First steam engineer training cruise on VIC 32 a big success

May 2024 saw the first Steam Engineering training cruise on board the 1943 National Historic Fleet 'Clyde Puffer' VIC 32. 

The Puffer Preservation Trust took a group of steam engineers who were keen to develop their steam experience and gain a grounding in marine steam practice. The 5-day course departed from Glasgow's Yorkhill Quay and offered delegates an intensive training course in traditional steam engineering and operations. Led by highly skilled traditional engineers, it was a unique opportunity to learn on board the last steam powered vessel now operating on biofuel.

Delegates ran the boat throughout the week in watches, supervised and mentored throughout. Each day consisted of a mixture of practical engine room time, theoretical tutorials in our saloon and a little time ashore. 

The Puffer Preservation Trust are passionate about keeping marine engineering skills alive in the heritage sector, and very much hope to undertake similar cruises in the future with varying models to best match experience and ability.

Across the week, VIC 32 steamed 135 nautical miles in fine style - the Trust extend a huge thank you to all delegates for making this experimental cruise such a success.

Source: Puffer Steamboat Holidays on Facebook