There was some discussion regarding the benefits of a European Association and it was agreed that following a meeting during Seawork 2010, there would be an evening function to which the NWA’s European colleagues would be invited and the subject could be discussed further.
Those attending the AGM included representatives from Holyhead Towing, Williams Shipping, Red7 Marine, Maritime Craft Services, Marineco UK, Delta Marine, SMS, GSS (Plant) Ltd, John Percivale & Associates, Coastal Launch Services, Technical Marine Services and Coastworks)
A very enjoyable evening on the night before the AGM gave members one of two annual chances to get together (the other being at Seawork) on an informal basis to renew friendships and discuss shared concerns. Meeting in the Lake District enabled those based in the northern part of the country and in Scotland to attend without travelling too far.
The meeting, chaired by Holyhead Towing’s Captain Mark Meade, was very successful. The chairman was able to report that the association has been very effective in liaising with the MCA at a number of meetings to push forward the interests of NWA members, particularly with regard to the constant changes in legislation for vessels and crews. Also discussed were some of the new areas the industry is servicing, such as the offshore wind industry. There was also agreement from the members that a more structured training programme for vessels crews would be very beneficial to the industry.
The National Workboat Association (UK) was formed in 1994 so that the members could have a say in the formulation of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Workboat Code of Practice.
This proved to be an extremely beneficial move from the members point of view since the Associations’ representatives were able to offer practical guidance and detailed constructive criticism of the views being put forward in the working groups. It is fair to say that had Workboat Owners not been able to present their views the finished Code would not have been a representation of the industries work practices and overall safety standards.
Since the Workboat Code became law, owners have found some anomalies and suffered misinterpretation of the Code by various interested parties. In these circumstances the Workboat Association has been able to play its part in resolving the difficulties on behalf of owners. The Association has also played its part in the new Harmonised Code and has been successful in keeping members interests at the forefront of any proposed changes.
Any workboat operator interested in joining the NWA and extending it to become a pan-European organisation should visit the stand at Seawork 2010 or Tel: +44 (0)2380 767882 for further information.
