Jeff Weston
Working on the Dart, River Dart Passenger Ferry, Jeff Weston
What do you do? I am one of four permanent drivers of the Riverlink passenger ferry, which I have been doing for the past two years
What’s your background? I previously worked in the print finishing industry in Leicester but like many, decided to escape the rat race and head south to Devon. My parents followed soon after. I moved first to Looe but work was thin on the ground so I then moved to Brixham. They were advertising for deck-hands on the ferries so I was delighted to get the job as I have always wanted to work on the water. I spent 18 months working as a deckhand and I was then given the opportunity to train as a skipper/driver. I went on a 5 week course to get my MCA certificate.
What hours do you work? We run two shifts, 7am to 1pm or 12.45pm to 11.30pm with a ½ hr break. We run two ferries during the summer season to cope with the extra volume of traffic, especially as visitors pour off the railway.
Does it get monotonous driving back and forth? Not at all. You have to be very aware of all that’s happening on the river and you can’t afford to let your concentration lapse. We have to be careful when docking on the Dartmouth side when the tide is flooding because of back-eddies and the wind can easily affect these boats. During Regatta, it’s like threading a “needle through a jig-saw puzzle.” Unfortunately, some boat-owners haven’t got a clue about the rules of the road or how to manoeuvre in a seamanlike manner.
What do you like about your job? I love working out doors, being on the water and I enjoy meeting lots of people. We often get a friendly wave from the locals. I wouldn’t work indoors again. I also love this area. It’s a better quality of life than we had in Leicester albeit much more expensive.
First Published July 2008 By The Dart