Be more vigilant over the weekend

[Red5]

Note the section at the bottom of the announcement that the rescue services WILL STILL be operating.

MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY CAUTION SEA USERS IN ADVANCE OF PLANNED STRIKE WEEKEND

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is reminding holiday makers and boat users to look very carefully at their plans and precautions in advance of a strike called by the Public and Commercial Services Union which will affect Coastguard Stations around the UK this weekend (18th – 20th July).

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 BBC - Weather Centre - Coast and Sea - Inshore Waters or http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/...t_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 Coastguards normal service will be affected by industrial action. Plans are in place to provide cover, but Im 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 MCA - Home

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

[mark]

was that not last weekend?? or maybe both

had them on the radio on sunday, they sai all they are going to respond to/deal with are emergency situations, no routine traffic, weather updates and all the normal stuff etc

[Red5]

I put it on both the boat and shore sections to maximise the audience.

Truth is Mark they have taken action over the odd day for the past few months to try and improve their pay and work conditions. I don't want to get dragged into why they are doing it, but I personnally support their demands for pay increase as I feel the job they do is worth more than the just above minimum wage that they are currently being paid, when they are co-ordinating shipping and SAR around the entire coast.

[Red5]

had them on the radio on sunday, they sai all they are going to respond to/deal with are emergency situations, no routine traffic, weather updates and all the normal stuff etc

That was previous industrial action.....This weekend may be a little different!