In the novel ‘Never Look Back’, Lesley Pearse, “an international bestselling author known for her historical novels”, the father of the main character, Matilda Jennings (Matty), worked as a waterman, “a river worker who transfers passengers across and along city centre rivers and estuaries in the United Kingdom”.
“Watermen or wherrymen were an essential part of early London. Using a small boat called a wherry or skiff they would ferry passengers along and across the river.” In 1197 licensing of boats on the rivers commenced. In 1510 licensed watermen had exclusive rights to carry passengers, and in 1555 the trade has been formalised. A seven-year apprenticeship, including encyclopaedic knowledge of the complex water currents and tides on the Thames, had been introduced. To navigate a rowing or sail boat carrying passengers required skills such as “local pilotage, mooring vessels at berths, jetties, buoys, and docks, and acting as helmsman aboard large vessels”. Whereas watermen convey passengers, ‘lightermen’ transported cargo from vessels in the river to docks or the shore. The boats in which the goods were transported were known as ‘lighters’ or ‘barges‘ (a larger lighter mainly used for transporting coal). These vessels were used to transport corn, timber, stone, groceries and general merchandise and could carry between 6 and 120 tons. Most ‘lightermen’ apprentices served a seven year apprenticeship. Both ‘watermen’ and ‘lightermen’ was a close-knit society where sons were apprenticed to fathers.
In Australia, ferrymen known as ‘watermen’ existed since 1810 to the 1940s. ‘Watermen’ also existed in the small waterside communities of the United States, with African American watermen became expert fishermen. In Venice boatmen who propels gondolas were known as gondoliers.
Aspiring gondoliers in Venice undergo rigorous training, typically involves around 400 hours, including practical rowing skills, knowledge of Venetian history and landmarks, and language proficiency, culminating in a comprehensive exam.
- Demonstrate rowing proficiency, including the unique ‘Voga alla Veneta’ rowing technique, which involves standing and using a single oar to propel the gondola.
- Theoretical knowledge includes Venetian history, art, culture, and geography, as well as learning about the city's waterways and regulations.
- Fluency in English and/or other languages is a key component to interact with tourists.
- Aspiring gondoliers acquire practical skills in how to master gondola handling in the narrow canals through hands-on training under the guidance of an experienced gondolier.
- Must learn how to navigate effectively, manage the gondola in various weather conditions.
- Rigorous examination to test knowledge and skills leads to licensure.
- Also need to pass a medical exam to ensure physical fitness for the job, as well as a first aid certificate and proficiency in swimming.
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