Thames Local Knowledge Endorsement

SDGANDER · 30 April 2009, 08:07

HELP!

Anyone done it? Got possibility of a job on the Thames but need to add a LKE to my Boatmaster Licence.

Looking for suggestions for study other than sitting there staring at a chart.

Thanks.

SDG

stevelondon79 · 30 April 2009, 09:37

Hi,

I did mine 6 months ago or so, through a course run by North Kent College. 3 days total, 2 theory and 1 practical out on a workboat, followed by an exam on the 4th day. It was pretty tough as the level of detail they need is high, and the relevance they give to ribs was fairly low!! Need to know amongst other things:bridges, reaches, wharves, buoys, reporting points, barrier procedures and the local port regs. Have a peek at the PLA website and get revising the docs!! Oh yeh, I didn't get it, but someone I know managed to get some sort of grant to help with costs...?

Good luck, pm me if you need more info...

steve

SDGANDER · 30 April 2009, 11:21

Thanks for that. Assume that was at the Gravesend College?

Does it cover the whole of the Thames or is it possible to do just certain sections?

Be grateful if you can remember the rough costs - PM fine.

Thanks.

SDG.

stevelondon79 · 30 April 2009, 19:30

hi - it was through the college but held off site as there were a few of us. was £300 for the 3 day course and £100 for the exam. I did the putney - margaretness section, so just the central bit. I do know someone who passed without the course though, but did have some experience of that section.

cheers,
steve

SDGANDER · 30 April 2009, 20:14

OK thanks for that - might give them a call tomorrow if I get the chance as seems a reasonable price.

I did my diesel engineering course with them and they seemed a good outfit.

SDG

mcolston · 30 April 2009, 21:48

Hi Guys,

I did mine in March and got the course fully paid for by the PLA.

If you go on the PLA website and look under the Boatmaster section / search for funding a form will come up in PDF format.

If you need the exact link let me know.

The actual exam is easy if you are prepared! If they get an inkling that you are weak they will really push you hard.

Hope that helps.

Mark