Operations

The Directorate of Operations consists of six separate parts: Enforcement, Survey, Inspection including Port State Control , Her Majesty’s Coastguard (HMCG) Search & Rescue and Incident Prevention and Counter Pollution. These branches provide statutory survey and inspection services to ensure the UK fleet meets high safety standards and carry out Port State Control of non UK ships, investigate and prosecute breaches of Merchant Shipping legislation, co-ordinate search and rescue and maintain a marine counter pollution response capability. Additionally, the Press Office which works closely with the operational teams both in Headquarters and the Regions is within the Directorate.

Counter Pollution

The MCA responds to spills of oil and other hazardous substances in the UK waters. We assess all reports of marine pollution and take the appropriate action to mitigate any possible effect on the UK environment. Counter Pollution and Response Branch review contingency plans from ports, harbours and local authorities to assess their compatibility with the National Contingency Plan. The branch also provides training and assistance to local authorities to aid their response to any pollution in their regions. The Regional Operations Managers take responsibility for monitoring and dealing with pollution in their regions with support from HQ as needed.

Head of Counter Pollution & Response
Toby Stone - (023) 80329 525
Logistics/Finance Officer
Brenda Smith - (023) 80329 484
Logistics/Claims Officer
Gail Robertson - (023) 80329 482
Senior Scientist
Kevin Colcomb - (023) 80329 411
Counter Pollution Mariner
Steve Varley - (023) 80329 407
Admin Officer
Dominic Stevens - (023) 80329 544
Admin Officer
Daniel Hunt - (023) 80329 448

Inspection

The Inspection Branch supports Marine Offices in inspection of UK and foreign ships (ports state control). It is the contact point for procedures and case guidance, collates information on inspection activity, follows up ship detention with interested parties, managers the Survey and Inspection system (SIAS) and input to the Paris MOU system (SIRENAC), develops policy and represents the UK at national and international fora.

Survey

The branch develops, promotes and monitors a consistent policy for survey operations; act as a focal point for Marine Office surveyors, Marine Accident Investigation Branch and classification societies when dealing with surveys overseas on behalf of the UK.

Security

The Maritime Security Branch develops, promotes and monitors a consistent policy on the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code for UK registered cargo ships, and for inspection of foreign ships when in UK ports.  The branch provides the focal point of contact on security issues for MCA’s Marine Office Surveyors and for central Government bodies

Head of Maritime Security
Phil White (023) 80 329 511
Maritime Security Manager
Jenny Paglia (023) 80 329 478
Security Information Manager
Laura Cummins(023)80 329 319
Security Administrator
Isabel Gurr (023)80 329 156

Receiver of Wreck

Receiver of Wreck
Sophia Scott - (023) 80329 474
Deputy Receiver of Wreck
Alison Kentuck - (023) 80329 476

Enforcement

This unit investigates breaches of Merchant Shipping legislation and prosecutes offenders where appropriate. Offences are varied and include pollution, safety and manning, breaches of the Collision Regulations and forged certificates.

Principal Enforcement Officer
Jeremy Smart - (023) 80329 270

Public Relations

The MCA Public Relations Office has two main functions, one as a Press Office liasing with the media. Maritime incident media work is carried out, when required, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, as one press officer is always on call.

Any media journalist wishing to contact the out of hours press officer can call the MCA PR office on 023 80329 401 where an answer machine will indicate the relevant contact details. PR endeavours to post press releases on the web as soon as possible after issue, these can be found on www.mcga.gov.uk/news

The second function of the MCA Public Relations Office is one of marketing, which focuses on communicating safety and prevention information to the varied groups and individuals that use the sea and UK coastline for pleasure or for work. This involves managing creative campaigns, literature production, pro-active media liaison, distribution and much more.

Photograph & Video Co-ordinator
Linda Hoare - (023) 80329 395
Public Relations Support
Linda Summerfield - (023) 80329 295

SAR Response

The SAR Response Branch is dedicated to the provision of a world class SAR response and co-ordination service for those in distress or in need of help within the United Kingdom Search & Rescue Region (UKSRR) and the provision of a sustainable SAR Prevention Strategy aimed at reducing the number of maritime incidents, accidents and deaths within the UKSRR.

Head of Administration
Rebecca Binstead - (023) 80329 486
SAR.Response@mcga.gov.uk