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New safety information broadcasts have been introduced for mariners to improve access to "key information" at sea.
Maritime Safety Information (MSI) radio broadcasts are being introduced locally for the first time.
MSI broadcasts are used by HM Coastguard in the UK and other national coastguards around the world, to alert mariners of the latest wind, sea conditions, and navigational warning in their territorial waters.
Duty Search Mission Coordinator for Guernsey Coastguard Jerome Davis said the aim of the change is to bring the current system of Navigation Warnings issued by Guernsey Coastguard into line with international treaty standards and best practice.
All Navigation Warnings and Safety Broadcasts could include, for example, live firing warnings at Fort Le Marchant, information on sailing regattas, and wind warnings issued by Jersey Met.
“By moving to a system of Marine Safety Information broadcasts, all mariners will now get a comprehensive service of key information whilst using the Bailiwick’s territorial seas," said Mr Davis.
"The Maritime Safety Information broadcast will include a wide range of navigational and safety information. We believe this new method of communicating will help all mariners receive the information they need in an accessible way.
“These MSI broadcasts will also help in Guernsey Coastguard’s ongoing mission to improve safety of lives and vessels in Bailiwick territorial waters and in addition will help in publishing important information during live SAR operations in local waters.”
MSI Broadcasts will be announced by Guernsey Coastguard on VHF Channel 16 before being broadcast in full on VHF Channel 20.
The MSI will generally be broadcast at the following times (in UTC/GMT): 01:33, 05:33, 09:33, 13:33, 17:33, 21:33.
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