For hundreds of years the Company of Waterman and Lighterman have been in charge of the apprenticeships of young Waterman and the issuing of their licenses. Examining them from the Waterman's stone in Teddington, to the Waterman's stone in Gravesend at the end of their 4, 5 or 6 year apprenticeship.

 Recently the examination process has been changed to an interview where instead of being questioned on the river from stone to stone, the applicants are only asked a couple of questions regarding how their apprenticeship went.

 Ultimately this change disregards the efforts that Freeman have put into gaining their licence and also means that there's now no reason for Waterman to learn the river between Gravesend and Woolwich, and between Putney and Teddington. 

 Freedom of the Company of Waterman and Lighterman by servitude should only be awarded following a Court of Examination and recommendation of Freedom by said Court.

 We are asking that the company reinstate the examination process for the full length of the Tidal Thames.

 Please sign and share as we need to get as much support as possible so the court understand how important this is to the journeyman freeman of the River Thames and for the ongoing training of the apprentices.