On 2014\11\19 11:17, wrote:
On Wed, 19 Nov 2014 03:06:16 +0000, Basil Jet
wrote:

On 2014\11\17 18:02, wrote:

Anything that floats and carries passengers is a very expensive
operation

Why would a chain ferry need any safety staff when the dangleway has no
staff in its carriages? Although, I suppose the only function staff
could perform in the dangleway would be to scream along with you as you
plummet.

Because it is a marine vehicle in public service and comes under
Marine and Coastguard agency rules which have developed over the years
in response to various incidents.
As it happens a couple of weeks before it was withdrawn for this
seasons overhaul the Sandbanks ,Dorset Ferry I mentioned suffered a
broken chain, the second this year.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-29754794
It wasn't proved but the first incident was possibly caused by a ship
cutting it, I wouldn't think the Port of London would be happy to have
such a risk across the river.
With crew on board at least they can drop an anchor and reassure
passengers or launch lifesaving equipment if some person falls off.

Partly caused by the situation of being where it is the Studland Ferry
is frequently collided with by small pleasure sailors ,more than a few
owe their survival to the ferry having a crew to pull them out.

Propelling a chain ferry from Sandbanks to Studland without hitting
anything is like playing Frogger. Propelling a chain ferry from
Thamesmead to Barking Reach without hitting anything is hardly a challenge.

Normally cable ways don't get collided with unless the US Marines are
about and they won't own up anyway and being honourable men will
destroy the evidence. so you need your staff on the ground as
witnesses.
http://rickmccharles.com/2009/08/17/...s-20-in-italy/

Even if the chain in front snaps, a chain ferry has another chain
behind. And I find it hard to believe that a chain ferry which is just
plain unsinkable is beyond the wit of man.