Holiday makers and boat users across Shepway and White Cliffs Country are asked to be extra careful this weekend, as Dover Coastguard is on strike.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has put contingency plans in place to ensure an emergency service is provided while action is being taken.

However, they want boat users to check the weather forecast, make sure everyone is wearing lifejackets and take a radio out with them before going out to sea.

Suitable flares, warm clothing and a torch with spare batteries are also being highlighted as a must

Watch staff staged a picket at the coastguard station on Friday night and Saturday morning.

Dover and Deal MP Gwyn Prosser turned up at the picket line on Saturday to show his support.

The picket line was called off at 10am that morning but the strike will continue until 8pm on Sunday.

Dover Coastguard's PCS representative Trevor Dowle said: “I would like to stress we are not on strike over pay but over grading.

“We feel the grading should be much higher considering we do just as difficult a job as the other emergency services.

“Almost every emergency call a coastguard receives results in a life being saved. That is why we feel so strongly that we are being paid well below our grade.”

MCA Chief Executive Peter Cardy said that the coastguard remained committed to safety at sea during the action.

Mr Cardy said: “Plans are in place to provide cover, but I encourage everybody working or playing on the sea or on the beach this weekend to take that bit of extra care and follow our safety advice.

“The agency is absolutely committed to maintaining the safety of life at sea despite the ongoing industrial action.

“To aid seafarers we have introduced electronic versions of the marine safety information broadcasts and NAVTEX on the front page of our web site which can be found at

www.mcga.gov.uk.

“We are also asking sea users to not only watch out for themselves but for others too as they would normally.

“If you see something that you believe is dangerous or putting people’s lives at risk, do not delay.

“Use the distress VHF channel 16, or if near a shoreline, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard making sure you know your own position.”

The strike which finishes on Sunday comes as members of the Public Commercial and Services (PCS) Union protest at the low pay grading they are bracketed in.