Pier crew shipshape

From the archive, first published Friday 13th Apr 2007.

FORESHORE staff are ship-shape for the summer season after passing a top yachting exam.

Nigel Wiseman, Richard Sanders and Wendy Reis have achieved the Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster qualification.

The trio, who work for the Southend Pier and Foreshore team, were tested on their navigational abilities, boat-handling, manoevring, knowledge of weather systems and other skills.

Mr Wiseman said: "We have particular skills to a level to handle craft in coastal waters.We have a high level of understanding of rivers, tides, water and charts."