The sea can be a cruel mistress even to the most experienced sailor.
However, a new scheme brought in to keep fishing boat crews safer at sea has proved to be a success.
Plymouth Council is now looking to expand the scheme further.
Personal Locator Beacons
Over 250 life-jackets complete with Personal Locator Beacons were given to people who earn their living at sea.
The idea behind the scheme is to keep those who are sea safe, and reduce loss of lice and accidents within Plymouth’s busy fishing industry.
Council leader, Tudor Evans said:
This scheme has been so successful, we are looking to order a second batch but we need to know the level of interest from the industry
This scheme has been so successful, we are looking to order a second batch but we need to know the level of interest from the industry
“We’ve had enquiries from fishing communities all over the country about this scheme, wanting to follow in our wake.”
“We’ve had enquiries from fishing communities all over the country about this scheme, wanting to follow in our wake.”
The project, has been supported by cross-party collaboration as well as support from the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities, RNLI, Maritime Coastguard Agency and the fishing communities.
Plymouth Council was awarded over £77,000 from the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund and the Maritime Management Organisation to help fund the project which includes personal fitting and training.
The training and fitteings are suppled by MarineCo.
Further details and to registered your interest in the scheme, you’re advised to visit the official Life Jacket Scheme Website.