|
Taking care of old vessels requires more than just keeping them
afloat. Traditional skills are brought to life again. The boatyard
at HFS has accumulated valuable skills and knowledge in wooden
ship- and boat building, rope-making, blacksmiths crafts, sailing,
and the use of traditional methods of maintenance and upkeep. The
field of boat preservation is therefore developing constantly, and
the Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter (Hardanger Ships Preservation
Centre) wishes to contribute to the process both by placing
emphasis on the importance of, and providing highly skilled
expertise in, the field of ships preservation. The care and use of
old vessels are not simply a lesson in how to perpetuate old skills
and traditions, it is also a question of safety at sea. An
essential component of any work involved in the conservation of
maritime heritage is knowledgeable, competent craftsmen. This
requires that the historical aspects of the work be taken into
consideration at all levels of the organisation.
Historical work
The boatyard is the heart of Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter
(HFS). This is where the practical side of the restoration process
is carried out. The work covers a variety of tasks, from large
scale and demanding major overhauls and restoration of large
vessels, through the documentation of vessels and to answering
queries and providing advice by telephone. All restoration work is
carried out in accordance with strict antiquarian guidelines. As
little of the original structure as possible is removed and any
replacements are effected using the same materials and methods as
were originally used. The aim is to preserve the vessels as
floating, cultural monuments. Furthermore, it is a major task to
maintain knowledge of crafts and skills that have little relevance
in a modern, commercial context. Thus HFS has created an
environment where this knowledge can live on. The boatyard has 14
employees including a ship's engineer, boat builders, a
rope-maker, boat preservation consultants, and a
mechanic/blacksmith. In addition, there can be as many as five
apprentices at the yard. The boatyard produces a total of
approximately 19 man-years. |
 |
