Volume Three - The Pontoon Era - The new pontoon or floating dock . . .

The pontoon was specified as two independent sections split half way along its length to enable one half to be docked upon the other for maintenance etc. This feature is called self-docking.

The proposal was to also split the pontoon widthways as well so it could enter Penarth Dock; the question was how and where to achieve this joint without weakening the structure and/or inducing leaks. Once reconnected, this feature was to be reconnected and be permanent. It was therefore, vital that the joint remained watertight throughout the intended life of the pontoon. Quite a challenge in the days long before silicon sealants and remember this is prior to welding; riveted construction was the norm for all vessels then!

above - A wonderful example of the pride prevalent throughout the British shipbuilding industry. This finely crafted plaque is a ship's workplate (name of ship and date not known) held at the National Railway Museum in York for Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Limited specifically for their Neptune Works on the Tyne. It depicts Neptune in his ocean chariot. [001] [005] I'm sure I once saw him and his chariot one stormy night off Penarth pier but then again I have to admit I was drunk as a skunk at the time!