Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre joins National Network

Work has been carried out at the search and rescue coordination centre to upgrade technology and introduce new system.

 This means Belfast CGOC is now connected to the National Maritime Operations Centre in Hampshire and other Coastguard stations around the country.

 The changes to HM Coastguard will see the NMOC and ten other CGOCs around the UK can work together to manage the workload.
Alex Smith (pictured), Maritime Operations Controller at Belfast CGOC, said: 'People who call us for help won't notice any difference. 

 There'll be the same number of lifeboats, Coastguard Rescue Teams, helicopters and other rescue resources.

 'But the way we deliver the coordination of search and rescue operations on our coast and out at sea is changing. 

 Here at Belfast CGOC we're now part of this network, so we can call upon our fellow Coastguards elsewhere in the country and also 
in turn help them out if needed.'


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