Members of the island’s branch of the World Ship Society have heard details about the proposed deep water berth, which is being considered for the island.

Such a berth would be designed to tap into a growing cruising business.

Large cruise ships cannot currently dock in the island because they’re too big.

Captain Stephen Carter of the Laxey Towing Comany explained the proposals for the berth.

With the help of maps and plans, he showed his audience the various ideas to have vessels safely visiting the island, docking at one of our various ports.

Mick Cannan of the society said: ’The general opinion within the meeting was that Douglas was the port of choice, both for facilities and shelter in other than perfect weather conditions.’

He added: ’Stephen also greatly amused his audience with memories from his long and most successful term of office as pilot for the main ports on the island and for further afield such as Liverpool.

’It was a great way to start our season and we thank Stephen very much for his excellent show.’