UK Coastguard has new long-range phone numbers

NMOC at Fareham and is from the UK Coastguard blog

The UK Coastguard has introduced new telephone numbers for international and long-range communications.

·         The new UK Coastguard long-range point of contact number is:
+44 (0)344 382 0025 and

·         The new number for UK Coastguard medical advice and/or assistance is:
+44 (0)344 382 0026.

·         The email is:
ukmrcc@hmcg.gov.uk.

They replace the long-range telephone numbers that were previously directed to the Falmouth Coastguard Operations Centre. 

The standard means of contacting the Coastguard locally under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is still in place. 

While cruising in the Caribbean a few years ago, one of the boats owned by a friend of ours went missing. The UK Coast Guard was called (as was the USCG). The UK Coast Guard became the coordinator of all the local bodies and our friend was eventually found safe and sound. The French Customs had impounded his boat and had held him incommunicado having suspected erroneously that he was carrying drugs.

Ian Guy, Duty Controller for UK Coastguard, says, “Long range rescues can be very demanding and complex because they are taking place many, many miles from UK shores.

The main contact for long range rescues was previously held at Falmouth, but given the reorganisation of HM Coastguard to a national network, it made perfect sense to relocate the telephone numbers to our National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) in Fareham. 

'It's vital that we get the new change of number out to all mariners and seafarers because if they do get into difficulty we want to help them as quickly as possible. 

Our priority is to protect life at sea and we will always do everything possible to provide assistance for a mariner or vessel in need.

In the event that we can't get there ourselves, we will do our best to support the lead agency and identify someone who can help.  We would urge everyone to familiarise themselves with the new numbers and make sure they are on hand in case you need them.”