Fewer Shipping Forecasts from April
From April this year, the Shipping Forecast will be broadcast twice a day on weekdays and three times a day on weekends.
Previously the iconic Shipping Forecast, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, has been broadcast three times daily on Radio 4 long wave (LW). But the LW platform –operated by Arqiva–is coming to the end of its life, as a technology as certain parts are no longer manufactured.
From April, sailors can still listen to the service twice daily on BBC Radio 4 at 0048 and 0520, and three times a day on weekends–with an additional 1200 broadcast. The station can be found at 92-95FM.
Sailors can also listen to the service via NAVTEX, HM Coastguard broadcasts, and BBC Sounds.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We announced in 2022 that separate Long Wave scheduling on Radio 4 would be coming to an end in anticipation of the closure of the platform, which is owned and operated by a private company and coming to the end of its life as a technology. No programmes will close and the BBC has been running a targeted information campaign to ensure listeners know how they can hear their favourite Radio 4 LW programmes elsewhere on the BBC.
“We always work closely with organisations that support vulnerable audiences around the time of any platform closure, ensuring we migrate listeners to our other platforms in a timely and sensitive manner.”
It is a legal requirement for mariners to be able to receive maritime safety information such as the Shipping Forecast.
Sailors are strongly advised not to rely on digital media or internet services to access the Shipping Forecast as reception is not always guaranteed. At sea, NAVTEX is a means to receive the Shipping Forecast, as it provides coverage out to 270 miles. HM Coastguard provides VHF coverage out to 30 miles and MF coverage out to 150 miles using its network of remote aerial sites around the UK coast. Further offshore, information is broadcast by EGC (Enhanced Group Calling) by Recognised Mobile Satellite Service providers like Inmarsat and Iridium. This service is complemented by radio telephony broadcasts.
■ pbo.co.uk/maritime-safety