UK Coastguard to replace emergency radio network infrastructure
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the UK is investing over £170 million in a new radio network; meanwhile the coastguard helicopter crew at Lydd in Kent completed its 1,000th tasking
The investment will enable Her Majesty’s Coastguard (HM Coastguard) to continue to save lives for the next years. The new network will be built and maintained by telent Technology Services Ltd. and is a significant investment in telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas. The existing network will be replaced with a modern and resilient fiber-based hybrid network, which will provide increased reliability, bandwidth, and security.
Commercial and Programs Director Damien Oliver is the Senior Responsible Officer for this Program. He explained: “This is a vitally important investment in Coastguard infrastructure through the construction of a new national radio network, without which Her Majesty’s Coastguard simply could not fulfil its role in protecting life on the coast and in our waters into the future. This new network will replace the increasingly difficult to maintain analogue system in place today. It will also provide fiber connectivity to the very rural areas in which the majority of our 155 remote radio sites are located.”
Milestone rescue
Meanwhile, the HM Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter crew at Lydd, Kent has marked a major milestone after completing its 1,000th tasking since beginning lifesaving operations in 2015.
Captain Andy Pilliner, co-pilot Stijn Roovers and winch paramedic Shawn Clark undertook the 1,000th tasking, when the Children’s Acute Transport Service called for support just after midnight on 24 July.
The milestone came as HM Coastguard’s UK Search and Rescue helicopter service, operated by Bristow Helicopters, celebrated its fifth anniversary. Bristow was awarded the 10-year contract by the Department for Transport in March 2013.
Director of HM Coastguard Claire Hughes said: “There are people right across the UK and even further afield who owe their lives to the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter crews. We are grateful for their continued support, particularly during these challenging times. Each milestone is a testament to the sustained hard work and commitment of our crews.”
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