Adrian Kay, Senior Coastal Operations Officer for H.M. Coastguard, explains more about the 3 sections of the coastguard service, and how the 3000 volunteers make up the 400 UK crews.

Understanding how these crews fit into the responder network, and what their roles, responsibilities and capabilities are, will allow BASICS Scotland Responders to make better use of these resources in the future.

• Call early- via ambulance control to the Coastguard Ops Room rather than local contacts

Maritime & Coastguard Agency YouTube Channel

HM Coastguard Operations Centres

HM Coastguard website – www.mcga.gov.uk

Adrian initially moved to the West Highlands in 2000, to work for SNH on the Isle of Rum (population 25). This also give him his first experience of contact with HM Coastguard, as a volunteer on their small response team.

He then joined Northern Constabulary, in various policing roles including CID, child protection and wildlife crime.  He also served for four years on Benbecula and the Uists, which gave him a great insight into the challenges of remote rural policing.

In 2006, he joined HM Coastguard as a Senior Coastal Operations Officer, training and supporting volunteer Coastguard Rescue Teams across the Argyll coast and islands.  He ensures the teams maintain a high level of operational readiness, and is a technical instructor in water rescue, land search, casualty care and rope rescue techniques.

Adrian has a particular interest in casualty care, and as well as introducing the enhanced Coastguard CERCC course locally and providing training support elsewhere on the coast, he is currently involved in the introduction of a robust clinical governance framework across the organisation.