*** Search & Rescue in the United Kingdom *** Mon Nov 7 14:08:41 1994 Message : #18566493 From: John Chaffey Address : ac351@FreeNet.Carleton.CA Group : Usenet.misc.emerg-services Length : 1198 words Subject : SAR - U.K. and FAQ Org. : The National Capital FreeNet Attached is a report on SAR in the U.K. It is probably a bit out-of-date, and I know it is missing info on volunteer groups, and "land" SAR in general. Any comments/additions/corrections appreciated. Maybe we could add this to the FAQ, as I could also do one for Canada (a little more complete than this) and I'm sure between us we could do one for the U.S. Here's the U.K. report: SEARCH AND RESCUE IN THE U.K. Search and Rescue has a long tradition in the United Kingdom. It has evolved over hundreds of years, and while there may be some degree of complexity in its organization, it is highly regarded for dedication, commitment and results. There are six SAR Regions in the UK and Ireland, each with Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). Each SRR is further divided into (a total of 28) districts, each with a Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre. There are 170 sector divisions of these districts, and each sector has at least one auxiliary Coastguard station, which may be manned 24/7 or only at peak times. The MRCCs and MRSCs are manned 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by employees and volunteers of HM Coastguard. There are also two "air" RCCs, operated by the Royal Air Force, one of which is the Mission Control Centre for the COSPAS/SARSAT system. There is a comprehensive VHF communications system operated by HM Coastguard, and a network of coast radio stations for medium frequency distress communications, operated by the Post Office. The following is a description of SAR organization and resources in the U.K.: H.M. Coastguard H.M. Coastguard is an agency of the U.K. Department of Transport, responsible for the coordination of SAR incidents and maritime pollution spills. H.M. Coastguard is responsible for provision and operation of 21 Rescue Coordination Centres, and for the initiation and coordination of SAR incidents, but does not provide the operational response, except through contract to commercially-operated helicopters at three locations. The annual budget of HM Coastguard is approximately $100 million, and the contracted SAR helicopters account for $17 million of this. The task of H.M. Coastguard was defined in 1992 as follows: HM Coastguard is responsible for the initiation and coordination of civil maritime search and rescue within the United Kingdom Search and Rescue Region. This includes the mobilisation, organisation and tasking of adequate resources to respond to persons either in distress at sea or to persons at risk of injury or death on the cliffs or shoreline of the United Kingdom. Auxiliary Coastguards The Auxiliary Coastguard have several roles, including visual coastwatching, radio monitoring, working at the MRCC/MRSC, and operating a rescue "shoreboat". Some belong to rescue companies that operate breeches buoy, cliff and other shore-based rescue equipment. There are also "auxiliary coastguards afloat", selected from coastal seafarers including fishermen, ferrymen, or yachtsmen with well found craft, whose activites place them in a position where they may be able to assist in SAR incidents, as part of the Shoreboat Rescue Scheme. Shoreboat Rescue Scheme Approximately 700 boats around the U.K. coast are registered under the Shoreboat Rescue Scheme and are available to be called out for SAR tasks by the Coastguard, who are responsible for administering the scheme. The scheme includes a number of privately organized and independent rescue services. The Coastguard insure and reimburse members of the Shoreboat Rescue Scheme for expenses incurred when they are called out, similar to the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. The U.K. Department of Transport is a ground segment provider for the COSPAS/SARSAT sytem, with a LUT (satellite downlink terminal) located at Lasham. The RCC at Plymouth is the U.K. COSPAS/SARSAT Mission Control Centre. Royal National Lifeboat Institute (R.N.L.I.) The RNLI, founded in 1824, operates 133 offshore lifeboat stations, 55 of which also provide for inshore rescue. In addition, there are 67 stations with inshore capabilities only, some seasonal. Each lifeboat station will typically have persons assigned with the following responsibilities: - coxswain - mechanic - launcher - honorary officials: - Secretary - Two Deputy launch authorities - Treasurer - Medical Adviser A station may also have trained volunteer radio operators, visual signalmen and winch and tractor operators. In general, the coxswain and mechanic (and possibly others depending on the size of the station) are full time employees, but crews and honorary officials are volunteers. Each division is under the authority of an Inspector of Lifeboats, and stations are subject to inspection at any time. There are 9 RNLI divisions, and a fleet of relief lifeboats is maintained to ensure minimal disruption in service while a vessel is being repaired or refit. There are three grades of lifeboat capability: offshore, intermediate and inshore. The bulk of the financing of the RNLI comes from private contribution, notably through the national "Flag Day", where pins are offered for a monetary contribution, like poppies in Canada. Charitable bequeasts and contributions are the major sources of on-going funding. RNLI Service Levels The RNLI maintain 133 lifeboat stations at certain locations to be able to reach any casualty up to 30 miles offshore within four hours of launching. Lifeboats will have the capacity for four hours "loiter" time at 30 miles from the station. The RNLI has a towing policy similar to the Canadian Coast Guard - that is, the first objective of the lifeboat is to save the lives on board, but the master may reach an agreement to tow the distressed vessel. Such assistance will only be rendered if it does not place lives in risk, or if commercial services are available. Salvage claims by lifeboat crews are discouraged, and the RNLI disassociates itself with a crew that makes such a claim. Ministry of Defence The Royal Air Force is responsible for the response to aviation incidents in the U.K., and provides two RCC's, at Edinburgh, and Plymouth, for the provision of SAR services. Although designated as military centres, these RCCs respond primarily to incidents involving civil aircraft, or when requested by HM Coastguard or local authorities to provide assistance in specific incidents. The RAF RCC at Plymouth is also the UK Mission Control Centre for COSPAS/SARSAT. The RAF provides SAR helicopter support with Sea King and Whirlwind helicopters at six sites and Wessex helicopters at three sites. The Wessex crews include a diver. Royal Navy helicopters (Sea King) are on call at three additional sites. RN vessels are available as vessels of opportunity, although one naval vessel is designated on call for SAR at all times. Commercial Helicopter Services There are now four contracts for helicopter SAR operations at three sites around the North Sea. These sites are Aberdeen, Manston, and Sumburgh. These helicopters operate under the command and control of HM Coastguard during an incident tasking. Bristow Helicopters has been active in providing helicopter services to oil companies operating in the North Sea since 1978, now holding two of the four contracts there. -- John Chaffey ac351@Freenet.Carleton.Ca (John Chaffey)