The owner and skipper of the Newlyn-based fishing vessel Alice Louise
has gained an Objective One fisheries grant of more than £800 to
install an autopilot system.
The
system will not only improve safety and working conditions on Jeremy
Hosking's vessel, but will cut the fuel used, and reduce pollution.
Objective
One Fisheries project officer Nicky Harrison said: "As a single-handed
fisherman, having an autopilot system will greatly increase the safety
at sea for Mr Hosking.
"Steering by hand requires constant
attention to the wheel, and due to the manual nature of the task, a
great deal of physical exertion is required, especially in poor weather
conditions when constant correction of course is necessary.
"An
autopilot system ensures that the vessel stays on course to the
required destination and also means that the vessel will travel the
shortest distance to that waypoint.
"This is a great project
that will not only improve safety at sea for this single-handed
fisherman, it will also benefit our environment."
Mr Hosking
agreed. He said: "Any help to improve sea-going safety when you operate
a fishing vessel alone is much appreciated - a big thank you to South
West Pesca and the Objective One Scheme, that co-ordinate the fisheries
grant scheme."
Article copyright WESTERN MORNING NEWS