New technology will aid search and rescue around Caithness coast
State-of-the-art technology will bring a new edge to the search and rescue potential of HM Coastguard (HMC) sites in Caithness.
Old copper-based cables are being replaced with fibre-based technology across 165 remote radio sites across the United Kingdom, which started with Weymouth last week and eventually including Noss Head, Thrumster and Dunnet Head.
Each radio site receives distress calls from UK waters and the replacement technology will bring improvements such as security and bandwidth.
Damien Oliver, commercial and programmes director for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “We are investing £175 million into this new national radio network, which is central in preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea.
“At a time when getting outdoors is pivotal to people’s mental health and wellbeing, it is essential that we can provide reassurance that we are here to respond to any emergency they may find themselves in, and this new network will enhance our ability to do that.”
The new network is being built and maintained by Telent Technology Services Ltd.
Peter Moir, managing director of network services at Telent, said: “This network may not be seen by many people, but it’s literally a lifeline for someone in distress at sea. It’s important that this network’s capability continues to support HMC in the vital lifesaving search and rescue work that it does.”
The new fibre-based hybrid network will also make sure that HMC can continue to:
- communicate with ships, smaller craft, and other leisure users in UK waters to advise on navigation hazards or receive distress alerts.
- track shipping and other craft through automatic identification systems.
- communicate and co-ordinate search and rescue assets including HMC rescue teams, lifeboats, HMC helicopters along with fixed-wing aircraft and emergency tugs which all save lives and protect the marine environment.
- launch and direct the hundreds of charitably funded lifeboats that save lives.
Coastguard issues safety advice for Christmas coastal dippers
