracted.

Still that's not intended to be a put down, just trying to be realistic.

 

[miket]

Sound idea

... and I believe still at an early enough stage that the format and method of attracting participants can be varied.
I have applied to find out more.
I think it is intended to go further than straight boat handling and include useful information on river etiquette, such as locking procedures, etc.
You never know, we may be able to wind up Manxman and suggest the raising of fenders when travelling between locks?!!

 

[rr_123]

If they are simply offering a service to non-members fine, but "endeavouring to set up [an] initiative" sounds a bit like interfering.

It won't do anything to improve etiquette or skills (because the unskilled and rude will simply ignore it) but the more it is shouted about the more likely that some bright spark will see it as a step towards more certification!

And as for fenders... raising them in a restricted and often crowded channel is complete folly and should be banned, they should be left deployed at all times in case of collision with an unqualified, rude, unskilled boatman such as myself (c:

 

[Gavi]

And as for fenders... raising them in a restricted and often crowded channel is complete folly and should be banned, they should be left deployed at all times in case of collision with an unqualified, rude, unskilled boatman such as myself (c:

... depends which part of The Swan route you mean. Which reminds me, where are Bradtarga34 and the amphibious Two Rebels mob ("we were just walking Bandit")?

 

[apollo]

...You never know, we may be able to wind up Manxman and suggest the raising of fenders when travelling between locks?!!

...and half the UTMYC committee judging by their recent minutes. Nice to know I am not alone in my thinking.

 

[miket]

Old chestnut

No point in dredging that up again. It received far more coverage than it warranted 1st time around.
I took it for what it was always intended. A suggestion. You don't have to take any notice of it and anyone else is similarly able to decide.

 

[Ramage]

Really? I understood that one of the people pushing for it said that anyone who did not raise their fenders should not be in their club and should give up boating! (and I understand it is in the Minutes of the club in question).

That is pretty strong for "a suggestion".

 

[miket]

over simplification

a. The minutes of the committee are not for public discussion, which is why they are protected to the members only log-in.
b. It shows a healthy club when subjects are discussed openly and a compromise decision relating to this etiquette (and that is all it is!!) can be agreed.

I am quite sure that those who feel unable or unwilling to raise fenders for whatever reason will continue to "dangle" and those that like the smart appearance of raised fenders will continue not to "dangle".
For those that may not have been aware that to "dangle or not to dangle" might be an option, they are now aware, so job done!