Volunteers from Gosport National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) have been finding out about Wightlink’s maritime operations this month.
The emphasis of the sessions was placed upon safety, when they took a round-trip between Portsmouth and Fishbourne.
The Coastwatch team quizzed experienced captain Dave Booker about everything from buoys and channels to the challenges of sailing the Solent in adverse weather.
Dave and his crew cross the Solent dozens of times a week, and the ferry company carries around four million passengers a year to and from the Isle of Wight, including holidaymakers and much of the Island’s essential freight.
The NCI group also visited the Bridge and saw how the crew handle the ship.
Gosport NCI is based at Fort Blockhouse at the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour where watchkeepers enjoy panoramic views over the Eastern Solent.
They provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility.
“Members of Gosport NCI play a vital role in keeping the Solent safe for everyone and we were delighted to welcome the volunteers on to the Bridge to explain our systems and procedures,” says Captain Dave Booker.
“They asked plenty of detailed questions and I’m sure our information will give them useful insights into our operations.”
Deputy Station Manager Lenie Stephens-Voorhorst says:
“I have had much appreciative feedback from our watchkeepers and trainees after our sailing on Victoria of Wight.
"They valued the opportunity to learn more about ferry operations and we hope that mariners from Wightlink will come and see us at our base at Signal Tower.”
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