At a ceremony in London on 13 November, the MCA’s Regulatory Compliance Investigations Team (RCIT) were presented with the Impact award.
The RCIT are responsible for enforcing maritime shipping legislation and other maritime health and safety legislation. They will investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute criminal breaches.
Find out more about the work of the RCIT.
The CLUE Impact accolade recognises outstanding contribution to protecting society from harm; achieving exceptional results in tackling wrongdoing or implementing innovative preventative strategies.
The award specifically praised the RCIT’s contribution to upholding and improving safety in the fishing industry by encouraging crews to follow regulations for wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs).
The RCIT worked closely with MCA colleagues in Survey and Inspection teams, using data, aerial maritime safety compliance patrols, and structured processes to positively encourage compliance.
I’d like to congratulate all my colleagues in the RCIT. This is a fantastic achievement
Deputy Head of RCIT Jay Staff said: “Knowing that we’ve helped fishing crews work safer and come home safe and dry is very rewarding in itself, so to be recognised with the CLUE Impact too is the icing on the cake.
“Since we launched our initiative, operators have proactively come to us for guidance. They now understand the issues better and crews are going to sea more safely.
“There’s more to do but thanks to a proactive, organisation-wide approach we’ve made good progress, aligning with the MCA’s strategy of Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas.”
He added: “I’d like to congratulate all my colleagues in the RCIT. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to your professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit.”
Main photo: From left are Investigator Ken Crosby, Head of RCIT Neil Cunningham, Deputy Head of RCIT Jay Staff and RCIT Engagement Lead Sharon Williams
