Women making a difference on the river

Marking International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May), Audrey Hughes, City Cruises’ manager at Westminster Pier, reports more females are joining her working on the river – but not enough.

A man’s river?

“The river often comes across as a man’s world.

“Historically, it’s not always been a welcoming place for women.

“Old ways of doing things are slow to change in some quarters, but I think that progress has been made in recent years.

“I manage a wonderful, diverse and multi-cultural team of 13.

“Only three of them are men.

“City Cruises also has one Thames jet captain, who is female, along with a number of apprentices.

“More are needed, without a doubt."

River calling

“I have worked for City Cruises for just over five years now.

“I started as a customer service agent at Westminster Pier in January 2018 and have worked my way up through the ranks.

“Just over a year later, I was promoted to team leader at Tower Pier.

“I started my current role in August last year, succeeding Antonio De Vincentis."

Daily routine

“It’s a very varied job.

“Basically, I am responsible for the day-to-day smooth-running of City Cruises’ services at the pier.

“That includes sorting timesheets and other paperwork, ensuring we meet our ticket office targets, as well as dealing with any issues that crop up, and generally keeping people informed – both passengers and colleagues.

“The working day for me starts officially at 9am, but I am always in by 8.30.

“I like to get prepared for the day ahead.

“In summer we work longer into the evening.

“It’s the busiest time of year for us.”

Weather resistant

“The changing of the seasons on the river can be dramatic.

“Luckily, we have uniforms to suit all weather conditions, from summer shorts to winter fleeces and thermals.

“Fog is definitely the worst type of weather for us, as it can bring the boat operation to a standstill.

“Last summer, the heat was unbearable.

“Sunnies were essential and we were careful to keep hydrated.

“Winters can be chilly, particularly when the wind blows.

“Most of us have hot water bottles to keep us warm.

“Having worked outdoors in winter previously, I once vowed never to do it again, but the river has changed that.

“It’s a great time of year on the river.

“I love seeing London’s landmarks from the river, when they are lit up and all is quiet.

“It’s so relaxing.”

Communication, communication, communication

“The language barrier is not an issue when communicating with guests from overseas.

“I make it my goal to make myself understood, using various tools I have learned over the years.  For example, talking slowly, using hand gestures and visual aids, such as maps.

“A calculator often comes in handy too!

“When I worked at Tower Pier, one passenger was admiring my necklace and offered to buy it.

“Politely, I had to explain it wasn’t for sale.

“Sometimes we also get asked for bus and train departure times.”

Covid recovery

“Not working during the pandemic was hard.

“I missed working with the team and not dealing with tourists daily.

“When we did come back to work, it was a challenge to get used to the restrictions in place.

“Everything felt so surreal.

“Thankfully, passenger numbers have been on the up again.

“Last year was much better than we had expected actually.”

Tourist attraction

“It was particularly good to see overseas tourists back on the river – the best way to see the capital, of course.

“Events like the coronation have boosted passenger numbers, obviously.

“I was working on the big day.

“It was lovely to hear all the bands men marching over Westminster Bridge.

“I’ll remember the day for personal reasons too.

“My partner, a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) at the Tower of London, was marching alongside the Royal Watermen, in front of the King & Queen.

“That was very special to see.

“The Reflections tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth last September was also a truly unforgettable evening on the river."

Doggett’s draw

"A big river event I look forward to every year is the Doggett’s Coat & Badge Wager.

“It sees recently-qualified river apprentices compete in a sculling race, from London Bridge to Chelsea.

“We have a perfect vantage point at Westminster Pier.

“It’s a really special event for lots of the people who work on the river and their families.

“This year’s race is on 19 July.

“It’s a real river spectacle, with a rich history – well worth keeping an eye out for."

Road to the river

“My father, always my role model, emigrated from Scotland to Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) in the 1960s, to become a tobacco and maize farmer.

“That’s where I was born and grew up.

“In 1981, we moved to the UK, settling in Aberdeen.

“At school there, my absolute favourite subjects were woodwork and technical drawing.

“I also loved hockey – a sport I took up again in later life, until my knees told me it was time to give up.

“I first moved to London in 1989.

“Before City Cruises, I worked for a company raising funds for charities, such as Cancer Research and the Dog’s Trust.

“Making a difference has always been a key motivator for me. It still is.

“My first job was in hospitality, which I absolutely loved.

“With a background in sales and marketing, I never imagined I would end up working on the river.

“Now I could not imagine working anywhere else.

“The river means everything to me.

“My passion for the river even meant that my partner, who was in the Royal Navy for 32 years, recently turned down the opportunity to go back.

“The river is my life. I love it.”

Quick fire

• The river in just three words? Mesmerizing, tranquil and calm.
• Best Thames-side restaurant or pub? The Town of Ramsgate in Wapping. The food is very tasty and they do a great quiz night.
• Out of hours? I enjoy motorcycling with my partner. We both have Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pros. Weather permitting, we get away on the bikes for camping breaks whenever we can, mainly in the UK, but we have just got back from a trip to Spain.