Coastguard

If you get into difficulties around the coastline or at sea and require assistance, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard

The Coastguard has been in existence in the Isle of Man for over 140 years. The Isle of Man Coastguard was formed in 1989 in response to the withdrawal of the HM Coastguard and the closure of its co-ordination centre in Ramsey. By agreement, HM Coastguard provides search and rescue co-ordination for all of the waters around the Island from Liverpool, with support and advice from IOM Coastguard as required.

As part of the Ports Division, the IOM Coastguard is responsible for the provision of search and rescue teams to deal with incidents around the coast and, increasingly, inland. There are 5 teams located at

• Douglas
• Castletown
• Port Erin
• Peel
• Ramsey

These stations provide a response by Coastguards within 20 minutes to any part of the coast. The service responds to an estimated 150 requests for assistance each year and co-operates closely with other emergency services.

Coastal surveillance remains the core activity of the Manx Coastguard service and a high degree of familiarisation of the coast is required, gained through a system of more than 1000 patrols by the stations each year.

All Coastguard units are fully equipped with vehicles and a range of coastal and inshore rescue equipment. Increasingly, they are used as part of a co-ordinated response to inland emergencies such as hill searches and river pollution incidents.

The service deals with many reports of unusual objects washed up on the Island’s shoreline, most of which the Coastguard is familiar with. However, if an object gives cause for concern, the Navy Bomb Disposal Team can be contacted to take over. The Coastguard also collects, stores and arranges the disposal of out-of-date marine pyrotechnics.

Strong links have been retained with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and its Liverpool sub-centre responsible for co-ordinating all sea rescues in Manx waters. Regular contact is also maintained with the helicopter squadrons of the RAF and Royal Navy who provide air assistance when required. A high degree of liaison also exists with the RNLI lifeboat stations with many operations and exercises being conducted together.

The Coastguard is a fully integrated part of the Ports Division and often called upon when extra staff are needed in emergency situations.