From its humble beginnings with coastal lookouts to today’s hi-tech national network – one thing has stayed the same for two centuries – HM Coastguard seeks to search, to rescue and to save.
It was on 15 January 1822, that HM Coastguard was formally brought into existence and has been working to keep people safe at the coast and sea ever since.
HM Coastguard is now a world class leader in maritime search and rescue, on call 24/7 to send help to anyone in difficulties around our coasts, every day of the year. We know what we need to do, the resources we need and how to respond quickly. Protecting and saving lives is what we do, but did you know that our origins lie in the protection of a different sort involving violent clashes and illegal trade?