What are the opening hours?

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

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Home
United Kingdom
Southampton
Maritime and Coastguard Agency

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

13/06/2026

Helping children and young people learn water safety skills could save lives 💙

It's Drowning Prevention Week, raising awareness of the importance of staying safe in and around water.

Start conversations, share advice, and help spread the message.

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

12/06/2026

Three busy days in Southampton at Seawork, plenty of conversations at our stand, and a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, partners and industry contacts from across the maritime sector.

Despite the rainy weather, it was fantastic to see so many people stop by to speak with our teams, ask questions and find out more about our work. We really value the conversations we had to better understand how we can continue to improve and work better with you.

Highlights included Lars Lippuner, Director of UK Customer Maritime Services, speaking at the Workboat Association Pavilion drinks reception, and Jonty Slater, Assistant Director of the UK Maritime Innovation Hub, presenting at the “Autonomy in the Real World: Uses, Savings and Setbacks” session to a packed room.

A big thank you to everyone who came to see us, both familiar faces and new connections.

See you next time!

06/06/2026

Today we commemorate 82 years since the D-Day landings, the historic Allied invasion of Normandy during the Second World War and still recognised as the largest seaborne invasion in history.

The success of D‑Day played a crucial part in securing protection from invasion and we will never forget the sacrifices of those who gave their service across our nation.

05/06/2026

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) continues to play a leading role in delivering regulatory confidence for industry and has welcomed a global agreement on a new international Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code.

The code, due to be published next month, provides the first international regulatory framework for remotely operated and autonomous cargo ships covered under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

As subject matter experts for the UK delegation, the MCA has been instrumental, alongside industry experts, in advancing the code, demonstrating the UK’s dedication to the development of regulatory frameworks.

Leanne Page, MCA Assistant Director – Future Technical Standards, said “The new code is game-changing progress for the MASS sector, delivered by maritime nations working together on safe and pragmatic standards. We’re very proud to have played a leading role in reaching this major milestone.”

30/05/2026

Some invitations are simply too special to turn down 👑

“An experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life” is how John Williams, our Regional IT Service Manager for South England and Wales, described attending the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace earlier this month.

After 22 years in the Royal Navy, John joined us in May 2024 as he transitioned into civilian life. He quickly recognised a need to create a space where veterans across the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) could connect, share experiences, and feel less alone during that transition. Shortly afterwards, in November 2024, the MCA Veterans Network was set up, with John serving as Chair ever since.

John said, “In a relatively short time, it has grown into a genuinely supportive community. And if I'm honest, it has helped me just as much as I hope it has helped others.”

Congratulations to John on his nomination and for bringing something so valuable to our agency.

29/05/2026

Hot weather and busy beaches can be disorientating for younger children.

It’s not uncommon for little ones to get lost in crowds, but these tips can help reunite you if you do become separated:

Take a photo on arrival so you have an up-to-date reference to show authorities (and a handy reminder of what they were wearing) 📸

Agree a meeting point if you get lost 📍

Use beach wristbands and write your contact number on them so you can be called and reunited if you get separated 🙋

Make sure that everyone in the group knows to call 999 if they’re in trouble 📞

Wristbands can be ordered from our web shop for free. Get yours here: bit.ly/HMCGwristbands

28/05/2026

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) continues to support industry through strong international collaboration, as demonstrated by recent work to enable an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) to operate in UK waters.

The 24-metre vessel is fully autonomous, highlighting the increased use of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) in offshore operations.

Certified using internationally recognised principles as set out by the International Maritime Organization streamlined the approval process, while maintaining confidence in both safety and compliance.

MCA Assistant Director of Technical Operations, Prasad Panicker, said:
“Requiring careful consideration to ensure compliance with UK requirements, this operation highlights how close alignment and international cooperations between regulators and operators can pave the way for innovation at pace.”

The use of uncrewed autonomous vessels is a rapidly emerging technology within the maritime space. With effective communication and early identification, maritime agencies and regulators like the MCA can provide swift support and certification, ensuring innovation progresses without compromising safety.

27/05/2026

The National Water Safety Forum's 2025 Water Incident Database (WAID) released today gives insight into water-related fatalities in the UK.

Many of those who sadly lost their lives were not intending to enter the water, with cold water shock remaining a hazard. Cold water shock is the body’s involuntary response to sudden immersion in cold water. It causes gasping, panic and loss of swimming ability.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember Float To Live – float on your back with your ears submerged until you can control your breathing and become more acclimatised to the water temperature.

Move your arms gently to help keep you afloat. We all float differently, so it doesn't matter if your legs sink.

If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Swipe to read more from the WAID data ➡️

26/05/2026

The High Sheriff of Hampshire was welcomed on a visit to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Fareham to find out more about HM Coastguard and the lifesaving work it does around the UK.

William Maltby was given a tour by JRCC manager Matt West, including the opportunity to see inside the operations room where search and rescue responses are run by highly trained officers.

The visit on 11 May was particularly special because the High Sheriff is the Sovereign's representative in the county for all matters relating to the Judiciary, law and order – and emergency services, such as HM Coastguard.

Mr Maltby met HM Coastguard officers and was given an outline of how they work when dealing with emergencies and the wider roles and responsibilities of the service that encompasses the whole of the UK coastline and national waters.

As well as maritime search and rescue coordination and response, HM Coastguard delivers service around the country such as counter pollution and salvage, and vessel traffic services.

Mr Maltby said: “We were given a fantastic and clear briefing about the scope of HM Coastguard’s activities, which are broader than I realised, and what a pivotal role the JRCC plays within it.

“As a maritime nation, the role of HM Coastguard is incredibly important, so it was wonderful to see just how professional, skilled and resilient the service is.

“I was also impressed by how clever they have been to use technology to improve the service and increase its efficiency and range. HM Coastguard unquestionably is the unsung hero of our emergency services.”

Matt West added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the High Sheriff of Hampshire to the JRCC and to highlight the depth and breadth of what we do – not just from Fareham but across the country as one of the UK’s four frontline emergency services.”

25/05/2026

Inflatables are great for the pool, but they’re not safe for the sea.

Even in light winds, they can quickly drift you out to sea and put you in danger.

If you’re heading to the beach this bank holiday, leave inflatables at home and save them for the pool instead.

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

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

https://linktr.ee/maritimecoastguard

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Maritime and Coastguard Agency posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Maritime and Coastguard Agency:

Shortcuts

Address
Telephone
Opening Hours
Alerts
Contact The Organisation
Claim ownership or report listing

Want your organisation to be the top-listed Government Service in Southampton?