The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is bringing you a behind-the-scenes documentary series for the first-ever time.
The new series, Coastguard: Every Second Counts, will air on Sunday 2nd July at 9pm on Channel 5 and will offer viewers the chance to see the wide breadth of work covered by the agency.
Safety underpins all our work
From the surveyors who check the safety of vessels to the nail-biting rescues HM Coastguard carry out, viewers will see that safety always underpins the work across the agency.
We granted full and exclusive access to TV crews for 12 months to allow time to provide insight into the varied, complex and, at times, tragic work of the maritime regulator in the UK.
Sharing stories of dramatic rescues
It will bring to life stories of dramatic rescues from across the UK, by using footage captured from the air – and speaking to the helicopter crews who saw it from above.
Documentary makers were also able to capture action at our Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Fareham, Hampshire, to show the vital work of coastguards during a rescue. First person recollections help to place the viewer in the midst of the rescue, while also demonstrating the expertise of the teams.
Regulatory Compliance Investigations Team
We meet members of the Regulatory Compliance Investigations Team (RCIT), who are responsible for investigating and prosecuting unsafe practices at seas.
We follow team members as they go about their day-to-day tasks in investigating and bringing to trial individuals and companies in breach of maritime laws – the MCA has the power to bring a direct prosecution.
Tragic loss of life
The first episode opens with the tragic consequences of not following these stringent safety rules, to the loss of life of a boat’s crew member.
We also follow the team as they engage in safety checks, using imagery from fixed wing aeroplanes to ensure that vessels are operating in a safe manner while navigating through British waters.
Counter Pollution and Salvage team
Viewers will also see the work of the Counter Pollution and Salvage team, whose work to identify, coordinate and respond to maritime environmental concerns requires strong working partnerships with a number of agencies.
We follow the fixed wing aircraft as they monitor the seas for any signs of pollution.
Sea pollution can damage the fragile eco-system of a marine environment and the MCA team work hard to minimise any impact.
Virginia: Every member of our team is focused on saving lives
Virginia McVea, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said,
“The MCA exists to save lives and every member of our team is focused on that each day when they come to work all across the UK. That’s a special job.
“This is a great opportunity to help us remind the public how to be safe along the coast and reassure everyone in the UK that when you call us, we will respond.”
Tune in to Channel 5 on Sunday at 9pm.
News shared by MCA in their own words. Ed
Image: © Channel 5
