The possibility of the retirement of Long Wave transmitters could endanger shipping around the UK, as shipping forecasts transmitted on FM would only reach 12 miles off-shore.

Peter Jefferson, a retired shipping forecast announcer, who had provided updates for 40 of the 90 year service was discussing the service at a recent Radio Times Festival in Hampton Court, UK.

He said how many people relied on the service, not just seaman, as some land based listeners used the shipping forecast as a “sleeping pill”

"If long wave is retired, which might be the case, then I don't know what will happen to the shipping forecast." - Peter Jefferson

Full article - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/11892805/End-of-Shipping-Forecast-on-long-wave-radio-could-leave-sailors-high-and-dry.html