THE USE of on-board satellite-tracking technology in the rescue of three UK fishermen has raised the issue of whether all boats should carry such devices.

Commerce and Employment currently offers a grant scheme to help local boats install the same Man Overboard Guardian system specifically developed by the RNLI for small vessels.

It was used in the rescue of three UK fishermen on Tuesday evening near Sark. Assistant sea fisheries officer Mike Harris said any measure that makes a boat safer is a good thing and encouraged islanders to take an interest in the offer.

‘Commerce and Employment provide a grant of £350 per MOB unit and the RNLI also offers to contribute 35% of the cost,’ he said. ‘What you end up paying is about £470 each, when the retail price of the unit is £1,260.’

The boat owner must also pay a subscription, much like a telephone contract, for the connection between the MOB Guardian unit and an iridium satellite.

• For more information contact the Commerce and Employment Department or go to www.mobguardian.com.