Southampton coastguards to handle island maritime emergencies 3/7/11
Maritime emergencies in the Western Isles could be co-
Operations, duties and tasks traditionally handled locally may be dealt with anywhere in the UK under the proposals to do away with the present operational sectors.
A revamped structure of a national network of nine sub-
The fresh plan follows on from the retention of closure-
But all employees have to reapply for their jobs as posts are also being redesigned with different duties and job titles. Watchkeeper salaries are expected to rise under the plans.
The new proposals seek to employ 23 staff with the Stornoway maritime base continuing
as 24-
The consultation document says operations would be functional and not territorial.
It says: “The proposal would establish a single virtual operations network. Staff on duty anywhere in this national network would be trained, practised and capable of delivering any of the functions required of HM Coastguard for the UK. This broadening of expertise would develop the work of all staff in terms of variety, frequency and quality.”
MSP Alasdair Allan said: “I hope that the importance of local knowledge will be recognised more fully and that a local link should be maintained between coastguards and our coastal communities.”
He said: “In my latest consultation response I have asked for assurances about how
calls will be directed around the country between the various sub-
“In particular, I would like to add to the voices already seeking assurances that the Stornoway Station will still be dealing with the bulk of the calls originating from within its own area, where staff are familiar with the local geography and sea conditions..”
Mr Allan said: “I have also stressed the concern that has been expressed to me locally about the prospects of coastguards in Stornoway having to reapply for their own jobs under these current proposals.
“Obviously coastguard personnel in Stornoway are extremely pleased that their base is being maintained to a greater extent than previously proposed, but they are still left with some uncertainty about whether they will remain employed with the MCA, or not.
“I would like the MCA to reconsider asking serving personnel to reapply for positions.”
He said the future of the MCA should be based on increasing safety at sea, and not just on financial savings.
Mr Allan added: “The Maritime and Coastguard Agency did the right thing by abandoning their original plans for closure. Now we need to ensure that any new arrangements for the station deliver as much as they can for the islands into the future.”