Our Boathouse
| The 64th Birkenhead Sea Scouts boathouse is located at Morpeth Dock, Birkenhead. Our neighbours include the Liverpool Victoria Rowing Club in West Float and Norse Merchant Ferries. The boathouse itself faces the River Mersey, home to the famous Mersey Ferries. |
locate our boathouse at MultiMap.com
The boathouse provides the troop with the facilities necessary to put theory into practice. Its large surrounding area provides space for land based training as well as the opportunity to scrub up on drill. Vessels are launched via the purpose built concrete slipway. A wooden gangway leads down to a floating jetty, providing convenient mooring of boats in sufficiently deep water.
A guide to the fleet
- Original devon 'Lugger' and 'Dapper' from honnor marine, forming the mainstay of the fleet.
- Two Walker Bay 10 muli-purpose craft capable of being sailed, rowed and powered.
- Two Cadet sailing dinghies
- Mirror sailing dinghy
- Six Kayak canoes with a purpose built trailer
- Canadian canoe
- Beaufort inflatable rescue boat with Yamaha 25 Hp 2-stroke o/b
A qualified Coxwain must be in the rescue boat at all times along with a second crew member. The second crew member is usually another leader although the Scouts can take up the position for training purposes.
Many of our boats and equipment is only a few years old. The purchase of these has been possible through various form of funding, money raising ventures and the exchange of old boats.
What do we do?
The main thing is to get on the water and have some fun!
But at the same time the Scouts are working towards the practical elements of seamanship (nautical skills) badges. Things like raft building also help team building and develop leadership.
Every year we hold an inter-patrol regatta where the Scouts compete in various events to win the coveted 'Andy Halliday Trophy'. In addition, every 18 months the Scouts are required to undertake a Royal Naval inspection. The inspection consists of land and water based activities where our drill and boating skills are put to the test.
Anybody undertaking water activities must wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid which the group provides although a few members have their own gear. These are required to be checked anually. Similarly, any boats must be registered prior to the boating season. This may be every few years for new boats or anually for older boats and canoes. This is carried out by the district water activities advisor and approved at county level. Anybody wishing to supervise or instruct in a water activity must hold the relevant Water Activities Authorisation form'form W' as approved by the district / county water activities advisor. |
