2.2.1 Traffic Report Messages – Let the Coast Guard know

2.1 Training

with any dangers that may be encountered during the trip

It is recommended that persons participating in sailboat and motorboat activities undertake appropriate training. A number of training schemes and approved courses are available and information can be obtained directly from course providers (see Appendix 9 for details of course providers).

▪Contingency Plan – always have

a plan, should anything go wrong. Before departing, consider places where a boat can take refuge should conditions deteriorate or if the crew suffer an incident or injury. The GPS set could fail at the most inconvenient time so it is good practice to make sure that the crew are not over-reliant on the GPS and can navigate to safety using alternative means such as headlands and landmarks should it fail.

2.2 Voyage Planning

All voyages, regardless of their purpose, duration or distance, require some element of voyage planning. SOLAS V (see Marine Notice No. 30 of 2023) requires that all users of recreational craft going to sea consider the following:

▪Communication – make sure

to have a reliable means of communication for use in the event of an emergency and carry it on your person whenever possible. See Marine Notice No. 40 of 2019.

▪Weather forecasts (see Appendix

6. – check the weather forecast and get regular updates if planning to be out for any length of time

See Appendix 8 for an example of a voyage/passage planning template.

▪Tidal information – check the tidal

predictions for the trip

2.2.1 Traffic Report Messages – Let the Coast Guard know

▪Limitations of the vessel – is the

boat suitable for the proposed trip and is there sufficient safety equipment and stores on board?

Before you go out on the water, it is recommended that all recreational craft users log a Traffic Report message (TR) via the nearest Coast Guard Radio Station. Marine Notice No. 61 of 2020 provides information regarding Irish Coast Guard VHF working channels. There is no charge for this service.

▪Capability of the crew on board –

take into account the experience and physical ability of the crew. Crews may be impacted by the cold, tiredness and seasickness and this could result in an overburdened skipper

▪Planned route utilising charts and

Please note, however, that it is still the responsibility of your designated contact person ashore to report any

pilotage information as required – make sure the crew is familiar

shore contact should raise an alarm from ashore if you fail to return as planned.

concerns if your boat is overdue in returning from a voyage. The Irish Coast Guard will not initiate overdue procedures based on Traffic Report messages.

Sail and Motor Boats – Coastal Operation

A TR can be created by VHF radio (Channel 16 or IRCG VHF working channels) or by phoning the relevant Coast Guard Rescue Co-ordination Centre on:

In the event of an emergency, a TR will help rescue authorities know where to start looking and how many people are aboard your vessel. When you have completed your trip and have arrived at your destination, please remember to close the TR via VHF radio or phone to confirm that you have safely completed your voyage. Failing to close the TR will not initiate a search. Your

+353 (0)1 662 0922 for MRCC Dublin,

+353 (0)74 937 0103 for MRSC Malin Head, or

+353 (0)66 947 6109 for MRSC Valentia.

Information to create a TR should include the following:

Traffic Report Message (TR)

Date:

Vessel Name (and Call Sign):

Vessel Type:

Leaving Time:

Leaving from:

Going to:

Estimated time of arrival at destination:

Estimated time of arrival following return journey:

Number of persons on board:

2.2.2 Designate a shore-based Contact Person

It is most important to always ensure that a designated person ashore is aware of the intended voyage, departure and return times, and

knows what to do to raise the alarm if the need arises.

Sail and Motor Boats – Coastal Operation

Shore-based Contact Person Template

Vessel name and description including Call Sign	Date
Route (passage plan summary)	Distance/Time
Number of persons on Board
Name and contact information of person/ organisation ashore informed of the voyage details
Departure time
Estimated time of arrival or return
Procedure for alarm raising	In an emergency ring 999 or 112 or use VHF Channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard

Units, declared resources such as the RNLI and Community Inshore Rescue Boats. Other resources utilised by the Coast Guard on request include Air Corps and Naval Service, the Marine Incident Response Group (e.g. Fire Services and Civil Defence), the Marine Ambulance Response Team (National Ambulance Service) and vessels and aircraft in the area.

Operations Section in the IRCG coordinates response to incidents through the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC Dublin), MRSC Valentia and MRSC Malin.

Response on the coast is provided by Search and Rescue Units (SRUs), which include Coast Guard Helicopters, Coast Guard Volunteer