THE Droitwich Waterways Trust, which manages the Pamela May charity trip boat in the town is celebrating after 11 volunteer skippers were awarded their Certificate of Boat Management (COBM).

The certificate, which is awarded by the Inland Waterways Association, ensures the skippers have covered a number of practical and learning based skills, including risk assessment, emergency evacuation planning and execution, passenger and personal safety, first aid, fire fighting and the coveted RYA (Royal Yachting Association) boat handling certificate, all of which ensure that the crew are capable of meeting any situation and keeping passengers safe and comfortable.

The course is quite intensive, taking three years to complete, and five more volunteers are also close to passing all the required sections.

The Pamela May has been serviced over the winter, and is currently being prepared to provide trips on the canals for groups of up to 12 people.

For more information, or to make a booking, visit pamelamay.org.uk or call 07938 571809 and leave a message.

The Droitwich Waterways Trust is still looking for volunteers to help with its boating and canal support activities. Anyone interested in helping out, or learning about boats and canals, can visit the Trust’s website at droitwichcanals.co.uk to find out more.