[August 21, 2008]

UK Government: Maritime and Coastguard Agency warn sea users in advance of planned Bank Holiday strike weekend

(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge)
RDATE:21082008

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is reminding holiday makers
and boat users to look very carefully at their plans in advance of a
strike called by the Public and Commercial Services Union which will
affect Coastguard Stations around the UK this Bank Holiday weekend
(23rd - 25th August).

Contingency arrangements are in place to ensure that the MCA will
continue to provide an emergency service. The industrial action is by
those responsible for co-ordinating rescues. The rescuers themselves
will continue to operate as normal.

The Agency is very aware that this weekend will be busier than normal
and are therefore reminding the public to take extra care whilst on the
sea, beach or cliffs.

The MCA is urging the boating public to think carefully about their
plans and to make sure they are aware of standard safety advice before
considering going afloat this weekend.

Boat users are strongly reminded that:

- A suitable up to date marine weather forecast should be obtained
before putting to sea - Forecasts can be obtained from:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_weather.html or
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast/inshore/
- Weather forecasting links are also now being carried on the front
page of the MCA web site

- Skippers should make sure that everyone on board has lifejacket and
is wearing it

- A fixed or handheld radio should be taken. Mobile phone coverage at
sea is far 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 absolutely essential. They can be
used to guide a rescue helicopter or lifeboat towards you

- 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 our normal service will be affected by industrial action.
Plans are in place to provide cover, but I am encouraging everybody
working or playing on the sea or on the beach this Bank Holiday weekend
to take extra care, and to take heed of our safety advice.

"The Agency is absolutely committed to maintaining the safety of life
at sea. Detailed contingency plans will be in place and although our

services will be more limited than usual, but the public should know
that distress calls will be answered as normal."

The MCA are also reminding sea users to not only watch out for
themselves, but for others too.

Peter Cardy added:

"The message is still the same - if you see something that you believe
is dangerous or putting peoples 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.

"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

- RNLI lifeboats and lifeguards are available as usual

- 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

Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on
the Web at http://www.mcga.gov.uk

CONTACT: Maritime And Coastguard Agency
WWW: http://www.mcga.gov.uk

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