STILL NO REPLY FROM MCA HEADQUARTERS

When the revised MCA Boat policy was published in June our Station Officer wrote to headquarters pointing out that the withdrawal of all Coastguard Patrol Boats planned for some time between 30^th September and 1^st April 2002 would do irreparable damage to the reputation of HM Coastguard and in the case of the Tamar Coastguard Boat it would leave the Plymouth area without an inshore rescue facility.(Link to email 26^th June.) He was told that it was inappropriate for him to contact MCA HQ direct and that if there was an issue it should be taken up through the line management structure.

Having discussed the matter with the Tamar Coastguard Team and SE Cornwall Sector Manager, Brixham District Controller submitted a case for retention of the Tamar Coastguard Boat as a Rescue facility. We are grateful for the strong support given by our Sector Manager and District Controller. but as of 1^st September they have had no reply from MCA headquarters.

You can review the incidents the boat has attended this year on the CPB page, under current MCA plans there will be no more entries after 1^st April 2002 or sooner. We are not sure how casualties like these will be dealt with after that date.

The Tamar Coastguard Team wishes to reassure the seafarers of Devon and Cornwall that it is doing everything possible to secure their future safety.

If any more information concerning the boat is received from MCA headquarters we will update this page accordingly.