front quarters of the Memorial stand ships masts with halyards and lights, and a flagpole. Open space is provided around the main structure to allow for the conducting of significant ceremonies and services, a number of which occur each year. The design combines both maritime and spiritual influences by incorporating a plan layout which reflects the early Christian ichthys or "fish" symbol, and was undertaken by local Tasmanians Mrs K. M. Fergusson and J. G. Castle. Annual service Commencing in 1998, the Tasmanian Seafarers Memorial has conducted an annual service of dedication, usually held on the third Sunday in October. This timing allows the service to include the annual Blessing of the Fleet for the local fishing industry. The services have frequently been attended by dignitaries, servicemen and survivors including his Hon. the Governor of Tasmania; Federal and State politicians; the Chief Justice of the Tasmanian Supreme Court; and senior officers of the Royal Australian Navy. Memorial plaques Individual memorial plaques are installed at the Tasmanian Seafarers' Memorial to commemorate the loss of over 100 individual vessels, and which resulted in the deaths of over 1400 persons. Additional plaques have been mounted for events significant to the local community and Tasmania, such as the tragedies at Oyster Bay and Spring Bay, the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race, and the drowning of Tasmanian prisoners of war during World War II. A third group of plaques comprise the Spring Bay Professional Fishermen's Memorial. Other significant memorials in the complex include the Tasmanian Merchant Navy Memorial and the Tasmanian Naval Seafarers' Memorial. References See also Shipwrecks of Tasmania Shipwrecks of Australia Monuments and memorials in Tasmania Shipwrecks of Tasmania Triabunna, Tasmania