A CHESTER boating firm has passed its day of intense trials with flying colours.

ChesterBoat had recently fitted three new engines to its flotilla of Leisure Cruises, which have now been checked as part of an annual survey undertaken by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).

It was an intense day of running trials, questioning the team at ChesterBoat as the MCA scrutinised ChesterBoat’s flotilla of leisure cruises.

The British engines on The Lady Diana, The Mark Twain and The Jackie were chosen by managing director, Brian Clarke, who selected the engines from a British manufacturer against other engines available in the market, opting for marinised derivatives of the JCB engine along with PRM marine gearboxes.

Brian Clarke, managing director of ChesterBoat, said: "We looked at other engines in the market but made the decision to buy British as we felt the quality of finish and standards meet our own, they are relatively local and represent good value for both the business and our passengers aboard the cruises.

"Quality of provision and maintenance of our boats for our passengers is our priority."

On the day, the MCA also tested ChesterBoat's latest crew member Ben Newell, who obtained his Boatmaster licence.

The test included a practical and oral examination, a medical and he had to impress the inspectors with his first aid, firefighting knowledge and personal survival techniques.

Ben has been with ChesterBoat for six months learning the ropes and is delighted to have completed his training to become a fully-fledged skipper.

Ben said: "I love working on the water, the sense of freedom, relaxation and space is great for my mental health and wellbeing.

"I love working with people and the environment and the team at ChesterBoat have supported me in my efforts to get this far. I am now looking forward to taking charge of my own cruise to sail passengers up the beautiful River Dee."

The mental health and wellbeing benefits of a relaxing cruise down the river are acknowledged by Mr Clarke, who added: “Experts have been discussing the benefits to so-called ‘blue health' and how water offers the chance to escape the hyper-connected modern world for a while.

"Wallace J Nichols, a marine biologist, has discussed and published the different ways bodies of water can have a positive affect and many psychologists have researched how just having blue space in front of you can boost your mental health."