Why should CaRT be held responsible?

WHY should CaRT be held responsible for the lack of concentration on the part of those who take no responsibility themselves? The present cill warning signs are clear enough to most, writes Kevin McNiff.

In my 40 plus years of boating, as hirer, shared owner and now a liveaboard, I can say I've 'boated a mile in their shoes' and yes, once or twice nearly been caught out save for the diligence of crew and my own feeling that something was not quite going right.

Everyone can relate

Almost everyone can relate an incident where the outcome might have been not to their liking! In recent years, bottom gates that swing are making me keep my stern against the mitres to hold them shut but at the same time keep the rudder away from being caught in the gap.

I can't vouch for every hire company, but those I know personally do make their guests aware of the correct procedures for navigating. At best, it's not good for business to tell the next hirers that their dream holiday is at the bottom of a lock or over a weir. At worst, there are the tragic cases where a life is lost.

The reality however seems to be that more sinkings occur in the privately-owned sector and are divided between lack of concentration or poorly maintained vessels.