Call for skippers to download free hazard alert app
Skippers are being urged to download and use an app designed to alert them to hazards at sea.
The Kingfisher Bulletin website and app share information about offshore hazards and activities, alerting fishermen so they can work safely around them.
The service, launched last year, offers a range of benefits for users. It includes both website and apps for iOS and Android phones and tablets – so information can be accessed any time, anywhere.
Users can also easily register for a Kingfisher Bulletin account. This allows them to create personal alerts and receive instant updates via email, SMS or app notifications for the sea areas they are interested in.
They can also share content across social media and messaging apps or download notices to read offline later.
The Kingfisher team is part of Seafish, the public body that supports the seafood industry in the UK. The online bulletin service was developed following feedback from industry asking for a modern and user-friendly way of sharing essential safety information.
The website and app are available to the fishing industry free of charge. Funding comes from various sources including the Crown Estate, Fisheries Legacy Trust Company Services Limited and British Marine Aggregate Producers Association.
Offshore operators and developers submit alerts by signing into the website or app to share information at a time that suits them. The Kingfisher team review and publish notices as soon as possible, potentially going live within a matter of minutes. This ensures the information provided by the system is accurate and up to date.
Matthew Frow, Kingfisher information manager at Seafish, said: “In its first year the new Kingfisher Bulletin has delivered more than 70,000 hazard alerts to users. The app for iOS and Android is continually being updated and I’d encourage all fishers to download it to their phone or tablet and set up personal alerts.”
Bernie Bennett, Oil and Gas UK fisheries support co-ordinator, said: “Having just used this myself to make a hazard notification, I can confirm that the system is both easy and quick to use. It gets information to the users so quickly and is a significant step forward to ensuring fishermen are promptly notified of hazards, thus reducing risk and improving safety.”
The Kingfisher Bulletin website is www.kingfisherbulletin.org or download the app by searching for "Kingfisher Bulletin".