Carmichael encourages fishermen to apply to free lifejacket scheme

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has offered his backing to a Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) led initiative that aims to provide lifejackets to every fisherman in Scotland for free.

The scheme is funded by the European Fisheries Fund, Scottish Fishermen’s Trust and the UK Fisheries Offshore Oil and Gas Legacy Trust Fund and is open to personnel actively fishing under a current fishing licence administered by Marine Scotland and who have mandatory safety certification.

The SFF and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will be holding events in Orkney and Shetland at the end of November to distribute personal floatation devices (PFDs) to fishermen who have been successful in their application.

Mr Carmichael said: “The fishing industry forms part of the lifeblood of Orkney and Shetland and this initiative can go some way in helping to prevent the tragedy of fishermen lost at sea.

“Currently, half of all lives lost at sea are the result of involuntary drowning and the scheme is looking to reduce this figure and instil a culture of safety among fishermen.

“The SFF and RNLI roll-out events in November will provide a good opportunity see the new PFDs first hand and I encourage all isles fishermen to take advantage of the scheme and sign up as soon as possible.”