Tideway Adventurers Narrowboat Project is a voluntary organisation and registered charity that was originally formed 25 years ago. The aim of the organisation is provide low cost, opportunities for children, young people, and community groups to go afloat on England’s historic inland waterways and to learn the many skills associated with boat handling, and canal navigation. As well as gaining knowledge and understanding of the environmental value of our canals and rivers, it’s also great fun!!
The Narrowboats – we have two 70ft long steel narrowboats, the 12 berth Theo and the 10 berth, Merlin both are moored close to Rickmansworth on the Grand Union Canal. There is a skipper’s cabin at the stern of each boat with an extra berth in each. Both vessels are self-catering with a fully stocked galley. An extra daily fee will be charged if we provide the skipper. See Bookings
Groups wishing to operate the boat themselves will need to hold the Certificate In Community Boat Management. The project does not supply bedding, tea towels or waterproofs. Both boats carry the relevant number of lifejackets.
Who uses the boats? The boats are booked by youth clubs, community groups, projects, school parties, uniformed groups and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants. Both boats are available for day/weekly journeys and residential weekends. In 2007/8 over 300 young people and adults have made use of the project as the boats are ideal for team building activities and social events.
Can I be trained on the boats? Yes - the Project is an Accredited Training Centre with the National Community Boats Association, we organise and run specialist training courses for adults & volunteers who work with children, young people and community groups to enable them to acquire the Certificate in Community Boat Management. We have trained school teachers, volunteers, and youth workers as skippers & boat crew.
Young people who make use of the boats can also be trained to achieve a recognised accreditation for their efforts, through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and the National Community Boats Association Complete Crew courses.(Accredited Outcomes) Groups can apply to us to register their own ‘Mentor’ who can take their own members through the Complete Crew Course programme. Following a trip, and on the recommendation of the group leader we will issue a ‘Certificate of Crew Participation’ (a recorded outcome) to relevant individuals. We also operate the ‘Junior Narrowboat Skipper Award in conjunction with the Inland Waterways
| Partnerships & Links | Theo | Young People |
