To search, to rescue, to save
His Majesty's Coastguard is one of the UK’s front line 999 services.
As the UK’s national maritime emergency service, we're available to help those in distress around our coastline or at sea 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
HM Coastguard is truly part of coastal communities, with over 300 coastguard rescue teams around the UK coast made up of around 3,500 volunteers. In their roles as coastguard rescue officers, our local volunteers respond to many types of incidents, including cliff and mud rescues.
As well as our volunteers, HM Coastguard has over 400 highly trained staff who provide a wide range of services including responding to over 36,000 incidents each year.
Our Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) are spread across the UK, from Falmouth to Shetland - covering over 11,000 miles of coastline.
As the tasking authority we call on the support of a range of assets including independent and RNLI lifeboats, HM Coastguard rescue teams, helicopters and other aircraft support.
In addition to our search and rescue role, we also respond to pollution events, monitor vessel movement in UK waters and even collect wreck, royal fish and other salvage on behalf of His Majesty The King.
