Contingency arrangements are in place to ensure that the MCA will

continue to provide an emergency service to all beach, cliff and sea

users this weekend. However, the boating public should make sure they

are aware of standard safety advice before considering going afloat

this weekend.

Boat users are reminded that

* A suitable up to date marine weather forecast should be obtained

before putting to sea

* Forecasts can be obtained from

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast/inshore/ or

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_weather.html

* Skippers should make sure that everyone on board is wearing

lifejackets

* Marine Safety Information (MSI) broadcasts are now being carried on

the front page of the MCA web site

* A fixed or handheld radio should be taken. Mobile phone coverage at

sea is too unpredictable

* Suitable in-date flares should be carried

* Warm clothing should be stowed in the event of a lengthy breakdown

* A torch and spare batteries are essential

* An on-shore contact should be identified and a passage plan worked

out in advance to ensure no one is left worrying about potential late

arrivals

MCA Chief Executive, Peter Cardy, said "This weekend HM Coastguard's normal service will be affected by

industrial action. Plans are in place to provide cover, but I'm

encouraging everybody working or playing on the sea or on the beach

this weekend to take that bit of extra care, and to follow our safety

advice.

"The Agency is absolutely committed to maintaining the safety of life

at sea, despite the on-going industrial action, and to aid seafarers

we have introduced electronic versions of the marine safety

information broadcasts and NAVTEX on the front page of our web site

at www.mcga.gov.uk

"We have drawn up detailed contingency plans for the weekend and

although our services will be more limited than usual, distress calls

will be answered as normal."

Sea users should also be aware that this industrial action is by

those responsible for co-ordinating rescues. The rescuers themselves

will continue to operate as normal.

The following services remain

unaffected:

- Helicopters will continue to fly

- The RNLI will still send out their lifeboats

- MCA volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers are ready in their local

communities

- As usual when out at sea, other ships and craft will assist others

in distress

- Our emergency tugs and pollution control experts will respond to

any shipping incidents that threaten the environment

Peter Cardy continued

"We are also asking sea users to not only watch out for themselves,

but for others too as they would normally. The message is still the

same - if you see something that you believe is dangerous or putting

people's lives at risk, don't delay. Use the distress VHF Channel 16,

or if near a shoreline, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard making

sure you know your own position."

For further information please contact Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Press Office, on: (023) 8032 9401

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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