Island holiday makers and boat users are being urged to look very carefully and plan for this coming weekend, as strike action by the Public and Commercial Services Union on 18th - 20th July will affect Coastguard Stations across the UK.

Contingency arrangements are in place to ensure that the The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (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  Here: or  Here:

* 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.

“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.”