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Coastguard

For safety and weather advice before you head out to sea, remember you can contact the local Coastguard. They'll be able to tell you both the short and long term weather forecasts and advise you on the tide times for the area.

Dial 999 and ask for Coastguard if you see someone in trouble

You can register your trip with the MCA's Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme either online or by downloading a form that can be printed and posted. (External) Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Check out the excellent and detailed Coastal Maps on the MCA's website: (External) Aberdeen ; (External) Belfast ; (External) Brixham ; (External) Clyde ; (External) Dover ; (External) Falmouth ; (External) Forth ; (External) Holyhead ; (External) Humber ; (External) Liverpool ; (External) Milford Haven ; (External) Portland ; (External) Solent ; (External) Swansea ; (External) Thames ; (External) Yarmouth .

Find more tips on (External) SeaSmart but make sure you:

Plan your trip carefully - remember to leave your trip details with friends or family ashore. If you're overdue there is someone to alert the Coastguard!

Triple check the weather, safety equipment and your boat before you set sail - make sure you have a correct lifejacket on board for each person and that each person wears the life jacket at all times.

Always carry spare fuel or a paddle, water and food - just in case you are caught short.

Sail within your limits and ability

Make sure everyone on board knows how to use the boat's safety equipment.

Ensure you have an appropriate means of communication should the worst happen and you find you need to contact the Coastguard.

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We have taken this information from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's website after discussion with them. However, we recommend that you should always check in person with your own local Coastguard or with professional marine data services before you set to sea and when planning any water sport activity along the coast or sea shore. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.

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