Farewell to Granuaile
ILT Granuaile II will be taken out of Service early
in the year 2000 when she is replaced by the new Irish Lights
Vessel Granuaile. Capt. Gerry Kinsella looks back over her 30
years' service.
I JOINED ILT Granuaile as Chief Officer at
Scott's Drydock in Greenock in April 1970. I was impressed by her
lines, just as fine as her predecessor's; robust would be the best
definition.
She had features which were new to us, some of which worked well and lasted her lifetime. One of these was the passive roll stabilising tank, a simple 'tween-deck-level water tank the contents of which operated out of synchronism with the vessel's natural roll period and served to dampen this to comfortable levels. Its main effect was to make boat recovery and the use of the cargo derrick safer and easier when at sea.
Another feature new to us was the variable pitch propellers which, coupled with abundant horse power and twin rudders, made ship-handling positive and predictable in all weathers and tidal conditions.
A retro-fit of a bow thrust unit and a buoy-handling crane some years later enhanced her capabilities further. Other elements of her equipment and outfit were less satisfactory in practice and were modified and improved, or dispensed with during her shakedown period.
She was the first Irish Lights vessel to have a helicopter deck, signalling the advent of extensive use of these machines for Service work and their colossal influence on manning levels and work practices in the Service. Her accommodation was excellent, providing levels of comfort and space unknown in her predecessors, all hands enjoying the privacy of single berth cabins.
She was privileged to attend the Spit Head Review of 1977 where her clean lines and smart appearance were remarked upon-a fitting tribute to her owners, designers, builders, and crew.
Major changes occurred during the lifetime of Granuaile, both in the Service and in the world in general, all of which impinged directly and indirectly on our way of life. The increase in air traffic both passenger and cargo, the increased use of international road transport, of containerisation and container vessels, car ferries and supertankers, and the discovery of North Sea oil all contributed to the decline in the requirement for merchant vessels, with detrimental effects on the shipbuilding industry, navigation schools, and general auxiliary services.
Navigational changes such as satellite navigation systems and the increased reliability and miniaturisation of electronic aids to navigation have wrought changes undreamed of in the days of magnetic compasses, sextants, and chronometers only fifty years ago.
As befits a changing, forward looking Service, a replacement vessel is on the stocks, and the Granuaile of my day will be replaced early in 2000. I understand that many features which were new to us in 1970 will be incorporated in the new vessel, improved to meet changing requirements and standards. I wish everybody engaged in this venture every success in the new millennium, carrying into the future the pride, enthusiasm, and dedication of the past.
Progress and change are inevitable but prudent choices and good judgement can enhance the provision and use of aids to navigation, improving safety of life at sea-our raison d'être.
In the end it is always about people. Bon Voyage.
© G. C. Kinsella, 1999
She had features which were new to us, some of which worked well and lasted her lifetime. One of these was the passive roll stabilising tank, a simple 'tween-deck-level water tank the contents of which operated out of synchronism with the vessel's natural roll period and served to dampen this to comfortable levels. Its main effect was to make boat recovery and the use of the cargo derrick safer and easier when at sea.
Another feature new to us was the variable pitch propellers which, coupled with abundant horse power and twin rudders, made ship-handling positive and predictable in all weathers and tidal conditions.
A retro-fit of a bow thrust unit and a buoy-handling crane some years later enhanced her capabilities further. Other elements of her equipment and outfit were less satisfactory in practice and were modified and improved, or dispensed with during her shakedown period.
She was the first Irish Lights vessel to have a helicopter deck, signalling the advent of extensive use of these machines for Service work and their colossal influence on manning levels and work practices in the Service. Her accommodation was excellent, providing levels of comfort and space unknown in her predecessors, all hands enjoying the privacy of single berth cabins.
She was privileged to attend the Spit Head Review of 1977 where her clean lines and smart appearance were remarked upon-a fitting tribute to her owners, designers, builders, and crew.
Major changes occurred during the lifetime of Granuaile, both in the Service and in the world in general, all of which impinged directly and indirectly on our way of life. The increase in air traffic both passenger and cargo, the increased use of international road transport, of containerisation and container vessels, car ferries and supertankers, and the discovery of North Sea oil all contributed to the decline in the requirement for merchant vessels, with detrimental effects on the shipbuilding industry, navigation schools, and general auxiliary services.
Navigational changes such as satellite navigation systems and the increased reliability and miniaturisation of electronic aids to navigation have wrought changes undreamed of in the days of magnetic compasses, sextants, and chronometers only fifty years ago.
As befits a changing, forward looking Service, a replacement vessel is on the stocks, and the Granuaile of my day will be replaced early in 2000. I understand that many features which were new to us in 1970 will be incorporated in the new vessel, improved to meet changing requirements and standards. I wish everybody engaged in this venture every success in the new millennium, carrying into the future the pride, enthusiasm, and dedication of the past.
Progress and change are inevitable but prudent choices and good judgement can enhance the provision and use of aids to navigation, improving safety of life at sea-our raison d'être.
In the end it is always about people. Bon Voyage.
© G. C. Kinsella, 1999