HC Deb 23 March 1993 vol 221 cc537-8W
Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the agreed minimum staffing at the maritime rescue co-ordination sub-centres in Scotland; and on how many days in the past three months the staffing level at Oban, Stornoway, Belfast, Pentland, Shetland or Forth has been below three people.

Mr. Norris

The planned minimum staffing levels at the maritime rescue sub-centres in Scotland and Northern Ireland is normally three watchkeepers. Because of a small number of vacancies, absence through sickness or training requirements staffing fell below this level on the following number of six-hour periods in the past three months:—

Number
Forth 1
Pentland Nil
Shetland 37
Belfast Nil
Oban 9
Stornoway 4

The maritime rescue co-ordination centres at Aberdeen and Clyde have the capability to take over co-ordination of any incident where a MRSC is unable to cope for any reason. Additionally, a member of the district management team is on call at each MRSC should he be required. Contingency plans also exist for further reinforcements of the watch in an emergency.

Forward to