Thames Sailing Barges and Heritage Vessels.

Specialist knowledge and guidance about Thames Sailing Barges and other Heritage Vessels.

Thames sailing barges are a unique and important part of Britain’s maritime heritage. Keeping these historic vessels sailing safely requires an understanding not only of modern marine safety requirements, but also of the practical challenges of operating and equipping a traditional vessel.

At Suffolk Marine Safety, we have considerable experience supporting Thames sailing barges and work with the owners, trusts and operators of around ten barges, including Thalatta, Raybel, Gladys, Mirosa, Orinoco, Edith May, Lady Daphne, Cambria and Ironsides.

This experience means we understand that the safety requirements of a working heritage vessel can be very different from those of a modern yacht or commercial craft. Space can be limited, equipment needs to be practical for the vessel and its crew, and operators need to balance modern safety requirements with the character and operation of an historic vessel.

Liferaft and lifejacket hire

We provide flexible liferaft and lifejacket hire for Thames sailing barges, helping operators avoid the significant initial cost of purchasing equipment while ensuring that appropriate, professionally maintained safety equipment is available when required.

Our hire service can include the regular exchange of equipment when servicing becomes due, helping trusts and operators manage their safety equipment and associated costs over the longer term.

Servicing and safety equipment

Suffolk Marine Safety can supply, inspect and service a wide range of marine safety equipment, including:

• Liferafts
• Inflatable lifejackets
• EPIRBs and PLBs
• SARTs
• Lifebuoys and man-overboard equipment
• Lifejacket lights and accessories
• Pyrotechnics and other emergency equipment

Our experienced team holds approvals from a wide range of leading marine safety equipment manufacturers, allowing us to look after much of a vessel’s safety equipment through a single specialist supplier.

Supporting Britain’s maritime heritage

We recognise that many Thames sailing barges are operated by charitable trusts, preservation organisations and dedicated private owners, often with the support of volunteers.

Our aim is to make looking after the vessel’s safety equipment as straightforward as possible. Whether you require advice on equipment, annual lifejacket servicing, liferaft hire or servicing, replacement equipment or help understanding the requirements applicable to your vessel, our team is happy to help.

We are proud to support the people and organisations keeping Britain’s historic sailing barges operational and sailing for future generations.

Talk to our Thames barge safety specialists

If you own, manage or help operate a Thames sailing barge or other heritage vessel, contact Suffolk Marine Safety to discuss your requirements.

We will be happy to review your existing safety equipment and advise on practical options for hire, servicing or replacement.

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