PROFESSIONAL BOATMANS ASSOCIATION

What is the P.B.A.?

A Brief History

The Professional Boatman's Association was formed in 1991 by a group of very worried professional mariners. The Department of Transport (now The Maritime & Coastguard Agency) proposed to stop charter vessels going more than three miles; this would have prevented thousands of small commercial vessels from operating, with bankruptcy the only likely outcome. The proposed change was not publicized, but fortunately a few alert operators investigated the `rumor' and were horrified at what they found; this led to a meeting in Dartmouth at which The Professional Boatman's Association was formed. The P.B.A. instigated and ran a highly successful campaign aimed at persuading the D.O.T. to compile a code of practice for small commercial vessels along the lines of the Sail Training Vessel Code of Practice that was already in force. The D.O.T. subsequently invited representatives from the P.B.A., together with other interested parties, to sit on a steering committee. The result was a very sensible Code of Practice that we now see in use.

Aims of the P.B.A.

The aim of the P.B.A. is to monitor the constant barrage of bureaucracy that we are all under and fight excessive, expensive and damaging legislation whilst always promoting safety and professionalism in our industry. The P.B.A. has helped many of its members with a wide range of problems, its strength coming from the backing of its many members and a highly professional approach to problem solving. The Directors (committee members - the organization has the advantage of being a limited company) are unpaid and give their time completely free.

If you are a charter operator can you afford not to be a member?

The P.B.A. is open to any small commercial vessel operator whether they be licensed by a local authority or the M.C.A. All aspects of commercial maritime activity are welcomed, Angling, Diving, Yacht Charters, Workboats, Sight-seeing etc. The membership fee is £50 per annum, for this you will have the assurance of knowing you are not standing alone against bureaucracy. You will also be able to take advantage of the PBA discount insurance scheme, the savings from this alone is likely to pay for your membership!

Quick Help

The PBA helpline number is 01243 551927

News Letter

As a member you will receive a copy of the association monthly newsletter, this will keep you up to date on the latest developments with prompts to register for this and that, there is also a members' items for sale section. Companies are invited to advertise in the newsletter, this often brings specialist, or difficult to locate, goods and services to the attention of members.

Annual General Meeting

Our A.G.M. is not just our yearly official meeting, it's a major social event, as well as members meeting members there will be a chance to meet representatives from various authorities and agencies and question them............

Strength in Numbers....... We would welcome you as a member.

For further information contact our Secretary

If you wish to join you can download a 'Membership Form' below. Send the completed form with subscription to the secretary. N.B.Being a small association we cannot process credit card transactions.

Instructions for Downloading with a PC

Using Internet Explorer (5.0) on a PC, right click on 'Membership Form' and choose 'Save target as'

Using Netscape Navigator (4.7) on a PC right click "Membership Form" and choose "Save link as"

Both browsers will display a "Save as" dialogue box, where you can choose where to save the chosen file for future ref.

Download: MEMBERSHIP FORM

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