A Sailing body claims RTE is set to drop 'the most widely used sea area forecast' without any prior warning. The statement from the Irish Sailing Association's training manager says the forecast broadcast each afternoon at 4.50pm plays a critical role in sailors decisions for the following day'. Click read more for the full statement and click here to give your view in our forum thread now started.
"The ISA has learnt that as of today (Monday 9th September) RTE will be dropping the 1650 Sea Area Forecast. This has been done without any prior warning or consultation with ISA.
The ISA feels that this is a regrettable development and we oppose any changes to the previous arrangements for the following reasons.
As an organisation we actively promote the use of these forecasts as a means assuring the safety and security of anyone going to sea.
The current forecasts are widely used by the recreational boating community who while afloat or away from home, do not have access to other forms of forecast like TV, print or internet.
The time of the forecast are well established. Changes to them will mean a lengthy, costly and avoidable communications campaign by RTE and organisations like ourselves.
The distribution of the forecasts is designed to allow an ever evolving picture of the forecast to be communicated. This requires the broadcast of forecasts to be spaced evenly. Significant gaps may mean that people are unaware of fast evolving and important changes.
The afternoon forecast is perhaps the most widely used as it play a critical role in decisions on plans for the following day. These are then confirmed using the morning forecast (and a head out of the window).
Any changes that make the service less accessible will always push people towards other forms of forecast such as that provided by BBC radio".
