The MCA attended Kingswear Castle on Tuesday 12th May 2021 for her running trials and examined and monitored the testing of everything on the ship for the renewal of her Passenger Certificates.
After that we set off for a short trip to the castles, came back on the emergency steering and when back alongside the Dartmouth pontoon conducted various drills including attending to a supposed fire in the engine room.
All the paperwork in the Safety Management System was audited and checked with the crew put through their paces in all aspects of running KC. The weather was not great with a fresh SW breeze and heavy showers developing as the day wore on.
The plan of campaign is that the One Hour Circular River Cruises from Dartmouth will predominantly be operated by KC every day except Fridays during the season although passengers are advised to check at the point of sale first as other vessels may be substituted according to circumstances and the weather.
KC features prominently in the advertising material for the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat services, not only featuring on the front cover but also with five other pictures of her inside the leaflets as well. So fingers crossed for an excellent 2021 season.
Kingswear Castle returned to service in 2023 after the first part of a major rebuild which is designed to set her up for the next 25 years running on the River Dart. The Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust is now fund raising for the second phase of the rebuild. You can read more about the rebuilds and how you can help if you can here.
John Megoran
