Improved app delivers clearer, more personalised alerts to help keep fishermen safe
An app alerting fishermen to potential offshore hazards has been updated to provide better safety information.
Following feedback from the fishing industry, significant updates have been made to the Kingfisher Bulletin app, an alert service which provides fishermen working at sea with the latest information on offshore hazards, including current activity notices and news around renewable energy, oil and gas, subsea cables and aggregates.
The updates include improved map functionality, simplified alert creation, better quality notices and layout improvements, all aimed at improving offshore safety.
Operated by Seafish, the public body that supports the UK seafood industry, the Kingfisher team receives the latest news of hazards and developments direct from offshore operators. This is a condition within marine licences and allows the Bulletin to show a complete picture of offshore activities.
Kingfisher Marine Information Specialist at Seafish, Jonathan Walters, said: “The updated version taps into the user experience delivered by everyday apps we all use.
“Familiar positioning of buttons, use of recognisable icons and common methods of panning and zooming around a map were asked for during face-to-face demonstrations with fishermen.
“These are now included in the Kingfisher Bulletin app and greatly improve ease of use.”
The app currently has almost 2000 users with 600 of those having set up personal alerts automatically alerting them to new hazards within their fishing area. Highlighting the value of personal alerts Jonathan Walters added:
“We also improved the speed of creating an account and an alert zone of where you fish; two elements which are now interlinked and can be completed in less than 60 seconds.
“This makes the set-up process fast and removes the need to monitor the system again as you’ll receive personal alerts instead.”
Other improvements include new sharing options on social media, export functions for GIS/positional data and a quick search filter to find live content within users’ personal alerts.
Chris Ranford, Chief Executive of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, explained why he believes the app is important for fishermen.
He said: “The newly designed Kingfisher Bulletin app is an essential tool for fishermen across the UK. There is a huge amount of offshore development either planned or taking place and it’s essential fishermen stay up to date – it’s likely you will be affected.”
The app was launched in 2020 as a replacement for print notices following industry feedback requesting something more modern and user-friendly.
Andrew Innes, Industry Advisor, from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said:
“To stay up to date with new hazards, planned activities and upcoming offshore news, I strongly recommend all fishermen to download the redesigned Kingfisher Bulletin app.
“By creating an alert zone of where you fish, the bulletin app will automatically alert you via an app ping, email or SMS – there is no need to continually check the system.”
Available for free, the app can be downloaded through the Apple App store and Google Play.
For further information on the Kingfisher Bulletin app, or to submit feedback, please visit Bulletin App – The Seafish Kingfisher Bulletin
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