EXERCISE ALBA BREEZE                 26 Jun - 6 jul 2023 

GUNFACTS is a warning service providing information to mariners of practice firing intentions by military units. This is an information service only and poses no restriction on the passage of any vessel. The onus on safety within the firing area always lies with the firing unit and/or relevant range control.

Belfast and Stornoway Coastguard broadcast SUBFACTS/GUNFACTS on frequencies and times as detailed in the table below. In addition, when gunnery serials are planned, GUNFACTS broadcasts will be broadcast twice daily at 0800 and 1400 local by a nominated “Duty Broadcast” ship. If, for any reason, this is not possible, broadcasts will be made at least 1 hour prior to firing. The Duty Broadcast ship will make a short preliminary call on VHF Ch 16 before transferring to the VHF broadcast channel appropriate to the area.

A “Fisherman’s Hotline” telephone number 01923 846364 is available on a 24 hour basis and may be used by any Mariner for any queries relating to SUBFACTS/GUNFACTS.

In addition to radio promulgation, SUBFACTS/GUNFACTS are also broadcast on NAVTEX twice daily at 0620 and 1820 UTC.

SUBFACTS is a warning service providing information to mariners of planned or known submarine activity. Submarines may operate for the entire period, or part thereof, in each area notified.

SUBFACTS covers planned or known activity off the west coast of Scotland and covers dived submarine activity and surfaced submarines with dived areas allocated. The exercise areas referred to in SUBFACTS are contained within this web site.

A “Fisherman’s Hotline” telephone number 01923 846364 is available on a 24 hour basis and may be used by any Mariner for any queries relating to SUBFACTS/GUNFACTS.

In addition to radio promulgation, SUBFACTS/GUNFACTS are also broadcast on NAVTEX twice daily at 0620 and 1820 UTC.

Scottish Exercise Areas (SXAs) are managed through Fleet Ops in Northwood.

The Fleet Ops Waterspace Manager can be contacted on 01923 956371.