Welcome to the Sea Vision UK Newsletter for October

This month's newsletter has stories from across the maritime sector, but if you visit the website news pages, you'll find there's even more to read. Just click here to read lots more about exciting events, fascinating research and ground breaking initiatives that demonstrate the diversity of our maritime sector.

Partners and Friends: if you've got maritime news that you would like to share just click here, or add Claire.sneddon@british-shipping.org to your media distribution lists.

Sea Vision UK has taken the difficult decision to cancel the Sea Vision Forum. We do apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause Sea Vision partners and friends. This decision follows a positive re-focusing of the campaign's priorities.

Sea Vision, the national campaign which works to raise awareness of the sea and the maritime sector has appointed Richard Morton, project director Haven Gateway Partnership to be chairman of its education and careers committee steering group.
The national campaign has as one of its central objectives, to raise awareness of the maritime sector and the sea amongst the young – the 'seed corn' of the future.

The first section of Europe's only artificial reef has been laid on the seabed, 250 yards off the South Coast. The artificial surf reef at Boscombe, near Bournemouth will be a first for Europe and one of only five in the world. It has been designed to create bigger waves - and better surfing.

The Merchant Navy - new documentary reveals what it's really like

A remarkable observational documentary series focused on the men and women of the Merchant Navy, from raw recruits to seasoned sea dogs, is to be screened, starting on Monday 13 October 2008. It explores the work of the Merchant Navy for the first time on TV.

Schools take a dive into the virtual world of marine science

Teachers and students will be able to uncover the secrets of the seas through a new and exciting marine-themed educational resources website; Inspiring Seas. The 'Inspiring Seas' project aims to promote the maritime industry and an awareness of marine environmental processes at key stage 3 of the National Curriculum, offering schools a novel approach to teaching and learning in all things marine.

Not working over the winter? Ocean Youth Trust needs your help!

The Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) South, the adventure sail training charity is looking for volunteers to help with John Laing's refit. The charity which takes young people aged 12-25 to sea, is looking for several long term volunteers to join the core refit team. The placements could last for several months and would offer an ideal opportunity to gain valuable experience in boat maintenance.

National Oceanography Centre takes part in Cape Farewell expedition

Cape Farewell's 2008 expedition to the Arctic has been launched at the London Science Museum. The expedition will explore the seas to discover more about climate change and is supported scientifically by Sea Vision partner National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. Cape Farewell was founded by artist David Buckland in 200 and brings together intellectuals working in science and the arts to discuss the implications of climate change.

Sailors from HMS Iron Duke provide assistance after Hurricane Ike

Sailors from HMS Iron Duke have been providing much-needed assistance to the storm-ravaged Turks and Caicos Islands after the region was hit by Hurricane Ike.
Teams from Iron Duke and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Wave Ruler have been deployed on various tasks which included restoring power to the reverse osmosis plant that provides water to much of Grand Turk.

Back to the future - Seine netting makes a comeback

A traditional fishing method that had fallen to the sidelines could now be making a comeback as fuel prices force skippers to look for more economical techniques.
Seine netting is set to make a comeback as this old technique is proving less fuel-intensive than trawling. Using this technique, fish are surrounded by ropes laid out on the seabed.

The world's first commercial wave-power farm has gone live

Designed and built by Edinburgh based company Pelamis Wave Power, the heart of the wave-power station comprises three cylindrical wave energy converters. Looking like large red snakes, the 140 metre long tubes move up and down on the ocean, converting the movement into electricity, but without emitting any of the climate changing harmful carbon dioxide.

A day in the life of...

Sea Vision talks to Glenys Jackson, Head of Education, Training and Careers for the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB). The MNTB is the shipping Industry's body for developing and promoting the training and qualification of seafarers. It is the authoritative centre of expertise and information on careers, qualifications, training opportunities, training provision, skill needs and issues in the industry.

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