Dover, London CGOC Join National Network

Work has been carried out at both search and rescue coordination centers to upgrade the technology and introduce new systems. This means Dover and London CGOC will be connected to the National Maritime Operations Center (NMOC) in Hampshire and other Coastguard stations around the country, which will be able to offer mutual support and share work during busy periods.

It’s the final stage of the transition which means the NMOC, the nine other CGOCs, and the small unit based in London can work together to manage the workload. There will be no reduction in rescue resources. The availability of Coastguard Rescue Teams, lifeboats, rescue helicopters and other rescue units will be unaffected.

Julie-Anne Wood, head of maritime operations for HM Coastguard, said:  “The way we deliver the coordination of search and rescue operations on our coast and out at sea is changing. But the public won’t notice any difference. If you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, or issue a mayday broadcast, we will still be here to help you.

“The new national Coastguard network will be able to oversee and assist with operations around the whole of the UK. Dover CGOC is now part of this network, so can call upon help from fellow Coastguards elsewhere in the country, and also in turn help them out if needed.

There will still be the same number of lifeboats, Coastguard Rescue Teams, helicopters and other rescue resources.’

‘The small unit based in London works in conjunction with the Port of London Authority to co-ordinate incidents on the Thames.’

The new national network is now fully operational.