TYF Coasteering TYF claimed some years ago to have registered the word 'coasteering' as a trademark. It all went quiet for a bit then this new announcement appeared. I have so far taken the following approach: 1. We congratulate TYF for its new training course. If it reaches an acceptable standard we will likely recognise it as evidence of competence, perhaps in conjunction with local induction. However, if some other provider produces a similar training programme to an acceptable standard we will likely recognise that as well. We encourage all providers to check on the TYF course content and compare with their own training. 2. We do not recognise the validity of the trademark. We believe there is evidence of it being previously and publicly used. For example, Sea Cliff Climbing by John Cleare and Robin Collomb published in 1973 refers to coasteering in text and index. For example, it says "A few enthusiasts believe that coasteering will become popular and has a big future". It finishes this section by saying "The danger is that one day coasteering might become common knowledge and lure some of the many thousands of holidaymakers on the beaches into attempting 'walks' beyond the frequented bathing beaches". 3. We will continue to use the term coasteering on licences where that is the name the provider wishes to continue to use. Marcus Bailie
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