Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Safer lives, safer ships, cleaner seas. This is the official account for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and HM Coastguard.

Dangerous seas. Cork lifejackets. Lifesaving innovation. How a 19th-century Coastguard helped transform lifesaving at se...
06/09/2026

Dangerous seas. Cork lifejackets. Lifesaving innovation. How a 19th-century Coastguard helped transform lifesaving at sea.

John Ross Ward was a tireless innovator whose positive impact on those saving lives at sea is still felt today through inventions like the lifejacket and self-righting lifeboat.

05/09/2026

Planning that last beach day before the summer is over? Sounds great, but things can change in an instant, especially when visiting with children.

Visit a lifeguarded beach 🛟

Be aware of the weather and sea conditions 🌊

Keep a close eye on children and never let them swim alone. Go with others when exploring 👩🏻‍🤝‍👨🏽

Take a fully charged mobile phone

If you get in trouble at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Always check tide times (and weather) before heading to the coast 🌊Tides follow a predictable pattern, but can change qu...
04/09/2026

Always check tide times (and weather) before heading to the coast 🌊

Tides follow a predictable pattern, but can change quickly, and it’s easy to get cut off if you haven’t planned ahead.

Rapidly rising seas can trap you in bays, coves or on sandbars, often with little or no warning and no easy escape route.

Tides don't always follow straight lines and can sneak up around and behind you too.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

To mark Merchant Navy Day on Thursday 3 September, we're shining a light on the seafarers who keep the UK supplied with ...
03/09/2026

To mark Merchant Navy Day on Thursday 3 September, we're shining a light on the seafarers who keep the UK supplied with the goods we rely on every day, and hearing from someone who spent nearly two decades living that life.

One of those seafarers is Shajan Lukose, Head of Nautical Examiners at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). He spent 18 years at sea, rising to captain his own ship in 2000. He started his career in 1989 when voyages were longer and shore leave, unusual by today's standards, could stretch to three or four days.

Follow the link in the comments to read the full story 👇

31/08/2026

Make yourself easy to spot in the water by choosing bright colours ✨

30/08/2026

Your phone goes everywhere with you. Make sure to take it to the coast too 📱

If you’re heading out this bank holiday, plan your route home and stay away from the water if you’ve been drinking. Alco...
29/08/2026

If you’re heading out this bank holiday, plan your route home and stay away from the water if you’ve been drinking.

Alcohol can affect your judgement, slow your reaction time and make it much harder to swim or climb out if you end up in the water. There may also be hidden dangers below the surface that you can’t see.

Look after yourself and your friends. Never walk home alone.

28/08/2026

It’s the weekend many of us have been looking forward to before summer ends.

While you’re enjoying the coast, don’t forget there can be many hidden dangers.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

27/08/2026

As hard as it might be, don’t go in after someone in trouble in the water.

Instead: phone, float, throw 📱🌊🛟

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

26/08/2026

With a little help from her dog Stella, Coastguard Rescue Officer Tara from Seaham Coastguard Rescue Team shares a few simple tips for keeping you and your dog safe while walking along the coast.

Address

MCA Headquarters, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO151

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+442380329100

Website

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