Fishermen urged to sign up to lifejacket scheme
Fishermen have been reminded that the deadline for applications to a Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) free lifejacket scheme is imminent.
The scheme aims to supply a free lifejacket – or personal flotation device (PFD) – to every fisherman who is actively fishing under a current fishing licence administered by Marine Scotland and who have mandatory safety certification.
Events in Shetland and Orkney will be held next week to provide successful applicants with an opportunity to see the new PFDs.
Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael encouraged all those eligible to sign up.
He said: “The deadline for applications is tonight for personnel hoping to attend the roll-out events. I encourage all fishermen to sign up if they have yet to do so and take advantage of this scheme.
“The SFF roll out events will be a good opportunity to get a demonstration of the new PFDs and speak directly to SFF personnel about any questions you have.”
Sandy McDonaldd
I’ve always thought that a device which sends out an automated distress signal if it looses the signal from a transmitter worn by the fisherman would be a good idea (there may be something on the market already like this?). It would be incumbent on the person to keep the batteries charged of course but it could be the difference between life and death.
Aidan Cheyney
there’s many devices on the market if the money is available Sandy, many PLB’s (personal locator beacons) and EPIRB based devices (Emergency position indicating radio beacons)