Hello and welcome aboard this week’s edition of Seascapes, your maritime programme, this week we remember diver, seafarer and trade unionist Des Brannigan ; we hear from Ron Coveney at the naming ceremony of a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat to Crosshaven RNLI Station – “John and Janet” which took place early last month ; Bow Tie Day and Migrant Offshore Aid Station celebrating their 2nd Anniversary and how you can get involved ; plus a special night in Midleton celebrating Edward Bransfield from Ballinacurra with author Michael Smith and news of the Annual Shackleton Dinner planned for Cobh this year on the 22nd of December ; we have special First Day Covers Irish Lights stamps and Prestige booklets recently issued by An Post in a special presentation pack for Seascapes listeners in our competition ................. first on Seascapes this week to the recent presentation by Sail Training Ireland and the Port of Cork as part of the Cork Sail Training Bursary scheme for this year , vessels used were “Morgenster” and “The Spirit of Oysterhaven “ also in attendance on the day was Seamus McLoughlin , Chairman of Sail Training Ireland; Commodore Hugh Tully, Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service ; Brendan Keating , CEO of The Port of Cork ,and outgoing manager of Sail Traing Ireland the genial Michael Byrne.... first we hear from Youth Officer aboard the Spirit of Oysterhaven Aoibh Deane ........

From Aoibh Deane, Youth Officer to Oliver Harte ......

The voice there of Oliver Harte of the Spirit of Oysterhaven.....

The Cork Sail Training Bursary Scheme is supported by Cork City Council; Cork County Council ; National Maritime College of Ireland; Ardmore Shipping ; Irish Institute of Master Mariners and EMC2 , on Friday 28th of this month we’d like you to wear a bow tie to work to mark the 2nd Anniversary of Migrant Offshore Aid Station and spread awareness of the work the they do in the Mediterranean , you can see and read more on the Seascapes webpage........this initiative is being supported by Provision Photography / House of AKI-NA /Sail Training Ireland and yours truly...you can read and see more on facebook

A new Atlantic 85 lifeboat for Crosshaven RNLI named John and Janet was launched early last month in Crosshaven, The new lifeboat, an Atlantic 85 is the latest version of the B class, introduced into the fleet in 2005. She is powered by two 115horsepower engines and has a stronger hull and greater top speed than her predecessor. The added radar allows the crew to operate more effectively in poor visibility and she also has VHF direction-finding equipment. Lets hear from Conor Curtin , Divisional Operations Manager with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution ...

The lifeboat which went on service in June this year was funded by an anonymous donor. Irish marine journalist and broadcaster Tom MacSweeney represented the donor at the naming ceremony and service of dedication and handed the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI.Ron Coveney spoke to Tom at the ceremony .....

The lifeboat was named by young Paddy Crowley, son of the late Con, a long serving and much loved helm at Crosshaven RNLI who died suddenly last year.

In 2015, Crosshaven RNLI launched 42 times and rescued 50 people. The new lifeboat replaces Miss Betty, the station’s first permanent lifeboat, which was on service in Crosshaven since the station was formally established 14 years ago. Lets hear from , Patsy Fegan, Crosshaven RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager

A word next from helmsman Paddy Quinlan ....

Thanks to ace reporter Ron Coveney who attended that naming ceremony at Crosshaven RNLI Station of the new Atlantic 85 Lifeboat launched early last month .......

The Ernest Shackleton Autumn School will run from the 28th October to the 31st October at the Athy Heritage Centre / Shackleton Museum in his home county featuring a
Wide range of speakers on a diverse set of related topics ........

Distinguished Polar Author Michael Smith is due to give a talk hosted by Cloyne Literary and Historical Society on Edward Bransfield (1785 to 1852) of Ballinacurra in the Midleton Park Hotel on Tuesday 25th October commencing at 8pm, admission is €5 euro.

Speaking of Shackleton the Annual Shackleton Dinner takes place on the Thursday 22nd of December , this year the venue is in Cobh at The Sirius Centre , more detail from John O Reilly who may be contacted on
BBC CO SIG

Jim Rees writes to let us know that Arklow Maritime Museum's new website is up and running.