Newly published UK Coastguard research has highlighted potential staffing difficulties for coastal rescue teams under proposed changes to the employment arrangements of Coastguard Rescue Officers, with implications for Northern Ireland's network of rescue stations.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) published the findings on Thursday, 29 October, revealing that 37% of respondents to a national survey said they would reduce their availability if an expenses-only volunteer system were introduced, while a further 7% indicated they would be unable to continue.
The findings cover Coastguard Rescue Officers across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. Afloat has previously covered HM Coastguard recruitment in Northern Ireland, including the training and availability expected of rescue volunteers.
However, the MCA has not published regional results, and the UK-wide percentages cannot be applied directly to Northern Ireland.
Almost 2,000 Coastguard Officers Surveyed
The second MCA survey, conducted between 17 February and 15 March 2026, received responses from 1,990 of the 2,992 Coastguard Rescue Officers serving at the time, representing a response rate of 66.5%.
Under the proposed expenses-only model, 51% indicated they would maintain their existing availability, while 37% said they would reduce it and 7% said they could no longer continue.
Under an alternative paid worker model, 54% said they would maintain their availability, 14% indicated they could increase it, 16% said they would reduce it and 8% said they could no longer continue.
The MCA emphasised that the findings represent officers' stated intentions rather than predictions of future behaviour.
The results follow a Court of Appeal judgment on 14 January 2026, which established that the existing modest payments to Coastguard Rescue Officers had created a worker relationship requiring compliance with employment legislation.
Proposed Volunteer Payment Changes Abandoned
The MCA initially announced plans to introduce an expenses-only volunteer model from September 2026.
However, following concerns about the potential consequences for rescue officer availability, the UK Government announced on 16 July that the proposed change would not proceed and existing arrangements would remain in place while further consideration was undertaken.
Afloat previously reported on the controversy in July, when concerns were raised that removing payments could discourage volunteers from continuing their rescue duties.
The publication of the survey findings now provides numerical evidence of the potential consequences that were being debated at the time.
New Coastguard Union Agreement
The survey publication follows a separate development on 27 October, when the MCA and the GMB trade union signed a formal recognition agreement covering Coastguard Rescue Officers.
The agreement establishes a framework for consultation and representation on matters affecting officers, including their working arrangements.
MCA chief executive Virginia McVea said the agreement reflected a commitment to constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue, while recognising the contribution made by Coastguard Rescue Officers to saving lives and assisting people in distress.
The agreement does not itself determine the future employment model.
Northern Ireland Rescue Implications
Northern Ireland's Coastguard Rescue Service forms part of the wider UK network, with teams operating along the Antrim and Down coasts and around inland waters.
The MCA's published station list includes Ballycastle, Coleraine, Larne, Kilkeel, Newcastle, Bangor, Portaferry, Rathlin Island, Lough Neagh and Lough Erne.
These teams undertake coastal search and rescue duties as part of the wider emergency response network. Their role was illustrated in Afloat's report on the May 2026 Groomsport rescue, when Bangor Coastguard personnel worked alongside Bangor RNLI to bring a swimmer ashore.
Although the survey identifies potential reductions in officer availability under alternative employment arrangements, there is no evidence in the published findings that Northern Ireland's operational rescue coverage has already been reduced.
The MCA says further engagement and scrutiny will inform decisions on the future structure of the Coastguard Rescue Service.
For Northern Ireland's coastal communities, the outcome will determine the working arrangements under which local Coastguard Rescue Officers continue providing emergency response services.
