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The Boatwatch organisation have, in the past, had an independant website
but in the future, the Boatwach information will be incorporated within this site.
Watch this space!
Welcome to the Golant Boat Owners Association!
We are known, also, as Golant Boatwatch. The association was formed in 1995 when marine crime was on the increase on the River Fowey. We work very closely with the Fowey Harbour Office and the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. The GBOA is represented on the Fowey River Consultation Group.
A Watch Co-ordinator organises members to patrol the waterside on a rota system. These watchkeepers operate from a boathouse loaned by the Fowey Harbour Commissioners. Access to a marine band radio is available. A detailed logbook is kept and this is examined regularly by the Police, three members of whom serve on the GBOA committee. Free parking is provided for those on watch.
Marine crime in the area has decreased dramatically since the formation of the association. Details of suspicious behaviour passed to the police have led to the arrest of a number of criminals. Boatwatch alerts boat owners whose craft are adrift, have suffered damage in a storm, are sinking or have other problems. Any request to the Fowey Harbour Office for help at such times normally brings a rapid response. A number of members own properties which have a panoramic view of the river; their keen eyes often pinpoint problems which are then reported immediately to the relevant agency. In the past, the Cornwall's Air Ambulance and RNLI (Fowey) have responded to our requests for help.
Membership of Golant Boatwatch is only £5 per year. At present, there are about eighty-five members. An Annual General Meeting is held in November each year followed immediately by a guest speaker and a pasty supper. Other social events are held each year. The internationally renowned painter, David Parry, who is an Honorary Life Member, often makes a generous gift of one of his paintings to be raffled amongst members.
Members have the facilities for marking their equipment at their disposal. Registration forms are provided for boats to be registered with coastal authorities eg The Coastguards, the MoD Police at Devonport.
Training exercises demonstrating the use of distress flares, First Aid & Security Marking have been held in Golant Village Hall.
New members are always welcomed. For details please contact:
Chairman 01726 832246
Secretary 01727 814667
Events & News 2010 To be announced
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