Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someone’s life!
- To Search
- To Rescue
- To Save Lives
How is HM Coastguard alerted to an incident?
Just like the Police, Ambulance, and Fire & Rescue Services, HM Coastguard is an emergency service that operates across the UK. If a person dials 999 and asks for the Coastguard, they will be speaking with Duty Officers at one of our co-ordinating centres.
When are teams sent to a search and rescue (SAR) incident?
Coastguard Operational Room officers coordinate with a variety of incidents from missing people, and suspected ordnance, to vessels missing at sea. HM Coastguard has a wide range of assets at it disposal, including helicopters, Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRTs) and RNLI and independent lifeboats.
How does the Coastguard decide what response to provide?
For coastal and inshore incidents, our Coastguard Rescue Offices (CROs) are usually a first line of response. these are skilled volunteers trains in capabilities such as casualty care, cliff top rescue and water rescue. Incidents that occur at sea, in remote areas, or requiring paramedic care can often call for a response from an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter.
Are all the people who work for the Coastguard volunteers?
HM Coastguard consists of a mixture of volunteers and employed staff. Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) members are volunteers, consisting of Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs), Deputy Station officers (DSOs), and Station Officers (SOs). All have a range of experience, skills and expertise. Supervising and provindg support and training to CRTs is the responsibility of HM Coastguards Senior Coastal Operations Officers (SCOOs). SCOOs are salaried staff members who can also attend incidents. Many of these officers have previous coastguard experience as volunteers themselves, but it's not mandatory.
What else does HM Coastguard do?
- Marine security
- Vessel traffic managements
- Counter pollution and salvage
- Receiver of wreck
- Civil emergency and disaster response
- International work
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH THE VENTNOR COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM, CONTACT US
