Nine watermen have completed a certification course allowing them to conduct tours for the Virginia Waterman’s Heritage Tour Program. According to Jaik Henderson, who works extensively with watermen in this program, there are now around 28 captains trained and certified to give tours.

“The great irony,” said Henderson, “is that these guys have been working the water in many cases for decades, but they need to obtain a license to carry passengers for hire, which requires a significant financial investment as well as giving up nine or 10 days of work to go through the training.”

Captains in this tour program become certified so they can help visitors to Virginia experience the time-honored history and traditions of our working watermen up-close and personal, the group’s website stated. ...