Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#1
I was sat on the Pride of Kent yesterday evening awaiting to depart for Dover.The Captain announced over the tannoy that there would be a delay ''due to congestation in Calais harbour''He apologised and I continued to sip my ice cold beer and glance idly out of the window(porthole?)when to my amazement I witnessed 2 Seafrance vessels sail past and into the harbour with their front visors raised!!!!!
Surely this was banned following the tragic capsizing and loss of the H.O.F.E
I am right to be concerned, or as more often than not, out of date on ferry practices and procedures.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
#2
I am not a sailor Marek,I think the problem with the H.O.F.E. was the inside water tight doors weren't shut,all these ferries have them as far as i am aware.The outer doors they have to be opened before it berths,it has always worried me though
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
#3
Marek - I think what you saw was just the visor up, behind which are the watertight doors - I think the pointy bit moves up to berth and makes it more aerodynamic....
Been nice knowing you :)
Guest 643- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,321
#4
Marek,
That is NOT the bow door being opened, merely the 'bow visor' that protects the watertight car-deck doors.
The visor is NOT the main protection against water ingress which is provided by the watertight car-deck doors.
The vitally important water-tight doors [bow doors] will remain closed until the vessel is secured in the berth & will be closed & re-secured before the vessel leaves the berth.
These doors are the 'statutory' means of preventing the sea getting on the cardeck.
It is necessary to lift the visor before the vessel arrives on the berth as it would foul the linkspans if left closed until the vessel was berthed.
The visor is not raised until the ferry is inside the harbour approaching the berth & will be lowered & secured as soon as the vessel is clear of the linkspans on sailing.
The water-tight cardeck doors are closed & secured [warning lights & radio or phone confirmation from the car-deck] before moving out of the berth & would then start lowering the visor as soon as it cleared the berth, often pausing a few feet out of the berth until the visor is secured. In any event the visor would be closed & secured well before the vessel completed it's swing inside the harbour.
P&O vessels have a similar routine re closing their cardeck watertight doors before sailing, but have the advantage that their horizontally-moving 'clamshell' outer doors can be closed completely before they leave the berth at Calais. Similarly I would image that the 'clamshells' are not opened until the vessel is in the berth, after which the bow doors would be opened for disembarkation..
As the watertight doors are providing the vital safety factor the visor or clamshell doors merely provide additional protection & restore the shape of the vessel's hull for cutting thru the water.
There's always a little truth behind every "Just kidding", a little emotion behind every "I don't care" and a little pain behind every "I'm ok".
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#5
Many thanks to all of the above for the very comprehensive and reassuring replies.
Now all I have to do is find 'another' excuse as to why I was a bit wobbly on my legs last night...lol
obviously the fear facture won't hold up and the sea was fairly calm....
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
#6
Too much drink Marek.Too much drink
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#7
JHG
thanks for nothing.
...I think it was the sea sick tablets I took before boarding...
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 654- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 169
#8
Marek
Not been on the ferries for some time, of course the P&0 dispute kept me off them ships(as an active trade unionist)
I did go on Seafrance.
I like to pop across the channel, enjoyed going on the hovercraft when it was here, but found on one trip they didn't have enough life jackets for each seat which was a little un nerving.
Sitting on the deck with a beer in hand, sun shining, what could be better.
and a day in France thrown in great!!
#9
The pointy bit Scotchie........? Too technical for me.....
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
#10
Thats right isn't it, the blunt end and the point end ?? Makes more sense than muster stations !
Been nice knowing you :)