Again the effect of the recession and the new Solis 2010 regulations has been having an effect on the crews. During a visit to the Ben Maye, I was informed that one of the sister ships was being sold for scrap and a captain made redundant.

During the deputation meetings I made an appeal for some bikes as I had received a few requests for bikes from crews. It was a joy to be able to receive a number of bikes and to give out half of them so far to crews that requested them.

Sam Cowan – Belfast