The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology stressed today the importance of Porto de Abrigo Coastal Station for safety at sea, noting that "the newly installed equipment ensures radio coverage of the entire Region."
 
Fausto Brito e Abreu spoke during a visit to the Coastal Station which, through the Government's support amounting to 70 thousand Euros, has managed to extend its coverage area beyond 200 nautical miles in the Azores sub-zone located in the National Exclusive Economic Zone.
 
The Regional Secretary for the Sea said the new equipment allows "a substantial improvement in the effectiveness of communications at sea," adding that it represent a milestone in the "improvement of the safety conditions for all seafarers, namely for fishers."
 
"It is crucial that fishers and shipowners understand the importance of communications on board vessels as, in most cases, a VHF radio is the only means of communication with the outside world," said the government official.
 
Brito e Abreu defended that "vessels must be equipped with radio communication system in good conditions and, likewise, fishers should be fully aware of the good practices in the use of communication equipment."
 
The Regional Secretary also stressed the importance of vocational training for the recovery of the sector, noting that the Regional Government has invested in training activities on all islands of the archipelago in areas related to safety, engine operation and communication, “providing fishing professionals with the opportunity to renew and update their knowledge."
 
Brito e Abreu pointed out that, since 2014, the Government of the Azores has supported the functioning of the Coastal Station by paying the operator's salary. He also added that the Regional Directorate for Fisheries has also collaborated "in the resolution of malfunctions in re-transmitters," such as the case of the re-transmitter installed in Cabeço Gordo on the island of Faial.
 
The government official called for "the important role of the Coastal Station in ensuring the safety of life at sea,” stressing that “its re-transmitter system ensures the coverage of all islands of the Azores."
 
In his speech, the Secretary highlighted the fact that industry associations and the Regional Government "are working together," pointing out the "union of efforts has led to the full and successful operation of this Coastal Station."
 
Moreover, Brito e Abreu emphasised the "responsible associative movement" in this sector, praising the work of Azorean fishing associations.
 
The Coastal Station, created 12 years ago, is a support tool in safety training and proper use of VHF radio, working in coordination with the Azores Maritime Zone Command, namely with the Azores Search and Rescue Centre.
 
This year, the services provided by the Coastal Station were used more than 3,000 times, especially by fishers. The need for assistance in case of engine malfunction and advice in the event of accident are some of its most requested services as well as requests for evacuation, towing of vessels with engine troubles or weather information.
 
The Coastal Station operates 24 hours a day, ensuring communication in open channel from vessel to vessel and in closed channel, that is, the signal is only audible to vessels upon request. In addition, it also allows vessels to make calls for landlines.