THE Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is reminding 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 week (8th – 9th March).

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 therefore reminding the public to take extra care whilst on the sea, beach or cliffs.

The MCA is particularly 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 next week.

MCA Chief Executive, Peter Cardy, said: "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 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, 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."