Are you looking for a career on the River Thames?

Watermen ferry people and Lightermen move cargo around the River Thames. A lighter is a barge used the carry cargo. It is possible to qualify as either a Waterman or a Lighterman, or take both qualifications at the same time. The Company runs an apprenticeship scheme for young people, and trains mature students who would like to work on the River.

Applicants have to be physically fit and not suffer from colour blindness between red, green and white. To tackle the college work a GCSE in Mathematics and English is desirable. Otherwise an interest in river life is essential.

An apprentice enters into an agreement for 5 years with the Company and a master. A master is a Licensed Waterman and Lighterman, or a river operator working vessels on the River. The Company agrees to administer the scheme, the Master to supervise the apprentice's training and work experience, and the apprentice to learn and complete the apprenticeship. The apprentice needs to find employment with a river operator who may also be the master. The apprentice needs practical work experience, and the master assists in finding this experience in every part of the River from Lower Hope Point and Teddington.

Mature students follow the same courses, take the same examinations and need to show 5 years work experience on the River, or show they have equivalent qualifications and experience.

Once bound, in addition to the day-to-day work experience (a minimum of 150 days work per year), the apprentice attends a two parts induction course and another course and examination set by the Port of London Authority in chartwork and seamanship, PLA 2. These courses cover water survival, fire fighting, first aid, and obtaining VHF radio Licence. A logbook is kept by the apprentice detailing skills acquired and employment. Then after two years the apprentice or mature student can apply to be orally examined on river knowledge. If successful, a Provisional Licence is awarded allowing the holder to be take charge of a vessel carrying up to 12 passengers, or act as a mate on a larger vessel, or on a lighter with or without a tug.

Thereafter there is a further three years work experience with a course on diesel engines and an examination in advanced chartwork and seaman with basic radar, PLA 1. Then the apprentice or mature student can apply to be examined for a full Watermen and/or Lightermen's Licence.

The apprentice is charged fees to cover the cost for most courses, though some Government funding is available particularly for the NVQ elements of courses. Some but not all employers help fund training, and the Company has a charity The Philip Henman Foundation that assists apprentices with grants and some scholarships. The Foundation has some funds available using Government grants to assist apprentices from specific geographical locations e.g. Tower Hamlets and Newham.

The sport of the River is rowing all apprentices and mature students are introduced to rowing with weekend training courses. All apprentices completing their apprenticeship are eligible to enter Doggett's Coat and Badge Wager. This famous race has been completed for since 1715.

If a career on the Thames, interests you, please complete the application form that can be downloaded from this site, or if you have any questions or want to discuss a career on the Thames, then please telephone the Company on 020-7283-2373, or email clerk@watermenshall.org.uk, or write to the Clerk, Company of Watermen and Lightermen, Watermen's Hall, 16 St Mary-at-Hill, London EC3R 8EF.