All at sea together – or are they?
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and HM Coastguard are often confused with each other, or thought to be one entity. But here the two organisations explain their distinct roles within the UK’s search and rescue framework.
Martin McNamara, RNLI press officer, spoke about the role of RNLI in the waters around Britain and Ireland:
What is the RNLI?
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland.
We also have seasonal lifeguards who look after people on busy beaches.
RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved more than 142,900 lives since 1824 but we are more than a rescue service.
We influence, supervise and educate people too. Our community safety teams explain the risks and share safety knowledge with anyone going out to sea or to the coast, while our international teams work with like-minded organisations to help tackle drowning in communities at risk all around the world.
When was the RNLI founded?
The RNLI was founded in 1824 – next year, we will celebrate 200 years of lifesaving.
How many lifeboat stations and volunteers in the UK and Ireland are there in the present day?
The RNLI has 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland.
What service does the RNLI provide?
Our mission is simple – to save everyone. Our volunteers are ambassadors of our values, which are to be selfless, dependable, trustworthy and courageous.
Where does the RNLI operate?
The RNLI has 46 stations in Scotland; 12 of which can be found on Scottish islands and one inshore on Loch Ness.
What are some of the main dangers crews have to deal with in their volunteering service?
Our crews are willing to respond to the call for help in all weathers and sea states, leaving their loved ones to go to the aid of a stranger.
The RNLI ensures all of our crews are trained to the highest standard and our lifeboats are state-of-the-art to ensure safety levels are at an optimum.
Which other organisations or emergency services does the RNLI work with to save lives?
The RNLI works closely with all emergency services. As the coordinators of maritime search and rescue, the UK Coastguard task the RNLI to assist with incidents at sea.
We work alongside HM Coastguard rescue teams, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service personnel, and Police Scotland to help those in difficulty in the water.
Dave Graham, coastal area operations commander, for area 17 which covers Argyll and the islands, as well as Arran, talked about HM Coastguard’s responsibilities as a category-one emergency service.
What is HM Coastguard?
HM Coastguard is the national maritime 999 service for search and rescue, the operational arm of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
When someone is in trouble, one of our control rooms will coordinate the response, which might include sending coastguard rescue teams, helicopters or lifeboats, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Who are the people in HM Coastguard?
The Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of volunteers.
Anyone can volunteer to be a part of HM Coastguard, if you are aged 18 or over, have a full driving licence, and live or work within 30 minutes of your chosen rescue station.
All of our volunteers are trained in first aid, water rescue, map work, search techniques, communications, and specialist skills based on location.
Their reason for joining the Coastguard is always the same – to give something back to the community.
When was HM Coastguard founded?
On January 15, 1822 - last year HM Coastguard celebrated 200 years of protecting lives at sea with various events and celebrations across the country.
How has the service evolved during that time?
There have, of course, been many changes across two centuries of saving lives around the coast.
This includes new technology in the national network of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs), or leading the way in rope, water and