Hundreds of volunteer HM Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) in the United Kingdom face the prospect of receiving no remuneration for their life-saving duties, a change they warn could jeopardize coastal safety and lead to significant personnel departures. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) plans to remove a token payment of £11 per hour, up to three hours, for call-outs and training, a decision that has left many volunteers feeling unappreciated and concerned about the future of the service.
Critical Role of Volunteer Coastguards
HM Coastguard is recognized as the fourth blue-light emergency service in the UK, responding to a wide array of incidents along the nation's 1,000-mile coastline, as well as inland during floods. These volunteers, who number over 3,000, drop everything when an alert sounds, responding to medical emergencies, people stranded by tides, aircraft crashes, and even unexploded World War II shells. They are trained in specialized rescue techniques, including first aid, rope rescue, mud rescue, and cliff rescues, tailored to the specific challenges of their local areas.
Unlike the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), HM Coastguard is a government body, and its rescue officers on the ground are volunteers. The nominal hourly payment has long been seen as a way to offset expenses and acknowledge the commitment required, particularly for those who are self-employed or need to take time away from paid employment. For some, this small stipend allows them to afford small comforts for their families as compensation for missed time, or to justify being on call more frequently.
Legal Ruling and Proposed Changes
The shift away from any remuneration stems from a Court of Appeal ruling that classified volunteers as 'working' while carrying out their duties. This classification means they would be entitled to more rights, prompting the MCA to move to a new, unpaid volunteer model to protect the service's future, according to the agency. However, CROs were informed of this change in an online meeting, with the removal of pay set to take effect from September.
Concerns Over Impact on Safety and Morale
Volunteers express deep concern that the removal of pay will lead to a mass exodus. Surveys suggest that at least 60% of coastguards may leave, with many others reducing their hours. This attrition could leave stations dangerously undermanned, potentially forcing closures and reducing response capabilities. The loss of experienced personnel, some with decades of specialized training, is also a significant worry. The ability to safely conduct rescues, which often require a minimum number of personnel for tasks like carrying stretchers or securing safety lines, could be compromised.
Beyond the practical implications, volunteers cite a significant morale hit. They feel the decision demonstrates a lack of appreciation for their dedication and the risks they undertake. Some point to the irony of this change occurring under a government that has pledged to protect workers' rights.
The Human Cost of Volunteer Service
Coastguard rescue officers often deal with traumatic incidents, including retrieving victims from suicides and fatal accidents. These experiences can take a mental toll, and while the camaraderie within teams provides support, the need to return to normal family life after such events can be difficult. The volunteers emphasize that while they do not do the job for the money, they do it because they feel valued and respected. They argue that the MCA's handling of the situation has been deeply worrying and has damaged this sense of respect.
Protests and Calls for Reversal
In response to the proposed changes, some CROs have traveled to Westminster to participate in parliamentary debates and protests, urging the Maritime Minister to reverse the decision. They highlight their commitment to their communities and the vital role they play in ensuring coastal safety. The volunteers believe the MCA had an opportunity to improve the service and properly compensate its dedicated personnel but instead chose a path that undermines it. Without a change in policy, they fear Britain's coastlines will become significantly more dangerous for everyone.