The Coastguard Association

HM Coastguard is the national category 1 emergency service responsible for the initiation and co-ordination of all maritime search and rescue (SAR) within the UK Maritime Search and Rescue Region. This includes the mobilisation, organisation and tasking of adequate resources to respond to persons either in distress at sea, or to persons at risk of injury or death on the cliffs or shoreline of the United Kingdom. It is also responsible for all land-based search and rescue helicopter operations across the UK.

Every minute of every hour of every day, over 300 Coastguard Rescue Teams remain on call across the UK to respond to those in need at sea, along the coast and further afield. These teams are made up of specially trained Coastguard Rescue Officers who volunteer to join HM Coastguard, leaving their families, friends, full-time occupations and putting plans on hold when the pager sounds. Coastguard Rescue Teams are specially trained and equipped in a wide range of search and rescue disciplines including water and flood rescue, lost and missing person search, technical rope rescue, mud rescue, critical casualty care, 4×4 off road driving and much more.

The Coastguard Rescue Teams are tasked and coordinated by the highly trained full-time staff within the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres across the UK who answer 999 calls, respond to mayday radio transmissions and bring these emergency incidents to a safe conclusion using the resources available to them including Coastguard Rescue Teams, full-time senior coastal officers, lifeboats (RNLI and independent) and search and rescue aircraft.

And while these dedicated people are helping save lives across the country, The Coastguard Association is the charity dedicated to help them in their time of need.

To make it easier to find the correct person to help with your query please view below the key responsibilities of the National Committee and their contact details:

Chair – Stuart Arundel

To ensure the smooth running of the Coastguard Association and to give advice to all Branches, regarding welfare and financial needs.
To ensure the committee fulfils the aims set out by the constitution and acts in the interest of its members.
To liaise closely with all National Committee members.

Name: Stuart Arundel
Telephone: 01507 358446 / 07963785981 – If Important PLEASE ring as emails are not always answered quickly
Email: Click here to e-mail the Chair
Address: Highfield Lodge, Bank End, North Somercotes, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 7LJ

Vice Chair – Bud White M.B.E.

To support the Chair with the smooth running of the Association and stand in when they are unavailable.
To ensure the Charity Commissioners are informed of any Committee changes or Trustee changes annually
To help retired members to retain links with their colleagues.

Name: Bud White M.B.E.
Telephone: 07534 908195
Email: Click here to e-mail the Vice Chair

Treasurer – Steve Brooks

Take charge of the funds of the Association, including renewal of the affiliation fees. Receiving all sums of money paid in and paying out such money as is properly authorised by the committee.
Report the state of the Association finances at committee meetings.
To receipt any money donated to the Coastguard Association, and to write letters of thanks to those who donate money to the National Charity Account.

Name: Steve Brooks
Telephone: 07831 140385
Address: Brayfield; Willerton Road; North Somercotes; LN11 7NH
Email: Click here to e-mail the Treasurer

National Secretary – Joanna Howard

To assist the Chair with the development of the Coastguard Association and answer any questions or problems that occur within.
Prepare the Agenda for the AGM, after consulting with the Committee and branches; perform such duties as the Committee may from time to time decide.
Receive and report to the Committee all applications for membership, the current numbers of members and any other related matters he considers should be brought to the Committees attention.
To deal with any correspondence as required.

Name: Joanna Howard
Email: Click here to e-mail the Secretary

Welfare Officer – Alan Fisher

To deal with all claims of hardship, poverty, illness and requests for support which are reported to the Coastguard Association and decide if claim is warranted and falls within the charity commission rules.
The contact for bereaved families, and send condolences on behalf of the Coastguard Association.
The contact for those who require the assistance of the Coastguard Association in the form of grants and loans.

Name: Alan Fisher
Telephone: 07788 127743
Email: Click here to e-mail the Welfare Officer

Digital Operations & Engagement – Kevin Paterson

To manage the Coastguard Association website.
To develop and manage the Coastguard Association’s social media and communications strategy.
To develop and manage the Coastguard Association’s digital presence.
To develop and support the Coastguard Association’s ICT and digital infrastructure.
Edit and produce Coastline Magazine – the official digital publication of the Coastguard Association.

Name: Kevin Paterson
Telephone: 07889 816772
Email: Click here to e-mail the Digital Operations & Engagement Officer

Public Relations – Matt Cox

To develop and maintain a positive image for the Coastguard Association.
To develop and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
To improve communications with existing and potential Coastguard Association members and stakeholders.

Name: Matt Cox
Telephone: 07807 790665
Email: Click here to e-mail the Public Relations Officer