Ferry training proves a real baptism of fire

TRAINEES who are getting set to work on the Shields Ferry have gone through a firefighting course to get them prepared to work on the River Tyne. The two newest recruits on the service had to undertake a fully immersive training programme, even tackling a real fire.

- By OWEN YOUNGER

Shields Ferry trainees Louise McDowell and Nathalie Zafirkovska

Louise McDowell and Nathalie Zafirkovska took on the task as part of their training to join the ferry crew, providing them with vital skills for dealing with difficult situations, one of which could be a fire at sea.

Nexus has stressed that safety is its top priority, putting the trainees through the firefighting course as part of the boat licence qualification.

The training was carried out at South Shields Marine School on the bank of the River Tyne.

The facility has a fire ground with a specially enclosed facility for trainees to practice firefighting and casualty handling in a maritime setting.