Christmas callouts - on duty with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! For lots of people, an alarm going off on Christmas Day means a festive roast is ready to eat.
But for those on duty for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on 25 December, it could be a report of someone in trouble at the coast, a pollution incident or a vessel that needs urgent attention.
The MCA is on watch to keep people safe at sea and by the coast around the clock, every day.
Emergency at the coast? Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Meet the people ready to respond at Christmas.
Max Hawkins, Team Leader, Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)
I’ll be working with my team from 6.30pm on Christmas Day, taking emergency calls and coordinating the response to incidents. The day shift will go home to see their families and we will pick up, just like any other day.
I have a very understanding other-half; she knows it comes with the job.
But for those with families it can be difficult and, if possible, we'll try and see that those with children get the chance to spend time with them while they’re still young enough to enjoy the Christmas magic.
I’m fortunate that I’ve never had to manage a complex incident over Christmas. One year I did take a distress call from a cargo ship with what initially seemed a serious incident onboard.
We have to be available to help, no matter what time of year
But thankfully no one was hurt and the vessel made it safely to port without requiring assistance from us. A good reminder that commercial shipping does not stop over Christmas.
You do have people going out for a walk on the coast for Christmas or Boxing Day, and they can slip and injure themselves or get caught out by the tide. We have to be available to help, no matter what time of year.
Paul Tunstall, Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer (Scottish Islands and Northern Ireland)
Funnily enough, I don’t mind being Duty Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer over Christmas – there’s a variety of calls that can come in, although it’s usually quieter as people take time off over the holidays.
I’ll join the morning HM Coastguard conference calls from home and keep my phone close by in case there’s an incident. It might be a vessel breaking down or sinking, a substance reported on a beach or something totally unexpected.
It’s not always quiet; some major incidents have unfolded through Christmas Day. In 2011 the MCA was part of the multi-day response that safely removed a cargo of vacuum gas oil from a damaged vessel at Belfast Lough.
It’s not always quiet; some major incidents have unfolded through Christmas Day
If a call does come in, my job is to assess the risk and coordinate the response to incidents, liaising with organisations to ensure prompt and appropriate action to protect the public and the environment.
I also manage the operational deployment of the Ievoli Black, HM Coastguard’s Emergency Towing Vessel, based in Scotland. The on-duty crew will be on board for Christmas, away from their families.
They’ll celebrate together with a dinner but will be ready to respond if required. We hope the call won’t come.
Shane Neill, SEO Surveyor – Naval Architect, Belfast Marine Office
Working over the Christmas holiday period is not ideal for me with a very young family at home. However, being part of the MCA team here in Belfast, everyone plays their part when their time comes, and this year is my turn.
By doing so, as a team, we fulfil a vital role in ensuring the safety and compliance of vessels, both domestic and international, even through winter conditions which normally deteriorate around this time of year and during a time when many might assume that operations have slowed down.
Port state control inspections are essential for maintaining high standards of maritime safety. Vessel movements are monitored throughout each day, and depending on a particular vessel profile, or some unforeseen circumstances, some vessels will be required to be inspected. Everyone plays their part when their time comes
Inspections assess whether the vessels entering our local waters adhere to international conventions such as SOLAS and MARPOL, and local regulations, which means inspecting everything from safety equipment to hull integrity and machinery.
Despite it being the holiday season, my other colleagues on duty throughout the rest of the United Kingdom remain dedicated, and if inspection/survey is required, it is reassuring to know that they are there on hand to help if advice is required.
Our work is key to minimising risks and ensuring that maritime activities continue safely through the holidays and winter months ahead.
Claire Hall, Station Officer, Lowestoft Coastguard Rescue Team
It can be difficult when families are together, unwrapping presents, having their Christmas dinners when we might be called out to a shout.
We’re here on standby as there are always risks when people are on holiday, while out walking or enjoying our coastline.
From tidal cutoffs to dogs stuck in the river and Christmas Day swimmers in difficulty, we see a variety of incidents over the festive season.
People should be very careful walking in coastal areas or visiting beaches that are unfamiliar and should always check the tide times.
At this time of year, storms move in and erode cliffs, potentially making them unsafe, while weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly. We’re here on standby as there are always risks.
On Christmas Day, I really, really enjoy watching my grandchildren open their presents.
For me, cooking Christmas dinner for guests is truly nerve-wracking so when I’m responding to Christmas Day callouts, I’ll happily hand over the reins!
You just really try to enjoy Christmas as much as you can. The pager might never go off but, if it does, it’s for something very worthwhile.
Emergency at the coast? Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
