In the U.S. we have the ability to have lake crossings monitored (Lake Monitoring) by FSS whereby the pilot reports every ten minutes to one of the Flight Service Stations. In the event if a pilot fails to report Search and Rescue is launched. Does the U.K. have a similar service for aircraft that are not recieving radar service while crossing large bodies of water?
From what I've read here it appears that the majority of pilots in the UK are far more prepared for a potential ditching than pilots here in the U.S.
Mike
NATCA FWA