HM Coastguard: Voluntary Work
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s announcement that Coastguard Rescue Officers will move to a volunteer-with-expenses model from mid-September 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of that revised model on the resilience of the Coastguard Rescue Service; and if she will publish any evidence.
Answered by Keir Mather
Public safety remains our priority and careful consideration was given to the options for a revised operating model. The legal position, the operational implications, and the wider organisational impact have all been looked at in detail, as well as the views of current Coastguard Rescue Officers (CRO). They were clear that serving their community was a major reason why they volunteer.
Contingency plans are in place to enable the continuation of maritime and coastal search and rescue. HM Coastguard is closely monitoring operational performance, team availability, and safe response capability and remains fully committed to maintaining an effective, resilient maritime and coastal emergency response.
Alongside the Coastguard Rescue Service, HM Coastguard will continue to draw upon the full UK Search and Rescue system, including HM Coastguard aviation assets, RNLI and independent lifeboats, independent rescue teams, lifeguards and other emergency services as they do today.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →