Work by members of Maritime & Coastguard Agency recognised in New Year Honours


Work by members of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency in the maritime sector has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.

 The recently-retired Director of Her Majesty’s Coastguard Richard Parkes has been awarded the CBE for his contribution to maritime safety.

 As the head of HM Coastguard, he had the lead responsbility for major projects including establishing new arrangements for search and rescue helicopters, with new bases and modern aircraft. He was also responsible for creating a single national network of Coastguard Operations Centres bringing in new technology and creating extra resilience for the emergency network.
Richard joined the MCA in 1998. 

 He said: “I am humbled to be recognised in this way.  I am proud to have led such a tremendous team effort to change the way we both coordinate and respond to search and rescue missions.”
Alison Kentuck receives an MBE for her services to the maritime sector over the past 12 years as Receiver of Wreck.

 During that time she worked tirelessly to reunite owners with items lost at sea or recovered from wrecks. This resulted in some international returns including seventeenth century cannons to the Dutch Navy, U-boat propellers to the Germans and the bell from the SS Mendi donated to the South African Government.

Alison said: “I feel very honoured to be receiving this award. It has been a privilege to serve as the Receiver of Wreck for the last 12 years and I am delighted that the varied and unusual role of the Receiver of Wreck is being recognised in this way. This honour is equally a reflection on the commitment and dedication of all those who have worked with the Receiver over the years in sometimes difficult and sometimes extraordinary situations. There is no other role like it.”






Coastguard rescue officer Roland ‘Roly’ Warmington is to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for an amazing four decades of voluntary service with the Portsmouth Coastguard Rescue Team. 

 The 61-year-old coastguard rescue officer has spent 40 years attending incidents, saving lives and rescuing those in need. An amazing accolade for a remarkable man.

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