§ Mr. MacdonaldTo 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.
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§ Mr. NorrisThe 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.