Swansea Update

Anwen

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I went up to the boat today and while there, walked over to the Tawe lock to see how things are progressing with the maintenance. A new pontoon has been installed on the seaward side of the lock, and connects with the old staircase which I'm assuming used to serve a similar pontoon which had disappeared before we brought the boat to Swansea. There are a couple of commercial fishing boats using it at present, presumably so they can still take people out while the lock is closed.

Chatting with the marina staff in the office, the new pontoon is a permanent new fixture, however, the berth alongside it will not be dredged, so it will dry at LWS. Maintenance of the lock is going well. The inner gates are back from repair, and the re-installation is on schedule. I hope it reopens on time as I'm looking forward to getting out for a sail.
 
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Did they say anything about changing the tawe lock entry management - the way they give priority to fishing tripper boats so you can end up waiting 3 or 4 lock ins before getting into the lock on a busy Sunday? Boats have even been left outside when the lock keepers knock off.

I avoid Swansea for this reason
 

Oceanis

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Did they say anything about changing the tawe lock entry management - the way they give priority to fishing tripper boats so you can end up waiting 3 or 4 lock ins before getting into the lock on a busy Sunday? Boats have even been left outside when the lock keepers knock off.

I avoid Swansea for this reason

Obviously didn't like the cut of your jib :)

I always found them to be very helpful and friendly.
 
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Sneds

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We've to swansea on three occaisions have have allways found the queue system to be accurate and fair
Only problem we encountered was when lock control asked if anyone could assist a boat that had broken down out side the lock.
Despite there being several large heavy fishing boats about waiting to lock in, we were the only boat that offered assistance.
I was disgusted.
 

Sneds

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BTW SOLAS dictates that you are obliged to offer assistance when practicable.
End of rant and roll on the summer :)
 

Pigpen

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BTW SOLAS dictates that you are obliged to offer assistance when practicable.
End of rant and roll on the summer :)

Let me see now - SOLAS stands for Safety of Life at Sea.
Towing a vessel or even passing a line ashore comes under Salvage
(a whole different kettle of Sharks!).
If a large heavy F/V or even a big yacht helped (towed, nudged, etc)
a smaller v/l into its berth or whatever and leant on it, causing it
damage then the master, skipper or owner (of the v/l offering
assistance) could be held liable for the damage they caused.
Better v/ls of a smaller/similar size help out (and no mention of "Lloyds
Open Form").
PS Thanks to little "Chloe" for carrying my line into Cardiff Barrage
Nr 2 Lock last year. Engine now fixed.

Doug Jekeeda II CBYC (wearing his ex Shipmasters hat).

PPS Yes I too would be disgusted if "Nobody" gave a friendly tow
or whatever in that situation.
 

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