THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL PUBLICATION OF THE COASTGUARD ASSOCIATION coastline MagaZineLAUNCH EDITION CONTENTS

4 Foreword - Pete Mizen

5 Editorial

6 News Around The

10 David Ilsley Memorial

14 A Day In The Life Of Matt Leat

6 18 Team Spotlight: Ardrossan CRT

20 Branch News

21 Four Bricks Tall

22 Reflection with Chaplain Tom SIGN UP TODAY AT WWW.COASTGUARDASSOCIATION.ORG.UK 24 Cuppa With Claire

26 Family Corner Kindly supported by...

27 From The Archives 10 28 Through The Lens Coastline Magazine Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team 32 Montgomerie Street Ardrossan Ayrshire KA22 8BW

Editor Kevin Paterson

Telephone 07889 816772

Email CoastlineMagazine 28 @coastguardassociation.org.uk Cover Image Jack Handley / Dartmouth CRT FOREWORD EDITORIAL

ELCOME to the launch But who is there to help us when we need it? ELLO everyone and the Coastguard increased by over 50%. Many edition of Coastline The Coastguard Rescue Service has excellent ‘I am extremely congratulations to Kev and all of you played an important part last summer Magazine – the new support systems in place including Chaplain of the editorial team for doing by participating in our “preventative” patrol digital publication of the Tom, who you will read more about later, and an amazing job on this, the programme which was designed to provide national proud of what Coastguard Association. I dare say teams around the country will have first edition of the new digital our SAR Co-ordination Network with valuable 2020 was a challenging their own form of support network. But there Coastline magazine. information, preventing incidents from committee HM Coastguard year as the COVID pandemic took hold around is also the Coastguard Association – it is here HM Coastguard and the MCA are hugely escalating into something much worse, whilst W H CHAIRMAN the world, and so far, 2021 doesn’t look much to provide financial and welfare support to supportive of the work of the Coastguard also providing a speedy response to those in has achieved Stuart Arundel better. Despite everything 2020 could throw Coastguards, both volunteer and full time, and Association and I know that the association difficulty and needing assistance. T: 01507 358446 at us, Coastguard Rescue Teams, full time their dependents in their time of need. has helped a number of people in the last year, With the potential for no international travel M: 07963 785981 E: chairman@ officers and operations centres continued to With annual membership costing less than over the last so I’d like to take this opportunity to express and increasing staycations, summer 2021 could coastguardassociation.org.uk assist the public day and night. From routine a round of drinks at the local pub (remember my gratitude to the CGA for all you do. be just as busy or busier which will of course callouts, multiple rescues and major incidents pubs?) it is a small investment to support not year...’ So to business and a massive thank you impact upon all of us in HM Coastguard – we to mutual aid support and deploying to assist only you, but your Coastguard colleagues to all of you who are contributing so much are already developing contingency plans to directly with the UK’s response to the COVID around the UK. to your communities in these difficult times. ensure that we are ready for whatever we may RETIRED OFFICERS REP pandemic – I can genuinely say I have never And this magazine is very much written Since the start of the pandemic over 1400 face. So, in advance of the summer season, can Terry Bearpark M: 07759 015433 been more proud to be part of HM Coastguard. by Coastguards – for Coastguards and content coastguards, both volunteers and paid staff, I say thank you - again! – your dedication and E: vicechairman@ We dedicate a lot of time and effort to is always welcome so please get in touch at: have participated in the mutual aid scheme; professionalism is very much appreciated. coastguardassociation.org.uk helping others, often at our own personal coastlinemagazine@coastguardassociation. setting up shelters, transporting oxygen, HM Coastguard is a family and with that sacrifice including time with family and org.uk - Stay safe everyone. undertaking beach surveillance, providing comes a great sense of camaraderie, so I was friends, missing out on special occasions, and comms and logistics and much more. really saddened to hear about the passing of turning up at the ‘day job’ with minimal sleep Kevin Paterson All this in addition to balancing the demands Dave Ilsley, one of the great characters of the TREASURER having been out all night on a callout. Editor of businesses, work and family, along with the coastguard service. Alan Fisher ‘business as usual’ of coastguard response. I I am sure that many of you have some T: 01754 768094 E: treasurer@ appreciate that as frontline responders you excellent tales to tell about Dave and his coastguardassociation.org.uk potentially place yourselves in harm’s way exploits – indeed Stuart plays a great tribute every time you attend an incident and that to him on page 6. I knew Dave very well from this can have an impact on both you and your my time as the Area Operational Manager families, so please accept my thanks for all and Divisional Commander and we worked Pete Mizen you have done in supporting HM Coastguard together during the Gloucester floods. Dave WELFARE OFFICER HM Coastguard Paul Davig in delivering its SAR response and fulfilling its put a smile on the face of everyone he met - T: 01964 614837 duties as a category 1 responder. he was a real character and once you met Dave E: welfare@ We’ve received some really positive feedback you’d never forget him! coastguardassociation.org.uk about mutual aid and are continuing to actively I am extremely proud of what HM seek opportunities to give our support to all of Coastguard has achieved over the last year, we those who need it as the pandemic progresses. have overcome many challenges and much You can read more about just some of the of this due to the professionalism, positivity NATIONAL SECRETARY Jo Howard mutual aid work that that HM Coastguard has and enthusiasm of our excellent teams and M: 07969 070838 been involved in on page 4. individuals. E: secretary@ FROM THE CHAIRMAN Last year, as the lockdown restrictions were Whilst we know that we are going to face coastguardassociation.org.uk I’d like to welcome you all to the new digital However, David and Sarah of ‘The Fundraiser’ eased, we saw an unprecedented number many challenges in the coming months there version of ‘Coastline’, written, edited and in County Durham continue to support us of people visiting UK beaches: Coastguard is also plenty to be optimistic about as we created by Coastguards, for Coastguards, and via their clothing collections, and we are incidents increased by 18% and 999 calls to the continue to invest in and grow our Service. entirely due to the efforts of Kevin Paterson, fortunate to continue to receive donations as a

Coastguard increased by 37% (compared to the PUBLIC RELATIONS our editor. result of successful rescues, which are entirely same period in 2019). Please stay safe! Matt Cox I’m also delighted to introduce Matt due to the professionalism and dedication of August was our busiest month - 999 calls to Pete M: 07807 790665 Cox who is supporting the association by the rescue teams around the country, who E: [email protected] enhancing our social media presence. I’d like respond to incidents whatever the time and to thank them both for their time and input whatever the weather. in creating this magazine and their continued I’d like to take this opportunity to pay efforts across social media. a tribute to one such retired Coastguard As I write this, we are in the midst of a and stalwart member of the Coastguard COASTLINE MAGAZINE pandemic which no-one could have foreseen, Association who sadly passed away in Kevin Paterson M: 07889 816772 yet the work of the Coastguard Association December. Dave Ilsley, aka ‘The Admiral of the E: CoastlineMagazine@ continues regardless and I send my thanks go Yellow’, served with the Burnham on team coastguardassociation.org.uk to all members of the Committee who continue and was a staunch supporter of our charity, to give their time freely. We also welcome Tom travelling around the coast with his two stock Ebbens, from the MCA Multifaith Chaplaincy, phrases ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ who is available to listen and support if and ‘Us Coasties stick togevver’. If we adopt needed. these adages, we will come through this. All charities have seen their fund raising I send my best wishes to you all. revenue plummet during the last year and the Coastguard Association is no exception. Stuart Arundel NEWS AROUND THE COAST

SUPPORTING COVID-19 TESTING ACROSS THE WESTERN ISLES

HM COASTGUARD is providing support to Isles, Skye and Lochaber, said: “We take great NHS Western Isles as part of the ongoing pride in supporting our local communities response to the Coronavirus pandemic. during this challenging period and we will Coastguard Rescue Teams in Barra, continue to do all that we can to help the Lochboisdale, Stornoway and Harris are using NHS. Our volunteers are working really hard coastguard drivers and vehicles to help the to help make what can be quite a difficult NHS with the transportation of completed logistical challenge, in terms of transporting COVID-19 tests. tests between Islands due to distance and Coastguards are supporting by picking up infrastructure, far more manageable and done COASTGUARD Rescue Teams from across and carrying tests from Barra to the Island’s as quickly and efficiently as possible.” Area 8 were deployed in December as part ferry, with the Lochboisdale Coastguard Murdo added: “We are committed to of the mulit-agency response to thousands MUTUAL AID FOR EAST OF ENGLAND AMBULANCE Rescue Team specifically involved in working to help the NHS, as a fellow category of lorry drivers being stranded in the UK transporting tests by road to the Berneray one responder, but this support does not ER Majesty’s Coastguard is first responder, in preparation for this due to the closure of the French border. Ferry Terminal. affect our capability and availability of our supporting communities supportive role. This provision of support Following the identification of a new The final part of the journey is completed HM Coastguard Rescue Teams based on in Suffolk and North East was initially up until Sunday 31st January, strain of COVID-19 in the UK, the French by either Harris or Stornoway Coastguard the Western Isles to deliver our dedicated Essex during the ongoing however, the agreement could be extended Government took the decision to close its Rescue Teams as they collect samples from service and serve our local Coronavirus pandemic by depending on the requirements of the NHS. border to all traffic from the UK, leading the ferry in Leverburgh and carry out the “We are committed communities as always.” enrolling volunteers as Claire Hughes, Director of HM to thousands of long-haul truck drivers final road transfer to Western Isles Hospital, Gordon Jamieson, NHS Western Isles Chief community first responders for the East Coastguard, said: “We remain absolutely being stranded in the south of England, H Stornoway, for laboratory processing. to working to help Executive, said: “Coastguard teams have been of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust committed to supporting other category one including many returning home to Europe The journey, in total, is about 140 miles in invaluable in the Western Isles’ response to (EEAST). responders and helping frontline services to for Christmas. distance from Barra to Stornoway – including COVID-19 from day one, as key members of Starting on Tuesday 19th January, up reduce the pressures on the NHS during the Operation Stack and Operation Brock the NHS...” two ferry crossings. our Pandemic Response Group. to two coastguard vehicles operating from period of Covid-19. were initiated leading to the M20 being This support is to ensure that NHS Western HM Coastguard is also supporting the “This multi-agency working has been Colchester and Saxmundham – each carrying “Our mutual aid work further highlights used as a HGV car park with drivers facing Isles are able to conduct widescale testing at vaccination clinic at Stornoway, with the critical and our partners in the Coastguard two Coastguard Rescue Officers – will, at the supportive and fundamental role HM the prospect of spending Christmas in their weekends, by quickly processing completed assistance of coastguard rescue officers from have been willing, enthusiastic and a pleasure the request of EEAST, respond and travel to Coastguard plays within local communities cabs. tests and results and reducing further the Coastguard Rescue Team in Lewis. to work with. We are very grateful to them non Covid-19 related patients in Suffolk and right across the UK, with our dedicated and On Sunday 20th December 2020, transmission of COVID-19, through NHS Test Murdo Macaulay, HM Coastguard and thank them for their ongoing support and North East Essex who require immediate highly-skilled volunteers being at the heart Coastguard Rescue Teams from Area 8 were and Trace and contact tracing. Operations Area Commander for the Western input.” medical assistance in an emergency before of everything that we do.” requested to assist in mutual aid to hand ambulance staff are able to attend. Jeremy Littlewood, Senior Coastal out provisions to the stranded lorry drivers Coastguard Rescue Officers will use their Operations Officer for HM Coastguard and any immediate first aid which may be NEW VEHICLES CONTINUE TO ROLL OUT AROUND THE COAST Coastguard Emergency Responder Casualty operating in the South East, said: “We required by the hauliers. Care Course (CERCC) skills to support EEAST are proud of our volunteers for the From the morning of the 21st December THE modernisation of the current fleet of in improving response times to patients. professionalism and commitment they have until late evening on Christmas Eve, Coasguard Rescue Vehicles continues around A total of 11 volunteers from Aldeburgh, shown throughout the training sessions around 60 Coastguard Rescue Officers the country with the arrival of a number of Felixstowe, Shingle Street, South Woodham we have completed in preparation for this from Folkestone, Sheppey, Margate, Deal, brand-new Mitsibishi L200s. Ferrers, Southend, West Mersea and support work. Our volunteers are always Langdon, Herne Bay, Medway and Rye Bay Social media accounts from the around Lowestoft Coastguard Rescue Teams striving to help the communities they live worked shifts handing out hot and cold the coast were awash with photos of the new completed training last week, administered and work in and we all really appreciate food and drinking water to the stranded vehicles which included specially adapated by a specialist paramedic and community their efforts.” truck drivers. L200s for mud rescue teams allowing the The teams would travel in convoy stretcher to be carried on a bespoke racking from Folkstone to the Highways Agency system on top of the vehicle. depot close to the motorway which was The latest fleet of vehicles continue to be in being used as an operations base for the the modern white and yellow colour scheme HELPING distribution of supplies which included with the distinctive Coastguard blue and 26,000 litres of water, 4,500 hot meals, 900 yellow battenburg markings. KilkeelTHE Coastguard NHS pizzas, 2,985 packed lunches and countless Rescue Team has been snacks and goodies. actively deployed on During the course of the mutual aid Mutual Aid providing deployment, Coastguard Rescue Officers 4x4 support to the walked on average 38,000 steps per shift NHS during the winter walking along the M20 handing out severe weather. provisions. The team has been Matt Pavitt, Coastal Operations Area assisting NHS staff Commander, said: “The whole community make their home has worked as one team with a common visits to reach patients goal and we’re immensely grateful for requiring care. everyone’s support. And I’d like to say a special thanks to our teams who always go above and beyond the call, we are very proud of their dedication and the work they are doing now and all year round.” “We are committed to working to help the NHS...”

NEWS AROUND THE COAST STORNOWAY CREWS SUPPORTING NATIONAL COVID RESPONSE HM Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter team in Stornoway is providing additional resilience to the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting NHS Western Isles in the transfer of vulnerable patients on Barra. The helicopter has been sent in response to requests from the NHS to move those people most at risk of serious illness after testing positive for the virus, to Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway. This ensures they receive the urgent care they need as quickly as possible. This is in addition to the coastguard aircraft’s search and rescue response duties – January 2021 was the busiest month on record for the Stornoway base, since it was opened in 2013. COASTGUARD Rescue Teams from Banff, Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard, Harris are also playing their part, by using been involved with this aircraft over the past Buckie and Burghead were deployed on said: “Her Majesty’s Coastguard will always coastguard drivers and vehicles to assist in the seven years or so take enormous pride in mutual aid in Huntly to assist partner be there to support our transportation of completed COVID-19 tests their work and the importance of supporting agencies following a loss of gas supply. partners, wherever and in whichever way we between Barra and Stornoway. our local communities with round-the-clock, Working under the umbrella of the Civil can. “We are proud of the efforts of the lifesaving work on the Western Isles and at Contingencies Act, the teams deployed as “The Stornoway helicopter is making a helicopter crew and our staff and volunteers in other coastal locations in Scotland. part of the wider community resilience huge difference in transferring those patients making a real difference during this difficult “As an islander, I share the same WOMAN RESCUED IN CHALLENGING CALLOUT response to provide logistical support to who need help the most, to ensure that they and challenging time.” understanding as the rest of the community WOMAN who had fallen down Parkinson was also sent to oversee the incident ensure those affected by the outage in the get the care they require as quickly as possible. Simon Fraser, Chief Pilot at the HM that the helicopter has a key role to play in so community were supported. On the ground, our Coastguard Rescue Teams Coastguard search and rescue helicopter base many ways. Our team are always committed to the cliff at Beer has been and said it was one of the most demanding in Barra, Lochboisdale, Stornoway and at Stornoway, said: “All of the crew who have serving and helping local people.” brought to safety following a rescues he had been involved with. challenging technical rescue in He said: “She was holding onto the a multi-agency response. edge when we arrived. It was a really tense BEER CRT SAY FINAL FAREWELL TO LAND ROVER DEFENDER She made a 999 call shortly atmosphere as the teams set up the equipment afterA midday yesterday (28th January) and the for the rescue and cliff technician Kevin AFTER 25 years of valiant service to the call handler at the HM Coastguard National Gosling went down to get her. The relief all communtiy, Beer Coastguard Rescue Team Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) kept her round when she was brought back up was said farewell to their Land Rover Defender on the call while help arrived. heartfelt.” N46 RCG. Beer and Lyme Regis Coastguard Rescue Drew also praised the call handler from the Arriving in Beer in January 1996, the Teams along with HM Coastguard’s helicopter NMOC who had spoken with the teenager for Defender has been instrumental in Beer CRTs from St Athan, and police and air ambulance, nearly 90 minutes, providing reassurance as search and rescue capability and has been as well as Sidmouth Independent Rescue Boat, well as getting vital information to assist with involved in hundreds, if not thousands of Devon and Cornwall Police and South West the rescue. incidents, during its service. Ambulance were all sent to the incident. The woman was handed into the care of The Defender has been replaced with a Coastal Operations Area Commander Drew South West Ambulance Service. new L200 following extension work at Beer’s Coastguard Rescue Station which is now able to accomodate larger sized vehicles. Photos: Beer CRT BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER When Coastguard Rescue Officer Colin Macdonald wasn’t sure what he wanted for his birthday, he decided to TORBAY and Berry Head Coastguard do something a bit different Rescue Teams were called out as part of the this year. multi-agency response to an injured walker Colin, a CRO with at the South Fort. Greenock Coastguard Rescue The rescue involved close partnership Team, setup a fundraising working between the Coastguard Rescue page on Facebook asking for Teams and South Western Ambulance donations for the Coastguard Service. Given the location of the casualty, Association instead of the technical rope rescue was the safest usual cards and gifts, raising means of extraction with the casualty over £300 for the CGA. safely recovered and transferred to the Well done Colin - and Air Ambulance for onward transport to Happy Birthday! hospital. GET IN TOUCH: Send in your Coastguard news and photos : [email protected] to be featured in News Around The Coast MEMORIAL DAVID ILSLEY

PHOTOS: Burnham-on-Sea.com

REST IN DAVE - WE HAVE THE WATCH T is said that we always remember BY STUART ARUNDEL that he celebrated in his inimitable style, with boldly emblazoned with his catchphrase where we were when significant events a chorus of ‘Always look on the bright side of ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ seemed in our lives occur, such as the death of rose to panic as Dave quite casually followed life’. His dedication was unwavering. to give him a new lease of life and the President Kennedy; the 9/11 terrorist me into the room with the words “Which bed is He jumped at the opportunity to visit other opportunity to once again get on the road with attacks on the Twin Towers; and the mine?” and proceeded to unpack. stations and became a stalwart supporter and his beloved ‘Penny, from heaven’, spreading sudden and tragic death of Diana, In true to Dave fashion he’d turned up ambassador of the Coastguard Association. the word of the CGA and its work, as he went. IPrincess of Wales. without making a booking and expected that Whilst I was still a serving DSO at Donna Nook His fundraising and passion for the charity One such monumental event in my life, and there would be a spare bed for him somewhere. we decided it would be good to discover how and all things Coastguard was without equal. no doubt that of many, many others who knew Thank goodness it was a twin bedded room! our counterparts in Europe worked. Dave could hold his own in any circle him, was my first encounter with Dave Ilsley, His next comment was “Thank you, there is a A group of us arranged a visit to the and any company whether he be giving talks almost 20 years ago. Picture the scene if you God”, a phrase I heard him utter many, many Den Helder Coastguard in the Netherlands, to local school children; radio interviews; will: a sunny, spring day in March. The place: times in the years ahead. An adage that he travelling in uniform to try and give a good ambushing unsuspecting pedestrians as they High Street, Lymington – the picturesque lived by, and an indication of his belief. He’d impression of the service which we were so strolled along Burnham seafront and enticing harbour town in Hampshire, where a motley landed on his feet again! proud to represent. them to buy merchandise; or meeting royalty. assortment of serving and retired Coastguards As we met in the bar later that evening, it The visit was informative and a success, so He treated everyone alike, but always with had assembled for the Annual General Meeting became clear that Dave enjoyed a good time. when Dave found out about it, he was keen to the utmost respect, and the deference he of the Coastguard Association. The beer flowed and he was the life and soul join us on any future forays. A couple of years thought they deserved. His ‘shipmate stories’ A group of us, proudly wearing our uniforms, of the party, still going strong when many later we decided to combine a visit to the were legendary, though how true they were I can’t believe I’m writing this.... minding our own business, wandering along were beginning to fade. I was forced to retire Bremen Coastguard, with a visit to Amsterdam and how much substance is anyone’s guess? the pavement towards the Angel Hotel, where early, making the excuse of an early start next and Arnhem, this time with Dave in tow. Once Dave was a larger than life character and Rear admiral Ilsley (of the yellow) we were staying. We were hailed from behind, morning when in fact, I’d run out of cash. Dave again travelling in uniform and were shown we all new without a shadow of a doubt that he Aka Dave the man the legend in a big, booming voice by the words: “Hello had drunk me dry! huge respect and generosity by the Dutch had our backs covered. His unwavering loyalty whose helped so many both in the shipmates! My name’s Dave, the Admiral of the However, the seed was now sown. Dave people. The hospitality and kindness we and dedication to the Coastguard Association Coastguard and out. You will be Yellow.” and I became firm friends and his place in our were shown impressed him, but mirrored his was without equal. I’m proud to have known We turned around to see a diminutive lives and the charity was confirmed. We made principles. him. missed! Keep on singing we’ve got character, bearing a strong resemblance to many visits between my home in Lincolnshire He often used to get on the road and visit He was a true personal friend to me and my it from here shipmate. Uncle Fester of the Addams family, crossed with and his in Burnham, and I became a frequent other CGA branches, popping via my home in family; to his colleagues in the Burnham team a ‘salty old sea-dog’. He was also in Coastguard visitor to the Clarence Hotel. Lincolnshire on his way home, whether it was and the local community; and all the members uniform and was carrying a holdall, and asked He joined us at all the future AGM’s unless en route or not, in a many and varied range of of the whole Coastguard family. There may be if this was the hotel we were staying in. We illness prevented him from travelling, whether cars which were often in need of a little repair fewer ‘Cuddle a Coastguard Days’ from now on, replied in the affirmative and assumed he was they be close to home such as Swansea or at a local garage, giving him the welcome but we must remember his words: ‘Us Coasties also booked into the Angel as he walked along Cardiff, or further afield on the South coast: excuse to extend his stay. He would always stick togevver’. Our hearts are heavy today! with us and joined in the conversation. Norfolk, Dover or Inverness. He relished the be willing to help out on my farm and I once A light has gone out in the lives of all of us Will never forget all your banter, This was a mistake. Aren’t we told never to opportunity to visit the operations centres in got roped into painting his boat in return. On who were privileged to know him and serve assume anything? We entered the hotel and Swansea; Southampton or Dover. He also was one occasion when we were invited to an event with him. We are poorer for his passing, but ‘Coastguard’ hugs, your subtle turned off into our individual rooms. responsible for arranging Burnham on Sea’s in Glasgow, Dave volunteered to drive in his so much richer for having known him and laughter, rude jokes, wallet I’d been allocated the room right at the end hosting of the event one year, and at least elderly Nissan Micra. had the benefit of his compassion, humour, contents and sumptuous meals of the landing and felt a degree of concern as there was no need for him to bunk down in an This was when he decided to start using generosity of spirit and unlimited kindness out, of which you still owe us I put my key in the lock and turned around unsuspecting ‘Coastie’s room that year!. E-cigarettes. I remember feeling more than a over so many years. It’s been a pleasure Dave; to see that he was still behind me. Thinking The fact our AGM usually takes place at the little anxious as the car quickly filled with vape thank you for your friendship, dedication and one!!!! that he was perhaps going to check on the end of March is historic, but all the better that fumes as we sped along the A1 and wondered loyalty. Stand down and rest easy in the peace arrangements for the rest of the day, my concern it coincides with his birthday, and ensured if I’d get home in one piece. His campervan, which you so richly deserve. MEMORIAL DAVID ISLEY

“Such a kind, caring funny chap. He was like a favourite uncle. Rest in peace Sir. Thoughts with your family. From all at Seahouses Coastguard Rescue Team.”

“Such a sad day. RIP shipmate, will miss seeing you out and about on the seafront and at the station. I know you will be looking over us and keeping us safe when on duty as we continue to rescue and keep people safe on the coast.”

“I’ve got many fond memories of the Rear Admiral’s visits to Clevedon CRT. Always laughing, always smiling and going above and beyond to help a fellow coastguard. Rest in peace shipmate.”

Stuart Browning met Dave when “The kindest, loving person who he joined Burnham on Sea would always be there for you at Coastguard Rescue Team and anytime of day or night. So many spent many years training and wonderful memories of this great attending callouts with him. being who would “always look on Stuart said: “One day, Dave said the bright side of life” and give a to me ‘I know of a lovely lady that coastguard cuddle with a massive will sweep you off your feet’ becuase smile. Rest easy dear sir. Good night you are both perfect for each other. and god bless shipmate.” “Dave loved the occassional drink and always enjoyed a good chat so took me out on the town to “One of life’s real characters. I knew meet this lovely lady. him of old and he was garanteed to “We hit it off straight away and raise the morale and lift the mood. now we are happily married and A stalwart; one of a kind. The world have two beautiful girls. I’ve never will be a lesser place now he is looked back and couldn’t be happier gone.” and all thanks to the mate Dave Ilsley. “Thank you Dave - rest easy.” “On behalf of Inverness CRT we would like to send our condolences to Dave’s friends and family and would like to take the opportunity to “Stand Easy, Admiral of the Rear! say thanks for all he did as a serving Your duty was always BZ. Thank Coastguard and his sterling work you for being a friend to me and over the years with the Coastguard so many others. Gone, but never Association. He will be missed by forgotten. I salute you, Sir! Rest in many.” Peace.” N our very first ‘A day in the life of’ Specialist (MOS) and with a colleague we feature we catch up with Matt Leat, designed and delivered the transition training the Head of Instrastructure for HM for staff from across the UK on the new HMCG Coastguard, to find out more about systems. his role, his motivation for joining At the end of 2014 I became a Maritime HM Coastguard and what the future Operations Controller (MOC) and in 2016 I took Ilooks like as the technology upgrade continues up the role of Staff Officer infrastructure where around the coast. I started to take the lead on systems from a HMCG Operations perspective. In 2019 I LENGTH OF SERVICE? became HM Coastguard Head of Infrastructure Just over 10 years now. I joined HM Coastguard and continue in this role to this day - a role in November 2010 at London Coastguard and I which brings incredible big challenges but also can honestly say I’ve never looked back. a huge amount of satisfaction.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO JOIN THE WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE WORKING DAY COASTGUARD? LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? I was looking for a new challenge and a career I never have an average day which is what I love path. I was working full time at Tower RNLI about my role, the only thing that is constant is Station as a helmsman at the time and that it’s always busy! the command and control side interested me One moment I could be looking at an on complex multi-agency searches. When the upgrade with a system, the next moment it opportunity presented itself to apply to join the could be reviewing a policy change or working team at London Coastguard in the Maritime across the emergency services representing Rescue and Coordination Centre, I jumped at HM Coastguard at the 999 Liaison Committee, it. or it could be supplier service reviews. A lot of my time at the moment is spent WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND WHAT looking forward to work on plans for our next DOES THAT ENTAIL? generation of technology across the service. I am currently the Head of Infrastructure for Then one in every four weeks I take on the role HM Coastguard. I lead an amazing team and of the Strategic Maritime Commander on top together we deliver all aspects of technology of the day job. across HM Coastguard. “I never have an average A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... This could be from our command and WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING DEVELOPMENT control system in the Coastguard Operations FOR YOU IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS? day which is what I love Centres, the VTS system that enables our staff There have been so many things that have to oversee the Dover Straight or the digital happened in the last 12 months, but I think I about my role, the only platforms we are providing for the Coastguard would have to say the deployment of WiFi and thing that is constant is Rescue Service such as the Alerting & Tasking iPads to the Coastguard Rescue Service. system, Wi-Fi at Coastguard Rescue Team This is going to give us a great baseline to that it’s always busy!” Matt Leat - Head of digitise the service and Coastguard Rescue stations or the new iPads we are starting to deploy across the service. Teams around the country are already seeing the operational benefits of this technolgoy PREVIOUS ROLES AND COASTGUARD rollout. Infrastructure HISTORY? I joined in 2010 as a London Coastguard WHAT EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS ARE ON Operator and stayed at the station until 2014. THE HORIZON? For those readers who are active on Twitter, you will no doubt have seen the During my time at London I also worked at As a team we are always working on lots of Thames and Dover Coastguard to broaden my things to push the boundaries of technology. account of Coastguard Matt - @Matt_Leat. With a Twitter bio of ‘Leader knowledge. On the horizon we have the delivery of the @HMCoastguard responsible for #Technology & Strategic Gold Commander. In 2012 I was fortunate enough to be the Next Generation Search Planning Software Executive Committee Member @BritishACPO. Volunteer lifeboat @TowerRNLI’ SMC (SAR Mission Co-Ordinator) for the which will cover Air, Land and Sea. We are working on a digital records solution for the it is instantly clear Matt is a prominent figure in not only HM Coastguard but Diamond Jubilee River Pageant as well as be involved in the 2012 Olympic games. Coastguard Rescue Service as a replacement also the wider Search & Rescue Community. In this launch edition of Coastline In 2013 I volunteered to be involved in the for the traditional paper-based CG19 log. Magazine - Editor Kevin Paterson sits down with Matt Lead to find out more. HMCG systems working group and represent Once the iPads are delivered we will be London Coastguard during the transition to the able then explore how we can maximise that Future Coastguard. This was where I first got investment for the benefit of all in the service. involved in technology within HMCG carrying out testing and supporting HQ Staff Officers to CAN YOU SHARE SOME MEMORABLE deliver new systems into service for the Future INCIDENTS YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN? Coastguard programme. Like everyone who is part of HM Coastguard, I moved to the National Maritime Operations either full time or within the Coastguard Centre (NMOC) as a Maritime Operations Rescue Teams, I have a long list of incidents that I will remember for a long time for Technology also must add value rather than various reasons. A few that spring to mind becoming a hindrance because it looks shiny. instantly include being the Maritime Strategic Commander for a well-publicised incident in ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY OTHER SAR Area 4 (North Ayrshire in southwest Scotland) ORGANISATIONS? where a large drilling vessel broke its moorings I volunteer for the RNLI at Tower Lifeboat and became stranded in the Clyde. Station in London. I started volunteering in This resulted in some very unusual 2002 and still very much enjoy it. It is great to conversations taking place and some really be able to get hands on and help a casualty and long and unusual hours worked, not only by drive a boat. myself, but especially by the Senior Coastal Operations Officers, Coastguard Rescue Teams HOW DO YOU ESCAPE WORK PRESSURES TO and RNLI Lifeboat crews who were all tasked LOOK AFTER YOUR OWN WELLBEING? to the incident. Cycling is a great escape for me be that out I was also the Strategic Commander for the on the road or indoors on the turbo trainer. I busiest weekend of the year in 2020 during would say that my time volunteering at Tower the good weather and the easing of lockdown RNLI is also an escape as it’s great being part of restrictions and I’ll never forget being involved a crew of nearly 60 people who are all extended in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant family.

WHAT IMPACT HAS THE CURRENT GLOBAL WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PANDEMIC HAD ON THE COASTGUARD? ANYONE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THE The pandemic has been a challenge, but I am COASTGUARD? proud of how HMCG stood up to this challenge. The Coastguard is a great organisation to Last summer we were extremely busy work for. As a service it is diverse and you can providing mutual aid to local authorities pursue a career in so many different areas. I where needed and this was on top of increased have always tried to seek out opportunities to “Saving a life is the workload of incidents at the coast. This winter develop my knowledge and skills by taking on we have supported the NHS when requested extra work or volunteering to help others. best reward you can and continue to do so. Last year we had an ambitious business ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE THINKING OF ever get knowing that plan and even with COVID, we still as a VOLUNTEERING WITH THE COASTGUARD? someone gets to go service managed to complete what we set You will get out what you put in! You become out to achieve at the start of the year. In my part of a huge family and can make friends home and see their business area we very quickly at the start of the for life. Saving a life is the best reward you can pandemic managed to build two new control ever get knowing that someone gets to go home loved ones.” room environments and see their loved ones. I’d also recommend joining the Coastguard HOW IMPORTANT IS MODERN TECHNOLOGY Association as it can provide additional WHEN IT COMES TO SEARCH AND RESCUE? support to not only you, but also to your loved Modern technology is as important as any part ones as well. of the rescue chain. Consumer technology is always evolving and we as a service must stay ANY FINAL WORDS? one step ahead. The Coastguard and wider MCA is one big However, technology should be used to family, it doesn’t matter if you are a volunteer, assist a skilled user in making a decision rather a staff member or one of our helicopter crews than making the decisions itself. So technology – we all have the same aim and that’s about and core competencies have to go hand in hand. helping those in distress. TEAM SPOTLIGHT

HM COASTGUARD ASED in the southwest of is true when it comes to the Coastguard Rescue Scotland, the Ardrossan Officers who make up the current team. To ARDROSSAN Coastguard Rescue Team sits name but a few occupations, the team has within Area 4, Division 1 and is police officers, nurses, council employees, DIVISION 1 very much an integral part of an aircraft engineer, a funeral director and a the local community and wider postman. This variety not only brings extensive AREA 4 Bemergency service response which expands life experience to the team but also greatly across Ayrshire and beyond. assists with ensuring suitable availability Averaging around 140 callouts per year, 24-hours-a-day. the type of incidents the team is tasked to is As well as a vast range of occupations, the as varied as the 15 Coastguard Rescue Officers team also benefits from a wide range of service who make up the current team. The main types within the team as well ranging from 35 years of callouts the team respond to on a regular in the team right to the opposite end of the basis are reports of persons in the water/ spectrum with team members who have just ROPE: A restored Royal Observer Corps Cold threatening to enter the water and missing completed their one-year probation – and just bunker is perfect for vertical rope rescue. person calls. In addition, the team also attends about everything else in between. several technical rope rescue incidents each The team works closely with all partner year alongside more routine taskings including emergency services across Ayrshire and suspect ordnance/TEP jobs, broken down beyond and routinely take part in multi-agency vessels being recovered by the RNLI and the incidents and training exercises (pre-COVID) occasional medical emergency. as well inter-agency liaison on both a local and In pre-COVID times, the Ardrossan a national level. Coastguard Rescue Team would train on a Close working relationships with local weekly basis and were heavily involved in a authorities is also hugely important which has wide range of public engagement activities led to several successful partnership projects including school safety talks, supporting local including 999 COASTGUARD signage being gala events throughout the summer months, placed along the North Ayrshire coastline at and being actively involved in several local and key locations. national water safety initiatives – something Supported by Senior Coastal Operations SEARCH: Ardrossan CRT planning for casualty which the team fully intends to continue once Officer Steve Muldoon, the Ardrossan extraction during a training exercise. it is safe to do so again. Coastguard Rescue Team looks set to have Over the years, the team has become another busy and rewarding year having synonymous with one thing in particular already been involved in several successful – inflatables! Every year without fail, the rescues and major incidents. You can find team will be involved in multiple rescues the team on Facebook at: www.facebook. involving inflatables at the coast which has, com/ardrossancoastguard and on Twitter at: and continues to include, unicorns, flamingos, @ArdrossanCRT small inflatables boats and the occasional AN CRT 2021: Kevin Paterson (Station paddleboard. With excellent links with the Officer); Iain Brookes (Deputy Station Officer); local and regional media and supported by the Dan Small (Deputy Station Officer); Paul Press Office at HQ, these incidents regularly McGill; Dierdre Oakley; Raymond Wilson; Alan result in widespread media coverage to educate Bateson; Robert Campbell; Matt Thomson; the wider public on the dangers of inflatables Andrew Brown; Rodger McBride; Nicola at the coast. Campbell; Eden McCulloch; Brian Milligan; WATER: Incident working at a boat aground in They say variety is the spice of life and this Kieran Bell. Ayrshire with two people safely rescued.

Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team on scene at Clydeport terminal in North Ayrshire in February 2021 incident working after the drill ship Valaris Ds4 broke its mooring during severe weather and became stranded afloat mid channel.

TEAM: A 2020 team photo complete with mandatory face coverings which accurately represents responding through a global pandemic. BRANCH NEWS FOUR BRICKS TALL

NEW QUAY

2021 CGA VIRTUAL AGM LIKE many organisations around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the CGA including the cancellation of the 2020 Annual General Meeting. The 2021 CGA virtual AGM will take place on the morning of Saturday 27th March 2021 on Zoom starting at 10am. If you wish to attend, please e-mail National Secretary Jo Howard at: secretary@ coastguardassociation.org.uk Thank you ‘Hoelion Wyth’ for raising £650 which New Quay Coastguard Rescue Team in Ceredigion have donated to the Coastguard Association.

CENTRAL BRANCH HUMBER BRANCH

THROUGHOUT the winter months, Coastguard lockdown due to the current COVID pandemic, Rescue Teams and helicopter crews have there’s still been a number of callouts in worked in some challenging winter weather. the plastic hills of LEGO-ville with people Snow poses challenges at the best of times exercising within their local area. but it’s even worse when you are only 4cms The ‘wee guys’ in the world’s smallest tall! The world’s smallest Coastguard Rescue Coastguard Rescue Team have been a bit quiet Team have also been busy through the winter on social media recently but are working months responding to callouts, providing towards their summer safety plans but they Each year Withernsea and District Lions Club mutual aid for partner agencies and also need your help as well! organise a Boxing Day dip at Withernsea in spotting the occassional Polar Bear while on The ‘wee guys’ are always looking for photos aid of charity. These events are regularly their travels! from other LEGO fans around the country so supported by both Withernsea Coastguard Just like their real world colleagues, the get your kids involved, get the bricks out and Rescue Team and Withernsea RNLI who are helicopter crew of Rescue 999 have been start building! The National Committee receive a cheque for £6,794 from Fundraisers UK who distribute on hand as dozens of intrepid dippers brave working closely with LEGO mountain rescue Photos are always welcome at: collection bags for clothing on behalf of the Coastguard Association in the North of England. the cold North Sea. To show their appreciation teams around the country. CoastlineMagazine@coastguardassociation. Photo taken at the 2019 Coastguard Association AGM held at the Tontine Hotel in Greenock. the Lions have made donations to the CGA and Despite the LEGO world also being in org.uk the RNLI. Pictured is Lions President Lynne Evans presenting a donation to Humber GET IN TOUCH: Send your CGA Branch News to: [email protected] Branch Chairman John Hickey. FOLLOW THE ADVENTURES OF THE WORLD’S SMALLEST COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM ON FACETOOK AND TWITTER AT: @COASTGUARDTEAM with Chaplain Tom “Beyond pastoral care, the chaplaincy REFLECTION ecember 2020 seen a new new, but it is new to HM Coastguard. Signed off immediate group, it is actually a sensible and focuses on account appearing across by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s People advisable part of routine best practice. social media including Committee in September 2019, the Multifaith It’s a professional necessity to keep check Facebook and Twitter with the Chaplaincy initially focussed on providing on how you’re doing and what you’re thinking, things like arrival of Coastguard Chaplain for internal MCA staff. More recently, the and the beauty of in-house chaplaincy is that Tom. chaplaincy has spread its wings to encompass you can do it with somebody who already DDuring these challenging times, Chaplain both the Coastguard Rescue Service and the understands the Coastguard context – you values, ethics Tom’s social media presence has quickly Coastguard Association. don’t need to explain what you do. became a beacon of light for many and Tom has I set up our chaplaincy after undergoing A chaplain’s biggest gift is to be present and been instrumental in the latest developments placements with chaplaincies in the , just listen. Faith doesn’t come into it unless you and personal of the Coastguard Association, including the and HM Prison Service. For organisations want it to – in fact, the majority of people who launch of this new digital magazine. such as these, as well as the police, fire service, have contacted the chaplaincy so far are of no In this new regular feature, REFLECTION NHS and the RNLI, chaplaincy is long-standing, faith. resilience” with Chaplain Tom, we find out a bit more about deep-rooted and well-valued. Beyond pastoral care, the chaplaincy Tom himself and the invaluable work which focuses on things like values, ethics and he is undertaking to support the Maritime & WHY DO WE NEED IT? personal resilience. Coastguard Agency, the Coastguard Rescue There’s a saying in life: “You don’t know what Service and the Coastguard Association. you don’t know”. WHERE IS IT GOING? A few years ago, I didn’t know about all this One step at a time, our chaplaincy is proving WHO ARE YOU? either, but as someone who has since been able itself to be a good resource for staff and Originally from Plymouth, I joined HM to see and experience first-hand the wealth of volunteers. Pastoral care is the biggest thing Coastguard in 2010 as a CRO in Aberystwyth, what chaplaincy can bring to an organisation, we do, and toward the end of this year I would where I was a student. I think the Coastguard Rescue Service very like to advertise around the coast for people to Since then, I have been a Watch Assistant much does need it. join our team on a regional basis. and Watch Officer at Milford Haven MRCC, a If you’re sceptical, perhaps the best place to This would involve bringing volunteers to CRO at Dale, I’ve worked on various projects start is to appreciate that organisations such as a central location, training them in how to be at Headquarters and the National Maritime the police, the and the NHS spend a that confidential and independent resource Operations Centre during the Future respectable amount of taxpayers’ money on it. for people both over the phone and in-person, Coastguard transition period and, since They wouldn’t do this unless it was actually a and sending them back out to field the pastoral January 2015, have been a Senior Coastal good idea, unless it worked. calls that come in from their region. Operations Officer in Cornwall & the Isles of We could probably do with four or six Scilly. WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? volunteers. The only requirements would be My time with HM Coastguard has taken Chaplaincy covers many bases, as you will that you care, you are confidential, and you are me to almost every corner of the country. find out through these magazine articles or if willing to do some training. Whether it’s Shetland, Stornoway, Dover, you follow me on social media, but firstly it’s There are some more areas that I want the Liverpool, Holyhead, Humber or beyond, pastoral care. chaplaincy to step into in time, modelled on I’ve probably been to your neck of the This is about being a confidential,what other chaplaincies already do, as part of woods, which does prove useful when independent and off-the-record resourcean effort to create a positive, professional and carrying out chaplaincy work. for Coastguards up and down the country to resilient community. Outside of the Coastguard, I have speak with. People are getting in touch with This would include teaching values and spent several years undergoing part- the chaplaincy about all sorts of things, from ethics to new recruits, being a point of contact time training with the Church of problems at home to mental health issues. It for safeguarding matters, and leading formal England to become a vicar. All being might be that you simply want to seek a bit celebrations and memorials. well, I should be ordained ‘Revd of advice or talk through how you are feeling I’m sure there will be more than a few Tom’ in June 2021, while remaining away from your teammates, privately. Coastguard weddings, baptisms and in my current position with the This is exactly what chaplaincies in funerals for me to conduct before my Coastguard. other organisations do, real bread-and- time is out! My wife and I have two young butter stuff, and it’s important to say that daughters and a miniature there is nothing unusual about contacting GET IN TOUCH schnauzer. I enjoy the outdoors, the chaplain. Those ex- EMAIL: multifaith. sport and the little things of family among us will no doubt remember the [email protected] life. ‘padre’ or ‘bish’ being a regular part PHONE: 07717 483595 of the scenery. FACEBOOK: Coastguard WHEN DID THIS CHAPLAINCY It is not only normal to Chaplain Tom THING HAPPEN? reflect on your experiences TWITTER: Chaplaincy itself is nothing with someone outside of your CoastguardChap TALKING ABOUT KEEPING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH CUPPA WITH CLAIRE

EEP beep beep’… it’s 2.30am for a night in while the boys are out, and that one which could really help someone in a time and the familure sound of if the pager goes just as the take-away food of need. Kevin’s pager has just disturbed arrives then we share it together! If you are not doing ok please know that you my dreams, now he is running It also means that we have our very own are not alone - turn to someone that you trust around the bedroom grabbing support system when we need to talk, we and tell them what is going on in your life. socks and shoes, turning on understand the commitment involved and We all know who to contact in a Coastal Blights and in a flash he is out of the door. the worries we share. I am sure that there emergency but make sure you know who to I am also now up, trying to stop the dog are many other friendships up and down the contact when you need help. barking, retrieving the disgarded slipper from country which have been born out of similar Let me finish on this from Charlie Mackesy… the dogs mouth and turning off all of the lights circumstances. Friendships which are so “What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said” that have been left on and closing doors, before important as we have to be there for our asked the boy, “Help” said the horse. returning to bed trying to get back to sleep, not partners when they walk back through the knowing how long he will be gone. door. Now I am sure that this is a situation that As I said when Kevin leaves for a call-out I many of you are used to, and one that our worry, and one of the things that I worry about Coastie partners are probably aware happens is what the emotional impact will be of the when they leave, what happens next might not callout that he is attending. be as obvious. I know that some of the jobs that CROs If you are anything like me when I return to encounter will leave a lasting impact on their bed I lie awake wondering just what situation lives. I always make a point in asking him when my other half is heading into… what is he returns if he is ok. No matter what else is happening, will it be dangerous, I wonder what happening at that point I make the time to the weather is like outside, will he get really listen to him and support him. Sometimes he cold and wet, I wonder what the outcome will will open up about how he is feeling and other be… basically I worry. times he prefers to have a bath and a beer. The Coastguard has been part of Kevin’s life I think it is widely understood that men since before we met so I have never known our are worse than woman about bottling up their relationship without it playing a massive part. feelings and not wanting to show emotions. He is the Station Officer in Ardrossan CRT and Last year I met with some ambassadors from he has been with the team for 12 years. I used ‘Andy’s Man Club’ who spoke to me about the to joke that he was my own personal hero, danger of not talking, explaining that it is although I had to stop as he was getting an even important to remind the men in our lives that bigger ego! But the truth is that the Coastguard ‘It is ok not to be ok’. A message many of you isn’t just part of his life it is now part of my life may have heard echoed by Andy Elwood and too. many others. For me the sound of that pager going has Kevin has assured me that in team debriefs interrupted sleep, dinners, romantic nights they talk about the situation that they had to and even sounding on Christmas Day. There deal with and that the OIC will make a point are the training events too, which for the of asking the other CROs if they are ok. My Ardrossan CRT take place once a week, often concern with that is making sure that someone on a Friday night! Pre-Covid Kevin also had PR remembers to ask that OIC if they are ok. CLAIRE IS A COLLEGE events at evenings and weekends too. Really I Everyone has different ways of dealing with had no choice but to embrace this as part of situations and sometimes we are each dealing LECTURER, GUIDANCE my life too! with our own personal struggles and family TEACHER AND My best friend Natalie is engaged to one issues. of the Deputy Station Officers in the team so Callouts could potentially spark a memory QUALIFIED MENTAL luckily understands exactly what this is like. or highlight a personal battle. It could be a We agreed a long time ago if the training good idea to remember to check on the people HEALTH FIRST AIDER falls at the weekend we use this as an excuse in your team, it is an easy question to ask, and

“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said” asked the boy, “Help” said the horse... FAMILY CORNER FROM THE ARCHIVES

Coastguard Land Rover in LOGAN MUSTARD: HOW IT STARTED HOW IT’S GOING the late 70s used to get from Easington to Humber MRSC at Spur Point (right) and plotting at Humber MRSC (middle right) in days before computer systems.

Newbigging Coastguard Rescue Team (colour photos) with their Land Rover with images believed to be in the early 80s.

DOGS OF THE COASTGUARD

Say hello to Cooper the Labrador! By the time you read this he will be one-year-old. Cooper has been able to visit a number of Coastguard Rescue Teams already but is looking forward to getting out around the coast more once the COVID pandemic is over. He may be coming to a Coastguard station near you soon!

Do you or someone in your team have a four-legged friend? Send in your photos for a chance to be featured in the next edition.

GET IN TOUCH: Send in your Coastguard family photos for a chance to be featured in Family Corner to: [email protected] THROUGH BEN COLOMBARI - HORNSEA CRT THE LENS

MALCOLM IRONSIDE LEVEN CRT

ROGER PATRICK - SWANAGE CRT

MICHAEL BURATTI - WIRRAL CRT

LAURA JURGENS - HAYLING CRT