Radio Caroline – MCA and Dry Doc Update from Peter Moore
Since 2014 we have been happy with our isolation on the Blackwater Estuary, but now that repairs to Ross Revenge are needed and are indeed unavoidable, we have to enter the minefield of marine regulation and authority.
Years ago we just put a rope on the ship and towed her around as we pleased – and in all probability she could be taken to Hull as is – but the risks and penalties for doing this are enormous. Further no tug
skipper would take us and our insurers would not cover the voyage.
On Monday two inspectors from the Marine & Coastguard Agency (MCA) spent a long day on board, surveying the ship to ensure the vessel will meet towage certificate requirements when the time comes to move her. We were fearful of the outcome. In truth they were fair and reasonable. As ever is thus, the problems we were aware of were mostly ignored, while those we had not considered were highlighted. Some were mere common sense.
Now we have a work list to complete which actually is less extensive than we imagined.
On the same day Rob Langton, owner of MMS Ship Repairs of Hull, also visited the ship. Fortunately, Rob is a deep sea trawler fanatic, so to him Ross Revenge was like the Holy Grail and his presence reassured the MCA men that we really did intend to have the ship repaired.
Now Rob will create an itemised and costed list of all that he thinks should be done and in order of priority. The amount of work we could do of course will exceed our present budget, but it will influence and expand our amended approach to the National Lottery.
Meanwhile we continue to fundraise. If you would like to make a donation to our Ross Revenge Charity Dry Dock Appeal or enter one of our Crowdfunder Prize Draws please visit rossrevengeofficial.com
Your support as always is very much appreciated, thank you.
Peter Moore
Station Manager Radio Caroline
& Trustee Ross Revenge (Home of Radio Caroline) Charity
https://www.radiocaroline.co.uk/#home.html
Via Mike Terry to nordx iog (2026-04-17)