SECURITY measures have been stepped up on board the world's last sea-going paddle steamer amid fears that pleasure cruises around Britain's coasts could be targeted by terrorists.

Operators of the paddle steamer Waverley, which ferries passengers along the Dorset coast every summer, have had to comply with new Department of Transport security regulations.

Paddle Steamer Preservation Society chairman Myra Allen said: "The threat of terrorism is not something normally associated with paddle steamers and coastal cruising but unfortunately in recent years it has invaded our lives in many ways.

"It is now a requirement that our sea-going ships have to be assessed for their security risks and appropriate measures taken. In the main, this affects access to ships' bridges and engine rooms."

Paddle steamers run by Glasgow-based Waverley Excursions Ltd have now been "assessed" by the Department of Transport's Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate.

Writing in the Spring issue of Paddle Wheels, the Paddle Steam Preservation Society's magazine, the chairman said it would now be necessary to erect some barriers on the bridge deck of the Waverley and its sister vessel Balmoral to make access to the bridge more secure.

The chairman described TRANSEC's suggestion that a barrier should be erected to enclose Waverley's engine room as "a devastating requirement, as the unobstructed view of the engine is of course one of the major attractions of travelling on our beautiful paddle steamer."

She added: "It is hoped that the commitment by Waverley Excursions to have the engine room constantly manned will remove to a large extent the need for such an obtrusive barrier.

"A barrier will be made however so it can be erected quickly in cases where the country is on increased security alert.

"Equally I hope the barrier arrangement on Balmoral's bridge deck does not ruin her appearance and not interfere with the excellent visibility that the crew - and passengers - have had to date."

  • The Balmoral will sail around the Dorset coast in June while the Waverley will make a return visit to the area in September.