You would help to rescue people who are in danger at sea, and on the cliffs and shores around the United Kingdom.

You’d work for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and co-ordinate search and rescue operations along the British coast. You could also investigate illegal shipping activities and pollution incidents.

You’d identify and respond to maritime and coastal emergencies. You’d work closely with a team to get help to the location as quickly as possible. You’d help people who have got into difficulty in a boat or are trapped on the cliffs, mudflats and rocks around the coast.

You would:

• answer and handle 999 calls at an operations centre

• check the equipment

• give the general public information about safety at sea

• advise people in charge of boats on safety procedures

• give out weather information and local weather reports

• update logs and do general administration

As a coastguard watch assistant you’d provide administrative support and work in the operations room.

As a coastguard watch officer you would be involved in all aspects of the service.

As a coastguard rescue officer volunteer, you would be trained to respond to emergencies and paid for the hours you work.

• Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Government executive agency that works to prevent the loss of life on the coast and at sea