BLUEMOMENT

I was on the water yesterday (first time this season) in the Oban area and was surprised to hear on VHF the Loch Frisa reporting to the coastguard each departure and arrival at Oban and Craignure, including number on board at departure. Several other Calmac vessels were active, including Isle of Mull on the same route. They were just annoying us with their usual announcements passing Dunollie. I'm fairly sure (memory isn't what it once was) that Loch Frisa didn't do this last year. What's going on?

Derek

was the number on board at arrival also broadcast?

is this nanny-state thinking creeping in to marine operations?

Even commercial aircraft don't have to report the number of souls on board unless they are declaring an emergency. The flight plan gives departure, route and arrival details, but that's more understandable given the need for separation in the air-lanes and managing congestion when landing....none of which is needed for an Oban/Craignure car ferry!

They aren't doing it today.

I know I'm late to the party, the Rathin Express and Spirit of Rathlin do the passengers and crew numbers every passage. Call Belfast CG on 16 and get sent to 67, except when they take the 32/4 on 16.