Return of the Queen

Life can be complicated; especially when dealing with ships and towing it seems! 

Bob Wilde took on the project management of this operation at very short notice, for which we owe him many thanks. He has summarised the tow requirements for us as follows below.

​As you can imagine all this is expensive in both time and cash. Your support through donations and sales is as important as ever.

It is not a simple case of completing work on the MQ and then towing back. The following documents had to be prepared by external agencies and then exchanged between them via me; UK Load Line exemption, Passage Plan, Tow Plan, Insurance Certificates, Tow Contract. All of this is in place.

The MCA and Insurers dictate the weather restrictions for the tow that Pratts (towing company) are obliged to keep within (south to southwesterly wind under 20 knots and swell not exceeding 1m); this has to coincide with the right tide conditions for Ramsgate and Gillingham. There is a sand bar on the approach to Gillingham Pier and we need sufficient depth of water to get both Medway Queen and her tug over that.

Winds and tides etc are in the hands of the gods, not us. Everything is in place. The Tow Master has to approve the return date and time that meets the MCA and Insurance requirements, otherwise full liability may be on him/her.

Photo: Bob Wilde