What options are there open to me as a mariner to receive the Shipping Forecast? The range of broadcast of the HM Coastguard channels covers an extensive area, which includes most of the area currently covered by broadcasts on the LW frequency. At sea, mariners must make sure they comply with the international rules around being able to receive Maritime Safety Information including weather warnings and general information. On land, receiving the Shipping Forecast via those means is fine. There are safety concerns as reception of these is not always guaranteed that far out. We would strongly advise against relying on digital media or internet services to access the Shipping Forecast while you are at sea. Can I use FM/DAB or BBC Sounds to receive the Shipping Forecast on board my boat? In preparation for this, the BBC are ending their separate Long Wave broadcasts. What is really happening is that long wave is reaching the end of its life as a technology, and will be decommissioned, by the private company which owns the infrastructure. It will continue to be broadcast on other channels including BBC and via HM Coastguard. We’re committed to broadcasting the Shipping Forecast by other means. FAQs on changes to the Shipping Forecast Why are you stopping the Shipping Forecast? The LW broadcasts are expected to end in 2024, but a final decision has not yet been made. NOTE: This story was updated on 4 April 2023 due to the BBC amending their original announcement on the future of the LW Shipping Forecast. “All we would ask is for mariners to start making sure they’ve got other means of receiving it if they have been relying on LW broadcasts up until now,” he added.Īccording to the Met Office, the Shipping Forecast is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 FM at 00. “The Shipping Forecast is a vital component of maritime safety information as well as being a national institution and will continue to be broadcast via HM Coastguard’s channels and also on BBC Radio 4 FM and DAB and BBC Sounds.

Map of Sea Areas and Coastal Weather Stations referred to in the Shipping Forecast.

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