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‘Times have changed’ - Inspiring a generation for both men and women

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“We should be using our roles to promote inclusivity and a workplace for all, that’s what it’s all about.” As part of this year’s International Women’s Day, the Deputy to the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) has highlighted the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. In 2018 Lisa McAuliffe became the first woman to be appointed a Deputy to the SOSREP. This is a role which during maritime emergencies empowers Lisa to make time critical decisions on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport during a shipping incident, or the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. This is a role she takes seriously but also enjoys. Lisa says it is the combination of both men and women that brings “different dimensions and perspective to a team”, adding “work should never be about gender, but about recognising the individual”. In 1970 women were allowed to join HM Coastguard for the first time, and

Coastguard teams recognised with bravery and conduct award

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Coastguard Rescue Teams in the Western Isles have been celebrated by police for their “brave, decisive and courageous actions” within the community. The Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards, run by Police Scotland, is a chance for the force to recognise individuals and organisations that have gone the extra mile in emergency situations. As part of this the Western Isles Coastguard Rescue Teams have received a Bravery and Conduct Award, for their ongoing mutual support to police. The citation from Police Scotland highlighted the “invaluable assistance, expertise and knowledge” provided by HM Coastguard in challenging circumstances, adding the Western Isles teams “work effectively with police to achieve the best possible results”. “The brave, decisive and courageous actions of the Western Isles Coastguard Teams ensure that the community they serve are kept safe on a daily basis.” In a special awards ceremony held on 23 February, Coastal Operations Area Commander Murdo

Coastguard mud training is 'huge step forward' for multi-agency rescues

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HM Coastguard has joined forces with emergency services in Hampshire to improve overall response to people stuck in the mud. After three days of training with HM Coastguard earlier this month, members of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service can now travel up to 400 metres away from solid ground to assist with mud rescues. Firefighters are equipped to travel around 30 metres across areas of softer land and mud, so this training has provided the skills and resources they need to increase this distance. The training in Portsmouth enabled the two agencies to work together and experience call outs involving mud, further improving their understanding of location, skills, and how to respond to those in need.   Around 20 people took part in the training, including representatives from the local coastguard teams, police marine unit and animal rescue. Coastal Operations Area Commander Tom Wright said the training was “a huge success”, and is excited for it to be rolled o

First series of behind-the-scenes documentary COASTGUARD to air once more

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Series One of the hit documentary series COASTGUARD will be repeated on Wednesdays at 10pm, starting tonight. The first series, which went behind-the-scenes at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), returns to our screens as filming for the second series continues at pace, with a planned broadcast later in the year. From tonight, Wednesday 17 January, at 10pm on Channel 5, viewers will get a second chance to see the wide breath of work covered by the MCA for the next six weeks. Over 5 million viewers tuned in across the first showing of the series last summer, which showed exclusive access to the vital work of the agency. From surveyors who check the safety of vessels to heart-stopping rescues carried out by HM Coastguard, viewers will once more see that safety drives the work across the agency. To find out more about the first series, take a look at our behind-the-scenes features from each episode . Watch this space for news on when Series Two will air.

Look out for HM Coastguard in new Snowdonia rescue series

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The action-packed world of HM Coastguard is returning to your screens next week, this time part of a dramatic documentary series on emergency services and rescues.   SOS Extreme Rescues  follows the work of emergency services and volunteer organisations responding to emergencies, taking place in the stunning, wild landscape of Eryri, more commonly known as Snowdonia. As part of this new BBC2 series, viewers can follow the Coastguard and partner agencies across miles of Welsh mountains, forests and coastline, as teams respond to dangerous call outs and those in urgent need. From rescuing an injured power-kiter on a Wales beach to an injured walker on Twll Du (Devil’s Kitchen), look out for HM Coastguard across the series, with teams from Abersoch, Barmouth and Criccieth, along with the helicopter crews from Caernarfon, featured. North Wales Police and the RNLI are just some of the agencies the Coastguard works with on a regular basis, also highlighted in this new series.  Watch the firs

Hero awards for pair who saved mud-trapped girls from rising water

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Blythe CRT with (front row, l-r) Coastal Operations Area Commander Martin Lowe; Scott Reed; Jon Wright and Peter Liley from Tynemouth Medal Trust; Sean Robinson and Ryan Douglas   A pair of Coastguards who rescued three children trapped in mud with water up to their necks have received awards inspired by the bravery of a Coastguard colleague more than 130 years earlier.  The lifesaving actions of Scott Reed and Sean Robinson, Coastguard Rescue Officers from Blyth, were recognised with Bronze certificates from the Tynemouth Medal Trust as well as Chief Coastguard commendations.  The incident on Saturday 10 June 2023 started at about 7pm when HM Coastguard received a 999 call from a mother stating that her daughter and two other young girls were stuck in the mud at the River Blyth with the tide coming in.  Blyth and Newbiggin Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRTs) were sent along with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Blyth RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, and the North East Ambulance Service.   W

HM Coastguard competes in triathlon world championship

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Two members of HM Coastguard have returned from Hawaii with triathlon world championship medals. In October Senior Coastal Operations Officer Bex Owen and Coastguard Rescue Officer Alex Tennant were whisked off to Kona to take part in the annual Ironman World Championship. This year the championship was divided by gender, making this the first ever female-only event of its kind. This invite-only triathlon is one of the world’s toughest, made up of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and a marathon (26.2 miles). This put both Coastguard’s training and love of exercise to the test. “Everyone wants to qualify and get here, getting the invite was like a pipe dream,” Bex said, pictured below . Both based in the south of Wales, the two Coastguards regularly take part in sporting events and challenges. From half marathons to bike rides, their passion for adventure and fitness has taken them all across the globe. Ironman however is one accomplishment Bex and Alex will never forget. Bex