Bob Wood wrote: > On 04/03/2008, bty465680 > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> This is brilliant news, it actually makes the tunnel usable to GRP >> and wooden boats that would get significantly damaged by contact with >> the tunnel walls under the current system. > > How would you intend to keep such out of contact with the walls under > the new system?
Hands?... Personally I thought that the present sysyem was not sustainable under health and safety rules. A virtually uncontrolable 100 ton snake of steel, for the most part being fended off (by hand) by poor BW staff (for the most part contract labour). It is not widely known that another factor which contributed to BW's large costs of "running" passage "over the top" and through Standedge, was the amount they paid out from damage (on side panels, for which they claimed liability) to "approved" craft. Now BW have put the liability / insurance factor clearly back on the boat owner. This will be "interesting". I suggest that the insurance aspect will be a minefield, if not handled correctly and could have a knock on effect wih a lot more of the "attractions". Sorry...mild rant there. so back to your original question... The BW "pilot" should know the dodgy sections and it will be relatively easy to stop and virtualy manhandle a lightweight GRP/wooden boat past obstructions. This will require a degree of expertise on behalf of the BW "pilot" AND the crew of the boat. -- Neil Arlidge - NB Earnest - Shannon Reg 7410 Read about the TNC Irish travels at: http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/Tour_07/index.html Defend the waterways: http://www.saveourwaterways.org.uk/
