Coastguard stations closing down...

[Andy Bav]

With the closures of Brixham, Solent and Portland Coastguard stations slated for the end of next year, I wonder if anyone has thought about how we should be addressing the new MCA covering those area(s) on Channel 16 ?

We attended a Pan Pan in August and the directions and advice given by the Brixham Coastguard was clear and with considerable local knowledge and the inflatable (and occupants) were recovered. I just hope that if such a situation arose again in a few years time, the service will be just as good....

Maybe cynical, and hopefully the closures will be seamless with no additional risks, but I wonder how long it will be before the whole operation is outsourced to a call centre on a sub-continent ....

From my perspective I can't help feeling that a small part of a [hopefully never used] safety net is being taken away ....


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24282002

 

[burgundyben]

Contrary to popular understanding the coastguard is not a man on the cliffs with a pair of bins....

 

[longjohnsilver]

Contrary to popular understanding the coastguard is not a man on the cliffs with a pair of bins....

But Brixham CG staff live locally and many are ex local seamen so know the locality better than most. It's that local knowledge that will mostly disappear, unfortunately.

 

[rafiki_]

Good to hear Sir Alan is back at "the helm". He suffered a nasty heart attack back in May. He is a top bloke!

 

[prv]

I wonder if anyone has thought about how we should be addressing the new MCA covering those area(s) on Channel 16 ?

I guess they will either retain the same "callsigns" in their respective areas, even though the person with the headset may be in Milton Keynes, or it will just be "Coastguard" everywhere. Regardless, there are going to be people calling "Solent Coastguard" between Christchurch and Chichester for at least ten years or so - it takes a long time for this kind of thing to sink in.

Pete

 

[DTIM]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the RNLI take over the coastguard in the not too distant future.

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Barking!

 

[MILLIE BOO TOO]

- it takes a long time for this kind of thing to sink in.

Pete

 

[ariadnemyc]

Coastguard changes in the Solent

Solent Protection Society has discussed these issues with the Chief Coastguard. For more details visit
http://www.solentprotection.org/issues/coastguard-reorganisation-cgr/

That feature does not answer all the questions, but SPS has also arranged a lecture in Southampton by a senior Coastguard, Geoff Matthews. It is in Southampton on 24th January. For details, and to book your place visit
http://www.solentprotection.org/event/21st-century-coastguard/

It will be a good chance to ask questions, and hopefully get answers.