School cruises and workshops in Liverpool on a 1903 Steam Tugboat

Learning experiences in history and geography for KS2 pupils

The education programme on board this historic steamboat consists of workshops and

cruises delivering learning based around the history, geography, science and art &

design curriculum for Key Stage 2 pupils. This information pamphlet offers a

comprehensive overview of the activities, curriculum links, booking information,

logistics and safety information for a visit:

Topic Page

1. Overview of the Cruises 2

2. Cruise Dates, Duration, Booking information and Costs 3

3. Curriculum Links 3

4. Resources 3

5. On the day of your North Liverpool Docks Cruise 4

6. Overview of Workshops in Canning Dock 5

7. Workshop Dates, Times, Booking information and Costs 6

8. On the day of your workshop at Canning Dock 6

9. A Whirlwind Tour of the Danny’s History 7

10. Risk Assessment and safety protocols 10

11. Emergency procedures and Risk Assessment 10

for workshops while the Danny is static

12. Risk Assessment for Cruises 12

1. Overview of the Cruises: In 2018, the Danny will be running 6 cruises for local primary school pupils. They will support teaching on the

KS2 local history topic around the Port of Liverpool and the development of the Liverpool Docks and the

geography topics of field trip skills, rivers and international trade and trade routes.

The cruises will take place from Sandon Half Tide Basin and will take the children through the mid-19th Century

North Liverpool Dock systems up to the improved facilities for larger steam vessels towards the end of the 19th

Century at Langton Dock and into the 20th century container facilities at Seaforth (Port police permission on the

day depending on traffic – safety is always the first priority).

Mersey Docks and Harbour Board Estate Plan 1895, courtesy of Merseyside Maritime Museum Archive

It is an exciting experience, accessing dockland areas normally forbidden to the public, and the sights of the

Docks are a very immediate, visual representation of the history of the docks. Simple sketching and map-reading

tasks allow the children to orient their experience in both time and place.

Although we won’t be able to visit the usual berth of the Danny from 1903 – 1922 (Chester Basin was filled in

1928-1936), it is wonderful to cruise through these sparsely populated docks on a steam tugboat from the era.

When we pass a huge vessel with perhaps one or two crew, the children get a very real sense of how changing

technological change has brought about such a reduction in the workforce. Exploring the Danny itself and

finding out more about how it operates, and the workforce required to operate it, will therefore also be one of

the children’s tasks during the cruise, alongside mapping, sketching and compass activities.

2. Cruise Dates, Duration, Booking information and Costs:

The six cruises will take place 9.45 – 11.45 and 12.30 – 14.30 on Tuesday, April 17th, Wednesday April

18th and Thursday April 19th, 2018.

This year, thanks to Lottery Heritage Funding subsidy, we are able to offer school cruises at a reduced

price. They cost £135 per class of 30 (based on £4.50 per pupil) and each cruise carries 60 children. We

can take a provisional booking for one class, but need to fill the other half of the cruise in order to be

able to operate.

As it takes three days of stoking in order to reach steam so that the Danny can set off, and moving from

the river is tide-dependent, we cannot easily change the schedule. We therefore require full payment

or a deposit of 50% to secure a place. To find out more or to book a place, contact the Danny’s learning

manager at cathriona.bourke@danieladamson.co.uk. There are currently two cruises still available.

3. Curriculum Links:

History: local history topic on the Port of Liverpool – chronology, continuity and change, historical questions

Geography: maps, compass work, features of rivers, trade

Art and Design: produce creative work, know about Art Deco design and its historical and cultural development

Science: physical and chemical changes harnessed in powering a steamboat

4. Resources:

Together with partner schools, we are preparing a package of resources for Key Stage 2 pupils. This will involve

maps of the docks across time, aerial photos and historical documents, as well as a research topic for the

children to carry out in groups, based on the docks they will be visiting on the cruise. These will be available

from March 2018.

While the Danny offers an exciting way into exploring the latter period of the docks’ history, our partners at

National Museums Liverpool are the authority on the history of the Port of Liverpool, starting with the

astonishing opportunity to take a tour of the world’s first dock under Liverpool One shopping centre, which was

excavated in 2001 http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime/visit/old_dock_tours.aspx . If you are

considering making the Port of Liverpool a half term topic for your pupils, a visit to the Danny would be

complemented and given context by a visit to the Merseyside Maritime Museum and/or Museum of Liverpool.

5. On the day of your North Liverpool Docks Cruise:

Arrival and pickup: The Danny is berthed at Sandon Dock, a private dock within the Freeport of Liverpool. It is

not normally accessible to the public, and we will need the name of the coach operator and the lead contact for

the school trip at least 2 weeks in advance of the cruise, in order to clear access with the Port Authority.

The coach should arrive at Sandon 30 minutes before boarding time. The entrance to the Sandon Dock is at L3

0BE, opposite a grain silo. As you approach along Regent Street, you pass under a bridge made out of pipe. The

entrance is the next working entrance to the docks on the left-hand side. Security at the gate will have your

name and the coach operator’s name, and one of our team will meet you at the entrance and accompany you to

the vessel.

On arrival, pupils will be given a short welcome and health and safety talk, and will then board the vessel

immediately. On departure, coaches should return to pick up pupils promptly. Pupils will disembark the vessel

and board the coach immediately.

Staff Ratios: There will be at least one staff member to every six children. The children will be escorted directly

to either the Art Deco saloons or the Promenade Deck for an introductory talk (both of these are covered areas).

For the rest of the cruise, we would ask them to remain in their groups of six, with the adult responsible for that

group accompanying them at all times. Each group will carry out a carousel of activities on board throughout the

duration of the cruise.

Toilets: There are two toilets on board.

Cloakroom: We do not have a cloakroom on board and would ask pupils to store any items they do not need on

the coach. Once on board, they will be asked to stow any items they do not need under a chair, ensuring they do

not create tripping hazards.

Access: Unfortunately, the vessel is not wheelchair accessible. The stairs and companionways are quite steep,

and would be tricky for anyone with mobility issues. Please flag up any access needs within your group, and we

will do our best to accommodate you.

Lunch: For the afternoon cruises, we can organize for pupils to eat their packed lunches on board. This will have

to be done on the promenade deck, one class at a time, as food cannot be consumed in the Art Deco saloons.

Photography: We would like to document our workshops and cruises and will issue image release forms to

schools in advance of the schools visit. Where we do not have permission, we will ensure that no photographs

are taken by the Danny in which any pupil is identifiable. You may, of course, document your visit to the Danny.

However, please note that we will be in privately owned dockland, and there are some restrictions on

photography of the surrounding docks. You will be given guidance on the day.

Route: The aim is to travel from Sandon Dock (built 1848) to Seaforth (built 1972). However, we are obliged to

take the guidance of the Port Authority on the day of the cruise as to whether traffic permits the full itinerary.

Evaluation: We would like your help with evaluating our offer for schools, and would ask you and your pupils to

complete feedback forms.

6. Overview of Workshops in Canning Dock

Workshops last 90 minutes for one class of up to 30 pupils and take place mornings and afternoons on selected

dates. Children can explore topics related to a local history study of the docks, geography topics on waterways

and rivers and art and design topics on learning about a craft/design style and producing their own work.

As historians, children will examine the changing role of the docks and of the Danny across time, and how work

has changed in shipping since the beginning of the twentieth century. Working with deck and engineering crew,

they will have the chance to try out rope skills, and to visit the engine and boiler rooms and learn how the boat

harnesses power produced through physical and chemical changes (from water to steam and from coal to ash).

As geographers, they will identify and sketch the key features of the dock, and carry out tests to determine the

depth and salinity of the water. As art historians, they will examine the Art Deco saloons, learn about their

historical context, and produce their own Art Deco designs.

For schools studying a local history topic on the Port of Liverpool and the waterways, a workshop on the Danny

is complemented and contextualized by a visit to the Merseyside Maritime Museum and/or the Museum of

Liverpool.

7. Workshop Dates, Times, Booking information and Costs:

Workshops will take place at Canning Dock (opposite the Merseyside Maritime Museum) 10.30 – 12.00

and 13.00 – 14.00 between April 23rd and May 11th, and between September 10th – 21st, and October

15th – 26th 2018.

Workshops cost £60 per class. To find out more, check availability or to book a place, contact the

Danny’s learning manager at cathriona.bourke@danieladamson.co.uk.

8. On the day of your workshop at Canning Dock:

Parking: Coaches should drop off and pick up your group outside the former Dock Traffic Office/Granada

Studios. Parking is available at Kings Dock. Pay-and-display parking for cars is available opposite the Dock Traffic

Office and at Kings Dock.

Staff Ratios: We ask that the children have one adult to every six children where possible, and that the children

arrive ready to break into these groups of 6 after the introductory talk. The workshops are best where the

children work in small groups in different areas of the vessel, carrying out a carousel of activities with our crew.

Arrival: We are berthed opposite the Merseyside Maritime Museum. On arrival, one of our team will give your

group a short welcome and instructions on boarding before the children board.

Access: Unfortunately, The Danny is not wheelchair accessible. When on board, there are steps to negotiate

which people with limited mobility may find challenging. Teachers will need to decide in advance whether they

wish their pupils to access the engine and boiler rooms – down a ladder.

Toilets: There are two toilets on board. Where possible, we ask children to use facilities in advance at the

Merseyside Maritime Museum.

Cloakroom: There is no cloakroom on board the Danny. Upon arrival, children will be instructed to stow any

possessions they are not wearing under their seat on the promenade deck. Please ask the children to leave any

items they do not need on board the coach, as space is limited on the vessel.

Lunch facilities: We can arrange for children to eat their packed lunch on the promenade deck, or if they are

visiting one of the National Museums Liverpool sites at the docks, you can request a lunchroom there. Hot and

cold drinks can be purchased at the galley.

Photography: You are welcome to take photos everywhere on board the Danny. We would also like to

document the workshops, and will ask if we may send you image release forms upon booking. We will only take

photos we have permission for, and will only use them in where we have permission to do so.

9. A Whirlwind Tour of the Danny’s History:

The Danny is a steam tugboat and passenger vessel built in Birkenhead in 1903 for the Shropshire

Union Railways and Canal Company. Her first role was to tow river barges and carry passengers

between Ellesmere Port and Liverpool.

This is the earliest

photo we have of the

Danny (then the Ralph

Brocklebank) passing

the only Grace in town

at the time (this is how

we were able to date

the image to 1907).

Behind the Ralph

Brocklebank, you can

see a string of Mersey

Flats, the river barges

laden with goods from

the Shropshire Union

Canal.

In 1922, when the Shropshire Union Canal Company went bust, the Danny was sold to the Manchester

Ship Canal. In her new role, she was often used to show important visitors the engineering wonders of

the Ship Canal, taking such important visitors as King Fuad of Egypt and King Faisal of Iraq on inspection

tours. In order keep such visitors in the style to which they were accustomed, the Danny was kitted out

in 1936 with luxurious Art Deco saloons.

Her Art Deco saloons and her Edwardian engineering form the basis of her historic significance, and are

key factors in her survival.

In 2004, the Danny had spent 18 years at Ellesmere Port Boat Museum as an exhibit on loan. During that

time, she began to fall victim to vandalism and arson, and in 2004, a decision was made to scrap her.

The Danny’s Art Deco saloons and crew quarters in February 2004

This was when the Danny volunteers mobilized. Dan Cross, now chair of the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society,

persuaded the Manchester Ship Canal Company to sell her for £1, on condition the newly formed Daniel Adamson

Preservation Society move her out of Ellesmere Port and aim for her restoration if viable. In April 2004, after

persuading his company to tow her back to Liverpool and share a dry dock for free, finding a company that would

insure the journey back to Liverpool and raising the £2,000 for it, and securing interest free loans to pay for a

survey which would determine her viability, she was towed back to Liverpool and into Clarence Dock.

Once her viability was established, the volunteer support grew. Marine Engineers, naval architects, former crew

from the Danny and other tugboats, local history buffs, steam enthusiasts and local people with no former

connection to the Danny at all, gave 100,000 hours of their time to the cause over the next 12 years.

The Danny being towed back to Liverpool in 2004 (left, image courtesy Ian Collard), and being towed out of Canning

Dock for restoration in Cammell Laird in 2015 (right, image courtesy DAPS).

By 2015, they had established the Danny’s historic significance (# 15 on the register of National Historic

Ships). The engineers had almost completely overhauled all 11 steam engines and had shown they had

the expertise to oversee the restoration. They had demonstrated public interest by taking part in

Heritage Open Days and bringing the Danny into Albert Dock and attracting over 10,000 visitors. Finally,

Heritage Lottery Funding was acquired to complete the restoration and get the Danny out to the public.

2017 was the first year of operations, and the Danny has completed cruises on the Mersey, the

Manchester Ship Canal and the River Weaver, held artist-led family activity days, school projects,

workshops and cruises, run projects with young people with learning disabilities, talks and tours for

community groups and folk music days, and participated in steam, folk and even pirate festivals!

10. Risk Assessment and safety protocols

While those in charge of groups visiting the Danny take ultimate responsibility for the health and safety of their

groups, we recognise our legal obligations to provide a safe environment for all visitors. We also have in place:

• Codes of practice for procedures dealing with emergencies, first aid, incidents and accidents.

• Public liability insurance. Full details are available.

• A policy for the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

11. Emergency procedures when visiting for a workshop while the Danny is static:

Emergency alarm – seven short blasts of the ship’s horn and public-address announcements

• Lead your group quickly and quietly to the prom deck gangway. The Danny’s team will direct you.

• Do not stop to collect belongings.

• Lead your group down the gangway to the quayside. Avoid approaching fire engines.

• Do not re-enter the vessel for any reason.

• Staff will advise you when it is safe to return.

Below is our assessment of risks for groups visiting the Danny for workshops when she is static, which can

inform your preparation for the visit:

(S x L = Risk)

ASSESSED BY

Print name: Cathriona Bourke

Date: 26/01/2018

REVIEWED BY

Print name: Andrea Ward

Date: 26/01/2018

HAZARDOUS

ACTIVITY

RISK BEING

ASSESSED

SEVERITY

FATAL

/MAJOR =

3

Loss /

Disability

= 2

Minor /

Illness = 1

LIKELIHOO

D

Certain /

Very = 3

Reasonabl

y = 2

Seldom/u

nlikely = 1

LEVEL OF

RISK

6-9 = High

(H)

4 =

Medium

(M)

1-3 =Low

(L)

Control mechanisms to

mitigate risk

What

further

action can

be taken to

control the

risk?

Residual

Risk

following

implementa

tion of

Control

Measure

1 2 3 1 2 3 L M H L M H

Boarding the

vessel

Trips, slips X X X 1. Deck crew to ensure

gangway is secure before

opening

2. Groups briefed on safe

method of walking up the

gangway

X

Exploring the

upper prom

deck

Trips, slips,

bumping against

heavy resources

X X X Groups briefed on safe

negotiation of the

companionway; on

walking, not running; and

briefed to stow their

possessions to avoid trip

hazards, to follow

instructions on working

with resources and not to

touch/enter cordoned off

areas.

X

Walking/

carrying out

activities on

the main

decks

Trips, slips, falling

overboard

X X X Groups briefed to walk

carefully, especially if the

decks are wet, and not to

sit on the bulwarks.

Groups briefed on safe use

of resources for activities.

X

Accessing the

upper and

lower saloons

Trips, falling down

trapdoors

X X X Crew check all trapdoors

are shut before opening to

the public

X

Accessing the

engine and

boiler room

1. Falls,

2. bumps to head

3. burns,

4. chemicals

5. secluded area

6. allergy to coal

dust

X X X 1. Volunteer to oversee

ladder.

2. Bump helmet to be

worn, 6 pupils max.

3. All furnace doors shut;

guardrails in place

5. Chemicals locked away

5. All volunteers have DBS,

sole volunteer never alone

with pupils

1. Teacher

to decide in

advance if

his/her

pupils are to

have engine

room visit

X

Standing/mo

ving around

static vessel

Falls or trips due to

vessel rolling as

water levels rise

X X X 1. visitors briefed on safely

going up/down stairs on

board.

2. Harbourmaster shares

information & crew

respond

12.Risk Assessment for Cruises

Boarding the

vessel

Trips and falls X X X 1. Deck crew

to ensure

gangway is

secure before

boarding

commences

and regular

checks.

2. Passengers

briefed before

boarding on

safe method

of walking up

the gangway

Safety net used

under

gangway,

lifebelt on

gangway. One

crew member

at each end of

gangway.

X

Exploring the

upper prom

deck

Trips, slips, bumps X X X 1. Passengers

briefed on

safe

negotiation of

the stairs; on

walking, not

running; and

briefed to

stow their

possessions to

avoid trip

hazards, and

not to touch/

enter

cordoned off

areas. Not to

climb or sit on

the ships rails

Ensure high

risks are made

visible or

cordoned off.

X

Walking on the

main decks

Trips, slips, falling

overboard

X X X Passengers

briefed to

walk carefully,

especially if

the decks are

wet, and not

to sit on the

bulwarks and

look where

they are

walking at all

times.

Stow ropes

neatly, cordon

off hazardous

areas such as

aft cratch and

anchor winch

area.. crew

only signs

X

Accessing the

upper and

lower saloons

Trips, falling down

trapdoors

X X X 1. Passengers

briefed on

high entry

thresholds

through doors

to saloon and

public toilets.

2. Crew check

all trapdoors

are shut

before

opening to the

public as part

of pre-sailing

checklist

Maintain good

housekeeping

on

companionway

s, passageways

and staircase

to lower saloon

well

X

Accessing the

engine and

boiler room

Burns, bumps,

injuries

X X X No access to

be allowed to

non-engine

room crew

during cruises.

Passengers

may view

engine and

boiler room

activity via

CCTV on the

prom deck

screen

X

Access to the

bridge via

ladder

Fall from height x x x No access

while cruising

X

Touching funnel

whilst cruising

Burn x x Rope off

during cruising

Climbing/Leanin

g on gate on

port side

Fall

overboard/drowni

ng

x x x Gate locked/

notice on gate

Public briefed

when they

board

x

Working

outdoors

Sunstroke/sunburn x x x 1. Hats to be

worn when

working

outdoors

2. Sunscreen

available for

crew

Electric plug

sockets

Electrocution X X X Child safety

covers for

sockets

Chief Steward

to check they

are in place

daily

x

Sitting or

leaning over

bulwark

Fall

overboard/drowni

ng

x x x Public in told

not to climb or

sit on the

bulwark as

they board.

Deck crew

trained in man

overboard

procedures

Mooring Ropes

and bollards

Tripping over ropes

or bollards

x x Ropes are

tied

securely

and loose

rope is

placed on

the boat.

Deck crew to

ensure an

orderly queue

is maintained.

x

Emergency

Evacuation

In case of fire or

engine failure

x x x A standard

safety brief

is played at

the

beginning

of every trip

which

instructs

passengers

what to do

in case of

emergency.

All crew

trained in

emergence

evacuation

procedures.

Risks to

children or

young people

from adults

Inappropriate

behaviour with

children

2 2 X All learning

and

participatio

n team DBS

checked;

Safeguardin

g policy and

procedures;

good

pupil:staff

ratios from

the visiting

school; no

access to

restricted

areas

X