The paddle steamer Waverley, built in 1947 for the North British Railway Company to replace her predecessor lost at Dunkirk in 1940 is the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. And she is calling for steam qualified engineers to help out onboard.
Waverley Excursions Ltd, a registered charity, has preserved the ship for the last 40 years allowing over 5 million passengers to enjoy a cruise in her summer operating areas around the UK of the Clyde, Bristol Channel, South Coast and the Thames. She was joined in 1985 by the classic 1949-built Balmoral formerly of Red Funnel's Isle of Wight ferry and cruise service.
In 2000 she started a Heritage Lottery fund-assisted rebuild, returning her to her 1940s grandeur but adding modern ship operating requirements but rising bunker prices have this year bumped up fuel costs by 60% or £250,000!
The charity is appealing for funds and, more importantly, promotion to attract even more passengers. So, dear reader, next time you are wondering how to spend the next sunny weekend that comes along, why not give Facebook a rest for a moment and check out www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk
In just as much need of preservation as classic ships, are steam qualified engineers. The Waverley urgently needs steam engineers with current tickets (3000KW). The pay is not huge, and the season not long (May – Oct). According to the company: "A bank of people, perhaps recently retired, who would be prepared to work even a week at a time would probably suit us well, but having a second chief on the books for the summer would also be good."
MV Balmoral also needs a complete engine room crew. She is an easier job to crew being a twin 800HP diesel – low power and coastal.
If you are interested in these or any other opportunities to work aboard these historic vessels (as Master, Deck Officer, Purser or crew), or you know somebody who would be, contact Ian MacMillan, Operations Director, Waverley Excursions Ltd ([email protected] ), 36 Lancefield Quay, Glasgow G3 8HA with your CV including qualification and availability.
