Monthly Archives: March 2021

critters on the cut – toadily awesome

critters on the cut

toadily awesome - frogs and newts

Female common Frog showing off her Polymorphism 

Female common Frog showing off her Polymorphism

The South West of the UK is the epicentre of amphibian migration in England. Gloucestershire has a HUGE number of migration sites.

Unfortunately most of these sites cross roads, causing many casualties to amphibians.*

So nature nerds like myself and the "Frampton Toadies" go out on mild wet evenings to help the little hoppers and crawlers off the roads to safety.

You have probably all seen the "Toad" signs?

You can expect to see toads, frogs, Palmate newts, Smooth newts and the much larger and protected Great Crested newt.

By the way, you must have a licence to handle GCN or face unlimited fines and/or jail time!**

I myself do pond surveys and ID the life in the ponds I work on or build.

Always remember they are cold blooded so when you handle them, our warm hands are like a hot iron!

Interesting "Frog Fact"! 

Did you know common female British frogs have a secret trick under their skin??

They are "Polymorphic" and can make one pigment prominent in their skin. On rare occasions they turn Pink or Red!!

Luckily for you I found an incredibly Red lady recently!!!

*To find out more about toad migration see here.

**To find out more about the Great Crested Newt and the laws around protecting it see here.

let a thousand excuses bloom

let a thousand excuses bloom

As Regimental Sergeant Major of the Intelligence Corps (I’d wandered in by mistake), if anyone came up with an excuse, they were let off the offence; provided they had an excuse I hadn’t heard before, or hadn’t used myself.  Therefore, here be the excuses I have used, or heard of, for overstaying on one spot in the canal system.  You may like to add your own via the Editor alongside any complaints.

devid scowcrovich a load of bull

a load of bull...

  • There is a Moorhen nesting in my tyre-fender, and I cannot move until the eggs hatch.
  • My Grandmother is getting married on Wednesday and it came as such a surprise.  We have not been able to move for the shock; it’s a worry - her pregnancy.
  • The engine is knackered, and I can’t move the boat.  Small whisper - Could you just tell me where the engine fits on the boat?
  • We are on our honeymoon and need peace and quiet, plus she made me take my socks off, now I can’t find them.
  • If we move on - someone will only come and take our place.
  • I’m navigating by the stars and it has clouded over.
  • The gearbox is broken and I’ve taken it to bits, I am waiting for parts - should be on the move in a week or two.
  • I have telephoned the Canal and River Trust and they said I could stay here.  I think his name was, ‘Nigel,’ he wore yellow jumper and tight maroon trousers.  Seemed like a nice boy to me!
  • My husband has had to fly off to see his second family in Spain for the bullfighting and I can’t work the boat.  He said he was a matador when I met him in the disco, but I didn’t dwell on it, once he got onto the horns.
  • You have to move at least twenty miles each year, right.  That’s sixteen feet a day and my boat is fifty-seven feet.  Which if you work it out correctly means I can stay where I am.  Didn’t get a sociology degree for nothing.
  • The boat is grounded and I can’t move the thing.  I’ve tried taking pills but it doesn’t seem to work.
  • The toilet is full wot do I do now?
    devid scowcrovich leave me alone

    leave me alone....

  • My boatbuilder said it was alright to stay tied to the bank anywhere, he had been helpful and connected all the electrics to one fuse for ease of access.  He said a static boat was cheaper to build than one that moves.
  • Move!?  I work in London.
  • Rules is for idiots mate, anyone can make rules, doesn’t mean I have to obey them.
  • I paid my licence there was some writing on the back, but I never bother with small print, you will want me to have insurance next.
  • She got the house, I got the boat, it’s all her fault, move-on you say but that’s just what she said. Yer see, it’s the system’s fault, it’s the country’s fault, politician’s fault.  What d'you mean, I’m not taking responsibility? No one takes personal responsibility anymore.  Don’t pick on me - affect my mental health that will.
  • The canals were owned by the people; they should still be owned by the people, for the people and of the people; so, I’m staying here.
  • I have an Alsatian dog so let anyone try to move me on.
  • This is the finest view in the country so I’m staying put.  You should try it one day - when I’ve gone.
  • Fascists: the lot of them trying to bully us into conforming, we live in a Fascist Society.
  • Bylaws; don’t get me started on bylaws.
  • The judge said I should stop breaking into houses which I have for the three months I’ve been here – a few boats yeah, but no houses.
    devid scowcrovich move it

    move it...

  • If I start to move, I will need a licence, then insurance, then a BS Scheme, then a CO detector, then fire extinguisher it never ends.
  • Right, ok, well, I was thinking of a cruise to Barnard Castle, to test my eyesight, anyway.
  • Here I stay boat to bank.
    Turned my head as we sank,
    If she's gone, I can't go on,
    Feeling depressed, despondent.
    Rubbish on the bank strewn,
    Only sad love songs to croon,
    I’m staying here – sobbing.
    Got a spare hanky, mate?
  • My batteries are flat so I have to spare the engine for charging them, can’t use engine propulsion.
  • The cat had kittens and we need to be here until she is settled.
  • We went up there a bit and found a line of locks, went the other way and there’s another bunch of locks.  What’s all that about mate?
  • There was a stoppage, it was on the internet, all movement stopped, I haven’t heard it has been opened again.
  • Foot and mouth mate, just up the road.
  • CRT are doing grass cutting don’t want grass cuttings up my boat.
  • My wife has broken her leg/shoulder/arm/neck.
  • My husband has broken his leg/shoulder/arm/neck.
  • My partner has broken their leg/shoulder/arm/neck.
  • My partner’s cousin has broken their leg/shoulder/arm/neck.
  • My pet has broken its leg/shoulder/arm/neck/wing
  • Need to be in one place for my doctor/dentist/job/college/lover/school/post.
stay alert credit devid scowcrovich

Stay Alert

  • I was abducted by aliens and I need to stay here to have their baby.  Yes, I am a bloke but its an alien baby – you idiot.
  • None of your business what I do, so shove off I’m bigger and nastier than you.
  • Everyone’s doing it staying in one place. I’m just like them and don’t forget to go onto ‘tickover’ past my boat.
  • Move!?  I work in Bath.
  • I got one of them Patrol Notices once, put it in the bin – nothing happened.
  • Don’t give a stuff mate, they say they will not grant me a licence next time, so I won’t bother applying for one.
  • If they didn’t want people to moor here above this lock, they wouldn’t have put in bollards - stands to reason.
  • I’ve to be in one place to get my hard-earned benefits.  Got to live.
  • The Duchess of Sussex said I could stay here for my mental health.
  • Self-isolating mate.  When you did that as a lad, they said you would go blind.
  • God told me to stay here and multiply, I am already up to 3,592.
  • My wife is expecting a baby and I’m expecting a new set of windows.
  • Chill-out man; I mean the world is rush, rush, rush, stay a while, not got a spliff have you?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

crt update on composting toilet waste disposal

The latest advice from CRT on disposal of toilet waste: If you’re considering getting a separator/compost toilet for your boat, please only do so if you have the ability to completely compost the solid waste from your toilet yourself or have access to somewhere that will do this for you. If you don’t have the ability to do this, then getting a composting/separator toilet is not the best solution for you.
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war drone – from rocks to rockets

war drone

from rocks to rockets

royal marines ghost drone

After many years of planning, design and head scratching, the Royal Marines have finally showcased their brand new “ War Drone” piece of equipment.

The latest piece of high tech kit that is now available to soldiers and military personnel on the frontline, promises to change the face of modern warfare.

The drone is capable of carrying ammunition, supplies, and eventually wounded soldiers from the battlefield to safety.

Due to the technology, it can also spy on enemy positions and pinpoint them from up to half a mile away without any detection.

Recent trials of the drone carried out by the UK`s amphibious force was filmed by Force News.

In the film, the two drones that were tested by Marines in Cyprus were highlighted as potential game changers for military command.

drones in Cyprus

The first machine called the Quad-copter was made by Malloy Aeronautics of Maidenhead, managed to carry ammunition, food and other essential equipment.

Capable of hauling up to 180 kg (400lb) of gear through the air, the Marines hope one day to be able to use the drones for carrying people.

The drones official number the T-800 has been described as the pick up truck of the air with a range of 43 miles (70km), which can be autonomously flown across land or sea.

Royal Marines Major Kris Dawson said “ resupplying has always seen guys carrying stuff and running it forward from the rear echelons,” “Systems like resupply drones can bridge potentially pretty significant gaps, that could be an absolute game changer in military terms especially on the frontline”.

According to Forces News presenter Briohny Williams the game changer with this drone technology is the software. A pilot can use a computer programme to set instructions for the drone to follow, it can also notify the pilots of any possible threats, without a person having to constantly scan the video feeds. The eventual goal is to develop a system that allows one commander to control multiple drones from a single work –station which could be located on a warship, tank or in a tactical field. A drone commander could reallocate equipment as he sees fit based on multiple video feeds and a wealth of other data information. They will able to get a total picture of the battlefield rather than one operator seeing one thing in isolation, it also means we`re able to concentrate a force as and when the commander needs it in response to any given task or threat.

The troops on the ground could also get the information fed back to them via a chest tablet, called an Android Tactical Assaults Kit ( ATAK ).

Two of the most iconic pieces of weaponry in World War 2:

British Spitfire

german doodlebug

With the ever -increasing threat of chemical and nuclear war, the UK military bosses are placing their faith on future missions on drones in a big way, they expect them to become a vital battlefield foil in future battles.

The marines are already training and working alongside the drones in the field, and it is already changing the way soldiers operate. Exercises carried out in Cyprus last autumn tested over 40 different technologies, including drones to evaluate their usefulness for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

They are working with a number of commercial entities to push the boundaries’ of what can be achieved with drones on the battlefield.

Another gadget that was trialled was a machine called the “Ghost”, which is a remotely piloted mini helicopter developed by Silicon Valley start up Anduril.

It can fly distances of up to 20km from the pilot and up to 3000 feet above sea level.

Loaded with thermal imaging cameras, the virtually silent drone can capture footage of enemy combatants or encampment`s from afar sending the details back to HQ.

"Britain's enemies are further advanced"

Last year defence secretary Ben Wallace suggested that the flying technology could one day replace British soldiers in the field, this underhand statement was made during a speech in which he told delegates on board HMS Tamar in London that “ Britain's enemies have adapted at a far quicker rate to technological weaponry than us”.

The shock statement was made as Mr Wallace sets out plans to restructure the military, making it more innovative towards a technical future.

He continued by saying “our values and interests are being challenged in the grey zone all over the world” as he prepares for the publication of a major defence review in September 2021. Maybe the recent trials carried out by the Royal Marines will go a long way in proving Mr Wallace wrong.

stealth bomber

When you consider how far military weaponry and equipment has advanced over the decades, it is astounding to see how a medieval catapult has evolved into to an autonomous firing rocket.

Can you remember the first time that you saw a stealth bomber and thought 'what is that?'

Just think of how advanced weaponry has made a difference to the men / women in the firing line on the ground and in the air, some of the inventions have made a significant difference to various armies and civilization`s across the globe.

We at Bearingtech fully understand the importance of advanced engineering having been involved with the engineering industry for many years, especially seeing the emergence of drones through their bearing capacity.

We started to think about the some of the major advancements that we now take for granted, at the time they were revolutionary, many history changers and battle winners.

The list goes on and on, here are a few that have made a difference.

Robin Hood : The best known long bow archer in the world

Gunpowder : Changed the way weaponry was used.

advanced weaponry throughout the decades:

  • Greek Fire  (oil poured onto water and set alight) A 672 Greece
  • Short Bows – Prehistoric times
  • Chariots – 3000 BC by Erichtonius of Athens
  • Swords – 3300 BCE Turkey by ancient Egyptians in the bronze age
  • Gunpowder – 9th Century China
  • Trebuckt Catapult – 339 BC Greece by Olodious Siculus
  • Pike – 2nd Century Germany
  • Long Bow – 1180 Wales by Celts
  • Field Cannon – 1324 China
  • Organ Gun – Designed by Leonardo Di Vinci
  • French musket – 1363 France
  • Cross bow – 2000 BCE China by Zhou Dynasty
  • Armour – 15th Century China
  • Halberd spear / axe – 14th Century Germany
  • Submarine – 1562 in Greece later developed by William Bourne in England
  • Hand Grenade – 1000 China later developed by Marten Hale
  • Machine Gun (hand held) – 1861 USA by Hiram Maxim
  • Airship – 1900 Germany by Jules Henri Giffard
  • Gatling Gun – 1861 USA by Richard John Gatling
  • Colt 45 – 1835 Europe by John Browning
  • Repeating Rifle- 1848 – USA by Walter Hunt
  • Torpedo – 1866 England by Robert Whitehead
  • Bi- Plane – 1903 USA by the Wright Brothers, although earlier designs had been made.
  • Military Tank – 1915 Australia by Lancelot De Mole
  • Spitfire – 1936 England by Reginald Mitchell
  • V1 & V2 Rocket ( Doodlebug)  1939  Germany by Paul Schmidt & George Hans Madeling
  • AK-47 Rifle – 1947 Russia by Mikhail Timofeycvich Kalashnikov
  • A Bomb – 1938 USA by J. Robert Oppenheimer
  • Heat Seeking missile – 1950 USA by Walter Dornberger & Wernher Van Braun
  • Stealth Bomber Aircraft – 1978 USA by Denys Overhosler & Petr Ufimtsev
  • Fighting Drones 1917 Britain & USA

The AK 47 – The most produced hand weapon in the world

continuing conflict

Since the beginning of time man has tried to defend himself against its enemies with whatever weaponry was available at the time, from rocks to rockets there always seems to be a better weapon. As civilization`s grow, more and more possessions and people need to be protected.

From the reign of Julius Caesar to Genghis Khan through to Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein countries have battered each other for centuries with the latest weapons.

Early military battles involved various armies facing each other in some remote field in a far off land trying to gain ground on each other. During the 1st World War Britain and Germany were entrenched in bunkers and trenches and only ventured over the top to try and gain literally inches to no avail.

atom bomb

Towards the end of World War 2 there was a terrifying new concept in the shape of the A bomb which not only threatened men in the field but a whole population of a country,

Unfortunately when this was dropped it wiped out tens of thousands of innocent people in Japan, an event that the world has never forgotten and never wants to see again.

The advancement of weaponry has increased dramatically over the years and will, no doubt will continue to do so over the coming years.

Ex president Ronald Reagan once quoted that “if World War 3 breaks out nobody will turn up” due to the advancement of the new weapons available.

It has been a long journey from the humble bow and arrow to a nuclear weapon, same strategy different strength, but with a devastating outcome.

No more over the top, but more up, up, up and at 'em!

five interesting boating trends

five interesting boating trends

for boat aficionados and business leaders in 2021

boating trends - model boatMaking boats and owning boats is a thing of passion. Boating aficionados around the world are always looking for the new and interesting trends that are reshaping their industry, as well as opportunities to get better gear, take better care of their boats, and even find new makes and models to invest in. From the business side, though, there is no denying that the boating industry is a highly competitive field.

Not only are more manufacturers entering the playing field every year, but leaders also need to be mindful of the environmental trends, new upkeep methods and solutions like ceramic coating, what’s in demand and what the customers want, and other industry shifts. After all, it’s the only way to get ahead in a competitive industry.

That’s why today we are taking a look at the five boating trends that are important for aficionados and business leaders alike. Here’s what you should know.

fishing is always on the rise

One of the biggest reasons people rent or buy boats nowadays is to fish, either recreationally or for commercial purposes. Recreational fishing in particular has been booming over the years around the world, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the safest recreational activities. This should come as no surprise, because fishing allows you to adhere to social distancing and gets you away from the crowds.

The sales of fishing boats are going up around the US and abroad, but it’s worth noting that fishing accessories are also being sold in larger quantities. People who are looking to upgrade their fishing boats are searching for depth finders and better motors, but also for fully equipped fishing boats that come as a complete package.

technology is transforming boat manufacturing

Technology is transforming boat manufacturingTechnology is reshaping every industry in the world, and that includes boat manufacturing and design.

Not only are manufacturers increasingly using smart systems for planning and design purposes, but they are also using hardware and robotics to streamline the manufacturing process while ensuring safety and quality.

Technology is also a big part of the interior design of modern boats, as it appeals to the modern, tech-savvy buyer. The modern boat aficionado wants to buy or rent a model that boasts integrated IoT devices and smart features, as well as better audio and video systems.

Connectivity is also a big deal, because people want to stay connected to the world through portable Wi-Fi, GPS, and signal boosters wherever they are.

efficient inflatable boats are in demand

When it comes to the popularity of certain makes and models, there is no denying that model inflatable boats are leading the pack. Currently, the Ribco inflatable boats are among the most popular in the industry because of their versatility and durability, but also the advanced features that elevate the overall boating experience.

Inflatable boats are easy to maintain and store in the off-season, and they are powerful to boot, allowing owners to traverse the waters at high speeds without compromising on safety. These boats combine luxury and functionality, and are highly sought-after among adventurers who love to go diving and snorkelling, but also yacht owners who need a smaller vessel to accompany them on their escapades.

safety is becoming a top priority

safety is becoming a priorityFor manufacturers and buyers, safety is becoming the most important factor. Manufacturers know that having a safety certificate is paramount to selling a boat to the cautious modern buyer, while the buyers are increasingly scrutinizing boats for their safety as well as aesthetics.

Safety devices and systems are becoming integral parts of boat design and assembly. Systems like kill switches that turn off engines in case of emergencies, man-overboard alarms and sensors, as well as sensors that track the state of individual systems in real time, all add to the quality, safety, and longevity of the boat.

boat renting is also on the rise

Lastly, keep in mind that the boat rental market is also rising steadily. We can expect this sector of the boating industry to keep rising in the next decade as boat rental becomes more affordable and accessible around the world.

Currently, the most popular boats range from 28 to 45 feet in length while smaller boats are in second place. It’s also worth noting that direct-to-consumer boat rentals are extremely popular, and that people are renting both crewed and unmanned vessels depending on the type and length of their trips.

wrapping up

The boating industry is on the rise around the world, so it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends. In 2021, these trends will dominate the sector, but we can expect them to continue driving the industry forward in the years to come, as well.

HM treasury confirm recreational boaters’ continued entitlement to red diesel

As part of the Spring Budget announcement, the Government stated that it is not changing the treatment of private pleasure craft in Great Britain where they will continue to be able to use red diesel and pay their fuel supplier the difference between the red diesel rate and the white diesel rate on the proportion they intend to use for propulsion.
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rcr have record rate of callouts

River Canal Rescue reports the number of rescues it undertook in 2020 yet again reached a new high. Storms and lockdown restrictions were the main reasons for the unprecedented rise.   Vessels across the UK were either battered by bad weather at the start of 2020 or suffered water ingress, due to a lack of maintenance, as people struggled to get to their boats.
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river canal rescue have record number of call-outs

river canal rescue have record number of callouts

River Canal Rescue reports the number of rescues it undertook in 2020 yet again reached a new high. In the period from 1 Jan to 31 December, engineers attended 231 incidents (186 major and 45 minor), 55 per cent more than the 149 (105 major and 44 minor) in 2019.

Major is defined as submerged, partially sunken or grounded craft, plus salvage work; minor as situations which on attendance, can be resolved without the need for a full rescue team.

Storms Brendan, Ciara, Dennis and Jorge, plus lockdown restrictions, were the main reasons for the unprecedented rise.   Vessels across the UK were either battered by bad weather at the start of 2020 or suffered water ingress, due to a lack of maintenance, as people struggled to get to their boats.

rcr bath rescue (river avon)Another contributing factor was the river Avon sluice gate failure in September, when RCR recovered and stabilised 50 boats in under three days.

In contrast, the number of general call-outs, such as electrical, fuel and engine issues, flat batteries, over-heating and gear box failures, fell by 17 per cent, from 3450 in 2019 to 2850. The decrease due to fewer people cruising the waterways.

Managing director, Stephanie Horton, comments: “Given the current situation, I’m not surprised by these figures; the storms were relentless - in two months we carried out 52 major rescues - and many people were unable to check their boats last year. Once water starts seeping into a boat, it can quickly turn into a perilous situation.”

The Government and other bodies now recognise the risk posed by restricting access to vessels, and state that checking on a boat’s safety is an acceptable reason to travel. Owners who fail to visit or maintain their boats during lockdown, may have future insurance claims rejected if they cannot evidence they attempted to ensure the boat’s safety (even if it means paying a third-party or arranging for a marina to do so).

lockdown RCR flood and maintenance tips

lockdown

rcr flood and maintenance tips

Heavy rainfall and rising water levels early in January and February prompted an early spike in River Canal Rescue call-outs. RCR managing director, Stephanie Horton, reports boats were left submerged and others separated from their moorings and pushed onto towpaths or wedged against pontoons and other craft.

At Acton Bridge, on the river Weaver, RCR was called upon to assist 10 boats; some were lifted onto the towpath and several more needed assistance after sinking in nearby Winsford.  In addition to these, RCR estimates over 30 vessels were affected by the flood, where waters rose by three metres overnight, leaving a large number of vessels to be recovered.

Stephanie comments: “While not all these situations can be avoided, owners can help prepare their boats for such events by checking mooring ropes are loose enough to cope with sudden changes in water levels, and if the mooring is at risk of flooding, run a rope to locations that can still be accessed even in a flood situation.

“To stop a vessel drifting onto land when water levels rise, position a scaffold pole or poles, or a boarding plank, between the boat and the river/canal side edge and fix it into position.  This acts as a mooring post, preventing flood waters from floating the boat onto land.”

Acton Bridge rising water levels

Acton Bridge - damage to moored boats through rising waters

Alongside weather-related emergencies, RCR reports water ingress, due to badly-worn deck boards and leaking stern glands, is the main reason for emergency rescue call-outs during lockdown, and is urging people to check their vessels as soon as possible.

havoc wreaked by storm ChristophStephanie continues:  “Engine bays are typically covered by marine-ply deck boards, supported by a C-shaped steel channel with drain holes to collect any seeping rainwater. If the drain holes are blocked by debris, leaves and dirt etc, water flows over the channel sides into the engine bay. Over time, the wooden deck boards decay, creating a wider gap between them, and so the downward spiral continues; more debris falls into the channel holes and more water flows into the engine bay. Prevent this by replacing worn deck boards and periodically clearing drainage holes.

“If a stern gland leaks when the vessel is stationary, you need to pump in grease or adjust the collar. The collar of rubber or brass forms a barrier where the propeller shaft exits the hull, and must be well-greased with tight packing to prevent excess water leaking. The grease should act as a seal while not in use and you compress the packing by adjusting the nut on the stern tube.

“If greasing and tightening the adjust bolts fails to slow the leak, this usually indicates the packing needs replacing. Address this fast; a quick build-up of water will cause the vessel to sink (even if you have a bilge pump, it will soon be overwhelmed).

“When the propeller shaft is turning, a stern gland should leak a few drops a minute - it’s difficult to give guidance on the exact amount as this is dependent on the gland’s age and type. However, water must circulate through the stern gland to keep it cool as the shaft turns. So if you’re unsure what adjustment to make, check the temperature of the stern gland; if it’s too hot, the packing’s too tight.

“Water spilling into the engine bay will cause the vessel to sit lower in the water, which in turn puts shower, sink or air outlets nearer to the water level, often with devastating results. It’s a particular risk in busy areas, where passing boats cause a wave or with air-cooled engines, where vents are positioned on the side of the hull.”

narrowboat in need of tlc after rising waters

Stephanie warns: “Water ingress not only increases the risk of sinking; once water seeps into the engine area it can damage electrical components such as alternators and starters. When the engine’s running, any standing water will be thrown over these components, which if left for a long period of time, can rust, affecting their operation.

“And a build-up of water in the bilges will eventually leach into the gearbox (it doesn’t have to cover it), and enter through its seals, contaminating the oil. If not flushed out, it will eventually result in gearbox failure. To see if water has got this far, check your dip stick; if there’s a creamy residue in the oil, it’s a clear indication it has and you’ll need to flush out before use.

“Water ingress should not be a problem if you have a bilge pump. If possible invest in an automatic one as it’s more reliable than a manual. Once left on the ‘automatic’ setting, its float switch dictates when it should pump, ensuring an immediate response to water ingress. And should a leak develop from elsewhere, such as the cooling system or hull, it will keep your vessel safe.

“If you have a bilge pump, you should have a bilge filter. This stops your boat pumping pollutants into the waterways and ensures you’re following Boat Safety Scheme recommendations.”

Section nine of its certification document asks ‘does the bilge pumping system minimise the risk of avoidable pollution?’

RCR’s filter, Bilgeaway, is the world’s first truly environmentally-friendly bilge discharge filter. It extracts contaminants from bilge water, renders them non-reactive and leaves the contents in a cartridge which can be disposed of and the housing re-used. Find out more on the Bilgeaway website

rcr engineer Kerry Horton at work

Stephanie concedes: “While a bilge pump (automatic or manual) gives you extra peace of mind, I’m acutely aware it’s only effective if it has a battery or electric power supply. During lockdown, you may have been unable to check battery charge levels or your shore supply, so this is another reason to visit your boat.”

She concludes:  “The Government* and other bodies now recognise the risk posed by restricting access to vessels, so a visit to check on a boat’s safety is an acceptable reason to travel. If you fail to visit or maintain your boat during lockdown, a future insurance claim may be rejected.

“Some insurance companies are not accepting lockdown as a reason for failing to check a vessel, and may refuse claims if the owner cannot show every attempt was made to ensure the boat’s safety - even if this means paying a third-party or arranging/paying for a marina to do so. Having proof of this may be required as part of a current claim’s process.”

* for Government guidance during covid (under travel, maintaining second homes, caravans, boats and other assets...)  see here

See also British Marine advice