operational at even a junior level. It is an
impressive setup.
INHERENTLY FLEXIBLE
Beyond the building itself having redundancy
built into its design, the NMOC and remaining
Coastguard stations around the country have
been linked electronically to ensure flexibility.
Each can take control of Fareham’s systems
within minutes, while transmissions from
VHF antennae around the coastline can
be accessed directly from any station so
that broadcasts are quickly targeted to the
correct area.
When a 999 call is received, a position
is automatically triangulated and shown
on the operator’s screen. ‘A lot of work has
gone into the design, so if you go to another
station, the working environment will be
the same, even down to the same desk and
chairs. It fosters
cooperation –
even if we’re
geographically
separated, we are
working as one
team,’ explains
Commander
Steve Carson.
When the
Coastguard
units are working
together or coordinating a major rescue,
all stations are linked via a secure video
link that allows commanders and their senior
staff to quickly discuss face to face before
making decisions. While we were visiting,
Commander Carson demonstrated this
technology by linking up with the Dover
station; the result was a crystal-clear videolink with a view of the English Channel in the
background. The NMOC also has flexible
meeting rooms that can be expanded to
include other members of the emergency
services when dealing with a major incident
where the Coastguard may be called on to
take the lead. ‘That doesn’t happen often, but
we’re ready for it,’ adds Commander Carson.Justin Kase /AlamyTHE KNOWLEDGEThe Sikorsky S-92
aircraft can carry
21 survivors and, in
extremis, even moreLand-based rescue assets
continue to form part of UK
Coastguard infrastructure