While everyone eagerly awaits news on a second series (watch this space!), several of those who starred in the inaugural series took a moment to reflect on the success of throwing open the doors and giving the public a glimpse at the vastness of the work covered by the agency.
“Friends, family and even my dentist has watched it and admitted that they only now really understand what I do,” James Billyeald, team leader in the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) said. James makes a number of appearances across the series.
“I thought it was insightful and a chance to really show more about what we do.”
That feeling was shared by many of those who appeared in the series, with Coastguard Rescue Teams, Operations Room staff, Survey and Inspection, Counter Pollution and Salvage and air crew among those starring across the six, one-hour long episodes.
The prime-time series was over a year in the making and focused on how we work together across an Agency that is both regulator and rescuer, with the common goal of ensuring safer ships, safer lives and cleaner seas.
Director of HM Coastguard Claire Hughes said: “We were proud to show the variety and complexity of the work of HM Coastguard, showing people more about how we do what we do.
“Although we would have liked to see more of our wonderful Coastguard Rescue Teams in action, we feel this was a great start.
“We would love the opportunity to show the public even more especially about our Coastguard Rescue Service in a second series.”
Chief Coastguard, Pete Mizen, added: “Our volunteers give so much to the cause of saving lives at sea all year around, with more than 300 teams across the UK, and if even one person has learned more about who we are, then this has been worthwhile.
“We agreed to let cameras in to raise awareness – and looking at how many people tuned in each week, we have achieved that.”
Senior maritime investigator Mark Flavell (who appears in the first episode) felt the series worked to show search and rescue activities and the complexity of that, as well as showing that the work undertaken by the MCA in its efforts to keep the seas safe is much more than search and rescue.
He said: “I thought the series was informative and interesting to watch. It shone a light on the range of activities undertaken by the MCA in its efforts to keep the seas safe, which is more than just coordinating lifeboats and rescue helicopters.
“I have enjoyed watching and it will hopefully go some way in improving the public’s awareness.”
Cameras followed surveyors as they went about their work ensuring ships are safe to sail, operations room staff as they coordinate rescue responses, counter pollution work and the Regulatory Compliance Investigations Team (RCIT) enforcing safety through prosecutions under the Merchant Shipping Act.
Cameras were also in the air with search and rescue helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, as well as interviews with some of the rescued, to show how meaningful the work can be.
Principal Marine Surveyor David Fuller (who appears in episode six) said: “I have received many positive comments from influential people in the maritime industry about it, who are aware of the job we carry out and have been watching. If it makes the difference that we prevent even one unnecessary death in the fishing industry, then the effort will have been worthwhile.
"It is good to see the lesser-known work of the MCA with regard to surveys and accident prevention being discussed."
Jayne Ede, Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer (appearing in episode four) agrees: “My mum thought it was great, so that’s a big sign of quality.
“I think a lot of our families felt very proud to see what we do being shown on the small screen.”
The series had an overwhelmingly positive response in the press, with viewers and on social media. You might have even seen the series promoted on BBC Breakfast on two occasions during airing of the first series.
If you're keen to see what you missed out on, or want to rewatch your favourite episodes, then visit My5.
