Thames Coastguard needs your support RIGHT NOW!

[Phoenix of Hamble]

You may have seen in today's announcements a proposal that the MRCC centres around the UK are merged into a small number of 'super centres'.

The proposal recommends a complete removel from the Thames Estuary of any local station (excepting a small unit with the Port of London Authority covering the Thames).

I'm trying to find out how we as a community can have a voice in this decision, but in the meantime, perhaps the MRCC unit for the Thames Estuary, based at Bradwell would appreciate your support at what must be a very difficult time for them. Walton MRCC is on 01255 675 518

Please be aware though that the line is recorded, so whoever answers your call will not be able to say what they really think, although I think you'll hear from their tone of voice how they really feel right now.

Yours, somewhat worried about how a bloke in Liverpool is going to have any idea where Eagle, Mersey Quarters or Medusa are, Morgana

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

For anyone who feels strongly that this would reduce the quality of service available to us in the Thames Estuary, then here is the URL for the questionnaire for service users to contribute during the consultation process

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07...osals_for_modernisation_consultation_2010.htm

 

[sailorman]

For anyone who feels strongly that this would reduce the quality of service available to us in the Thames Estuary, then here is the URL for the questionnaire for service users to contribute during the consultation process

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07...osals_for_modernisation_consultation_2010.htm

done it

 

[MoodySabre]

Yours, somewhat worried about how a bloke in Liverpool is going to have any idea where Eagle, Mersey Quarters or Medusa are, Morgana

They might know where Mersey is

Point taken Neil. It was a shame to lose the bit at the end of the safety information broadcast "and currently the weather off Walton is...." - at this rate it'll all be dealt with in India

 

[ianc1200]

Roger

didn't they stop doing the "and currently the weather off Walton is...." about 2 to 3 years ago? I always thought that was the most interesting bit.

regards

IanC

 

[Stork_III]

They might know where Mersey is

Point taken Neil. It was a shame to lose the bit at the end of the safety information broadcast "and currently the weather off Walton is...." - at this rate it'll all be dealt with in India

I think its a few years since they have given the local weather at the end of the SIB.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

They might know where Mersey is

Whoops!... but strangely Freudian!

 

[Koeketiene]

For anyone who feels strongly that this would reduce the quality of service available to us in the Thames Estuary, then here is the URL for the questionnaire for service users to contribute during the consultation process

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07...osals_for_modernisation_consultation_2010.htm

Done

 

[MoodySabre]

didn't they stop doing the "and currently the weather off Walton is...." about 2 to 3 years ago? I always thought that was the most interesting bit.

I think its a few years since they have given the local weather at the end of the SIB.

My point. Every few years things change. The trouble with 'normal' is that it's getting worse.

(hi Ian - Sea Moon hasn't blown over yet )

 

[Lucky Duck]

Roger

didn't they stop doing the "and currently the weather off Walton is...." about 2 to 3 years ago? I always thought that was the most interesting bit.

regards

IanC

Not sure when it was but the weather conditions 'close inshore at Walton on the Naze' haven't been included in their broadcasts for what feels some time now. I found this very useful when either in a sheltered spot or if the weather hadn't read the forecast that day.

The loss of local knowledge (just how many Pewitt Islands are there?) and a feel for weather is what really concerns me.

 

[FullCircle]

At 48 pages, the consultation document is just being printed. Then I can get on with the reply.

We have until March


Would it be a good idea to post our replies so that we can have a mind jogger for some of our own questions?

 

[Cantata]

Just a slight correction to Morgana's OP - the CG location at Bradwell is not an MRCC. East Coast MRCCs are only at Walton (Thames CG) and Yarmouth (Yarmouth CG).
The location at Bradwell is a combined sector office and local CG Rescue Team base, plus it's an aerial site. Sector offices are the home for sector managers. The sector manager based at Bradwell is the local CG professional responsible for several volunteer CG Rescue Teams.
CG Rescue Teams (the 3500 nation-wide people at the front line on the coast) will still very much exist in the proposed new regime, but with a different supporting local professional CG management structure, in which Sector Managers are replaced by a different post. I'd imagine the Bradwell station will live on. It's a CG aerial site, too.
That's my understanding after reading the consultation document twice.
I am a volunteer CG on my local rescue team. I'm not supposed to 'discuss' the proposals with you but I don't see why I shouldn't assist in clarifying any details.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Thank you!

 

[DipperToo]

Not sure when it was but the weather conditions 'close inshore at Walton on the Naze' haven't been included in their broadcasts for what feels some time now. I found this very useful when either in a sheltered spot or if the weather hadn't read the forecast that day.

The loss of local knowledge (just how many Pewitt Islands are there?) and a feel for weather is what really concerns me.

If there should be a mayday call, in poor weather a local CG station would have a far better view of potential dangers and local hazards.

The MCGA questionaire makes a point of referencing local 'volunteers' for the knowledge. Whilst the volunteers do an admirable job for precious little recognition, it should not now fall entirely on their shoulders to replace many of the local CG functions which look like being completely withdrawn.

I guess none of the current government actively pursue watersports...... and consequently probably have little idea of the realities other than a spreadsheet approach and trying to do too much too quickly.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

If there should be a mayday call, in poor weather a local CG station would have a far better view of potential dangers and local hazards.

The MCGA questionaire makes a point of referencing local 'volunteers' for the knowledge. Whilst the volunteers do an admirable job for precious little recognition, it should not now fall entirely on their shoulders to replace many of the local CG functions which look like being completely withdrawn.

And any referencing will take time, even if its just a quick phone call... I want the CG to be able to ask the pertinent question there and then, such as "which Stone point do you mean?" or "are you the Colne bar side of the spitway?"....by the time they've realised that more info is needed, my batteries may have been flooded causing me to lose radio comms....

I can see it now....

"sorry sir.... according to my chart, there isn't a Thunk tower....."

"Sunk... I said Sunk"

"ah yes... 'sunk' sorry sir.... could you give me your position again?"

Oh lordy......

 

[fergie_mac66]

They might know where Mersey is

Point taken Neil. It was a shame to lose the bit at the end of the safety information broadcast "and currently the weather off Walton is...." - at this rate it'll all be dealt with in India

of course ! the liverpool lifeboat will be launched !

 

[Koeketiene]

"sorry sir.... according to my chart, there isn't a Thunk tower....."

"Sunk... I said Sunk"

"ah yes... 'sunk' sorry sir.... could you give me your position again?"

It's a sorry state of affairs, but the East Coast has not been an MCA priority for some time. Neither manpower or resources.

Anyone still remeber, some time last year, the yacht grounding whilst taking the 'overland' route off the North Kent Coast?
Thames Coastguard had to contact MRCC Oostende and they dispatched a helo from Koksijde...

Penny-pinching of the worst kind

 

[Cantata]

It's a sorry state of affairs, but the East Coast has not been an MCA priority for some time. Neither manpower or resources.
Anyone still remeber, some time last year, the yacht grounding whilst taking the 'overland' route off the North Kent Coast?
Thames Coastguard had to contact MRCC Oostende and they dispatched a helo from Koksijde...
Penny-pinching of the worst kind

Helo coverage in our area is generally provided by the RAF Sea King flight based at Wattisham, you'll have all seen them around. Can't recall what the problem was that night, whether they were u/s or already busy elsewhere.

 

[tillergirl]

I'm not supposed to 'discuss' the proposals with you but I don't see why I shouldn't assist in clarifying any details.

I'm in a country now where officials 'cannot discuss the proposals'. One of them - a real senior guy - said today: "I wish we were like England where you can speak openly and honestly without suffering. We should model ourselves on you". Bloody outragous that they say that to you.

I haven't read the material yet but will do when (if) I return.

 

[Cantata]

You might say that, but I couldn't possibly comment.