Safety information and resources shared across the ocean

Tristan sea safety prominent at Red Ensign Conference

Report and photos from Tristan Governemnt UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Delegates at the conference venue in Hamilton

Delegates at the conference venue in Hamilton

Catching up with Ascension’s Operations and Port Manager Kitty George

A conference of maritime territories, held in Bermuda 29th June - 2nd July, brought a reminder of how small islands can benefit from sharing information and resources to help tackle shared challenges.


I represented Tristan da Cunha's Director of Fisheries, Cllr Rodney Green, at the annual gathering of the Red Ensign Group, uniting the maritime authorities of the UK, its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. Tristan has 'coastal State' responsibilities across navigation aids, marine conservation, fishery regulation and marine mapping, and the conference is a chance to learn from others' best practice, to gather contacts and identify sources of help.


The week began with a meeting of the South Atlantic Working Group, uniting Tristan with St Helena, Ascension, South Georgia and the Falklands. Inevitably the shipping implications of the recent Hantavirus outbreak were considered, with islands looking to learn lessons in co-operation with cruise operators. I also shared plans for safety checks of the new fishing fleet that will go into Tristan service in 2027, and fellow OTs updated us on their emergency plans and proposals for new regulations.
Chris catching up with Ascension’s Operations
and Port Manager Kitty George

The main sessions covered a wide range of topics, from wreck management and cyber threats to search-and-rescue drones and the challenge of tackling illegal fishing. 

The REG is supported by the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who have a special programme that supports sea-safety in the Overseas Territories. The conference week brought a chance to speak with them on Tristan's current needs. They are keen to help.

My report back to the island includes multiple contacts and connections from across the UK's worldwide maritime family.

Bermuda’s shipping minister Owen Darrell rings the bell to open the conference, watched by co-chair Christian Olsen of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Bermuda’s shipping minister Owen Darrell rings the bell to open the conference,
watched by co-chair Christian Olsen of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

South Atlantic delegates, representing Tristan da Cunha, Ascension, St Helena, the Falklands and South Georgia.

South Atlantic delegates, representing Tristan da Cunha, Ascension, St Helena, the Falklands and South Georgia.