The team, which has a proud history dating back to the early 1900s, received the honour at a ceremony held at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea on 5 June.
Station Officer Connor James, Deputy Station Officer Gary Locke, and Coastguard Rescue Officers Alastair Wilson and Leanne Brereton were present to accept the award on behalf of the team.
The 12-member volunteer team covers an area extending from the Kenfig River to the vicinity of The Secret in Swansea. Thanks to their specialist equipment, they can deploy much further when needed, including as far as Chepstow to support regional operations.
What makes this recognition particularly significant is the team's diverse background. All members balance their rescue duties with full-time careers spanning management roles, the armed forces, and the NHS.
Their award acknowledges the team's high level of activity and dedication over the past year, which included saving the life of someone in crisis and performing two critical water rescues where team members swam out to carry out immediate intervention.
Every single coastguard officer who serves is a hero in our eyes
Station Officer Connor James said: "While none of us volunteer for recognition, the pride we felt simply being nominated - let alone winning - was incredible. It was a fantastic moment not just for our team, but for the service as a whole."
Port Talbot CRT maintains strong connections with the local community and was one of the busiest teams in the region for public relations events last year. They focus heavily on public engagement and sharing the key safety message: in any coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
The team hopes this recognition will raise awareness about the vital work of coastguard rescue teams across the country and encourage more people to visit the HM Coastguard website and social media channels.
Gary said: “This award is for every coastguard rescue officer who's had to leave a family event, walk away from a half-eaten meal, or get up in the middle of the night when the pager goes off - to be there when someone needs help.
"Every single coastguard officer who serves is a hero in our eyes.”
For those considering volunteering with their local coastguard rescue team, the Port Talbot team encourages them to take the step. They describe the work as a privilege that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives, while building special bonds with teammates who become like family.
Many team members serve for years, with some families contributing over 100 years of combined service to the Coastguard.
Their joint message to potential volunteers is simple: “It's a privilege to give back, to respond when people need us most, and to make a real difference.”
