The vessel will operate on a 24hr basis and will display appropriate day shapes & lights during survey/rock placement operations and will transmit an AIS signal. The vessel (callsign PHYR) will be keeping a listening watch on VHF Channel 16 at all times during the operations. Operations will involve deployment of survey ROV and fall pipe which will restrict the vessel’s ability to manoeuvre. 

All vessels, particularly those engaged in fishing, are requested to give the “Tideway Rollingstone”, and her equipment, a wide berth and keep a sharp lookout in the relevant areas

A full copy of the marine notice is available from the Department’s website.

Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty, even if you only think someone could be in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.

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The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has issued a marine notice (No. 2 of 2012) to advise that a hydrographic survey will be undertaken offshore at Rush beach, North Dublin and the Irish Sea. For a period of 7 days from the 16th January 2012, the survey vessel SV Bibby Tethra (call sign 2EGF8) will operate on a 24hr basis. These operations will involve towing survey equipment up to 100 metres astern of the vessel along pre-defined survey lines, which will restrict the vessel’s ability to manoeuvre. The survey area is marked with the red line in the map below:

All vessels, particularly those  engaged in fishing are requested to give the SV Bibby Tethra and her towed equipment a wide berth and to keep a sharp lookout in the relevant areas.  Further information and photos of the vessel are available here.

The full text of the marine notice is available from the Department’s website.

Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty, even if you only think they could be in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life. 

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The Minister’s full press release can be accessed by clicking here 

Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard.

Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty, even if you only think they might be in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.

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We would appeal to the public to remain vigilent and if you spot someone in difficulty dial 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.

Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard

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These airborne Chinese lanterns have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way of marking special events. However, they do pose a significant danger to aviation traffic and can cause the deployment of Irish Coast Guard resources on false rescue missions. Chinese lanterns, drifting across a night sky, are commonly mistaken by the public for marine distress flares.

If you are intending to release sky lanterns:

You must, before the release date, obtain permission in writing from the Flight Operations Dept of the Irish Aviation Authority.  You can contact them at fod@iaa.ie or by phone at 01 603 1148

Just before releasing the lanterns:

To ensure your lanterns are not confused as a sighting of a distress signal, you must contact the following agencies just prior to releasing the lanterns:

• Irish Coast Guard
• Nearest Air Traffic Control unit
• Nearest Garda station

The detailed advice and all contact phone numbers are contained in the IAA’s Sky Lantern safety leaflet, available from their website or by clicking here.

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Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard

Drivers,  pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to:

• Leave early to avoid being marooned on flooded roads and always ensure you have enough fuel for your car
• Monitor radio weather broadcasts while travelling.
• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front 4 seconds at a minimum.
• Try to avoid crossing a road covered in water. Wait until the water level drops or use an alternative route.
• If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive over it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. It is easy to underestimate the power of fast moving water.
• You don’t know what dangers are submerged in the water, which could cause you to stall or damage your vehicle.
• Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects.
• Be aware where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, for example highway dips, bridge, and low areas.
• If a road is flooded as a result of a river bursting its banks beware the current could be strong enough to sweep your vehicle away. Low floored vehicles (for example Camper Vans are particularly vulnerable to cross currents. If in doubt, take a different route.
• When entering water, go in slowly and keep a steady even throttle.
• Remember the air intakes of your vehicle are quite low and any water taken in will not only cause you to stall but will ruin your engine.
• Do not create a bow wave which could cut the engine.
• On narrow roads only one car at a time should go through the flooded area so as to avoid one flooding the other.
• Check your brakes without causing danger to following traffic. After going through deep water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.
• Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding. Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic for your own safety.
• If you are inside a vehicle and water is rising rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• If you have to leave your vehicle, be wary of strong currents and debris.
• After flooding the area of the flooded road can be very slippery due to residue.
• Be mindful of Aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre thread fill with water and is unable to disperse it
• Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists should ensure they can be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.

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Skerries Coast Guard – a voluntary rescue unit of the Irish Coast Guard

This roadshow was a highly interactive and enjoyable event for the local community featuring various organisations and displays. The Skerries Coast Guard team had several Irish Coast Guard rescue resources on display including an off road rescue vehicle, a full emergency medical kit, search and communications equipment . The team also had an Irish Coast Guard patrol boat on display.

The Irish Coast Guard water safety trailer was at the event, packed with free goodies and safety leaflets. The Dublin Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116,  also provided a dramatic flyover and aerobatical display for the crowds.

Other highlights of the event included the Road Safety Authority’s driving simulator. A chance to take a look at the high tech workings inside one of the now familar Gatso speed vans. The Skerries Coast Guard team also tested out the infamous Audi A4 rollover simulator, almost like a slow motion car crash that proves why seatbelts are so important.

The Balbriggan Fire Brigade carried out a extraction demonstration, showing up close how they can cut away car wreckage with such skill and ease thanks to their impressive array of equipment and training. The Gardai traffic Corp were on hand to offer road safety advice. Dublin Civil Defence also had their mobile command centre, fire truck and other rescue vehicles on display.

Photos of the event and the rest of the weekend’s activities are available in our online photo gallery.

Further photos are available on Balbriggan.net and Balbriggan.info

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We were joined by 250 local schoolchildren who were all eager to learn about water safety and the vital role the Coast Guard plays in rescuing those in difficulty on the coast. There were lots of free Coast Guard goodies for the children and of course plenty of leaflets and advice for the adults.

Following the offical ribbon cutting ceremony, the Garda Band and a local school choir entertained the crowds.

Photos from the entire safety weekend are available in our online photo gallery.

Further photos of the opening ceremony are available on the local websites Balbriggan.info and Balbriggan.net

The Skerries Coast Guard Officer in Charge was on hand to read out the Coast Guard questions and a special prize was awarded to the team with the highest score in the Coast Guard round. Of course, the Skerries Coast Guard team were naturally excluded from competing for that round! Congratulations to the highest scoring team, who achieved a very impressive 9 out of 10. Other groups involved on the night included Gardai, Fire Brigade, Order of Malta, Balbriggan Summerfest, Balbriggan Town Council and Fingal County Council.

The quiz prizes were sponsored by Tesco Balbriggan and all monies raised on the night were donated to the RNLI. Further photos are available on Balbriggan.info and Balbriggan.net

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Some of the highlights of the weekend include:

Thursday: a fun quiz in O’Dwyers GAA club from 8pm. The night will feature questions from many of the organisations taking place over the course of the weekend.

Friday: The weekly farmers market at the Square, Balbriggan will host stalls from the various emergency services and safety organisations with lots of info, advice and of course free goodies for all. Skerries Coast Guard team members will be on hand to answer any water safety questions or concerns you have. 

Saturday: Balbriggan Garda station will be open for tours from 2 – 6pm, giving everyone the chance to take a look behind the scenes at the busy station. This is a family orientated event and there will be children’s activities and entertainment.

Sunday: From 1pm on Sunday, the Church carpark at Balbriggan will be transformed into a major safety roadshow. Skerries Coast Guard will be joined by their fellow volunteers from Howth Coast Guard to showcase the various Coast Guard search and rescue resources. This will give visitors the chance to take a hands on look at one of our high speed Patrol Boats, off road rescue vehicle, cliff rescue teams, shore rescue teams and of course a Coast Guard Sikorsky helicopter will perfom a aerobatical display.

The Coast Guard team will also have a host of water safety info and free goodies, so come early!

Marine Flare demonstrations and lifejacket clinics

At the Sunday roadshow, we will also be giving the public the chance to learn more about marine distress flares. This will include advice on the various types of flares available, which ones are right for your activity and hands on practice at firing them.

The Coast Guard crew will also be available to answer any questions you have about lifejackets, the regulations and laws on wearing them at sea, the various types and how to maintain them correctly.

Other highlights of the Sunday roadshow include: The Road Safety Authority’s driving simulator and the Audi A4 rollover simulator – experience in safety what a car rollover actually feels like and why seatbelts are so important. The Fire Brigade will perform a car crash rescue re-enactment at 3pm, showing how they can rescue crash victims from car wreckage. The Civil Defence will also be there with all their various crews and vehicles including offroad vehicles, Fire Brigade Applicnace and command unit.

The weekend is organised by the community policing forum (www.cpforum.ie) and is intended to improve the local cummunities’ safety awareness through the various events and initiatives taking place. 

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