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The MCA is probably the most misunderstood government agency. It does NOT control shipping (except in special circumstances); it does NOT monitor the passage of vessels that log a passage report with Coastguard; it does NOT watch over the coast - most coastguard centres cannot see the sea, and none except Dover (and possibly Shetland) have radar. Their key responsibilities are
- inspection of the quality of commercial ships in UK ports
(Port State Control)
- monitoring of pollution spills in UK waters under
international agreements (MARPOL)
- monitoring commercial ships in UK separation zones by
VHF
- coordination of search and rescue services for marine
accidents
- control of very major marine accidents as representative
of the Secretary of State
- inspection of port waste management plans
The Coastguard principally exists to handle BIG incidents, like Sea Empress, the tanker that was wrecked at Milford Haven. Fortunately, such incidents are rare. So HMCG has time to deal with yachts. So, over the years, they have developed a series of pseudoservices such as recording “TR” messages. So you report that you are departing from the Needles bound for Dartmouth, ETA This and That. “Thankyou, have a safe trip!” say the Coastguard. But what do they do with that information? They are getting better, but until recently, I am sure there was no follow up. Your passage plan was NOT passed to Brixham Coastguard; and if you were overdue, no action would be taken unless a friend or relative enquired. I stopped giving TR reports years ago because I have dealt with bureaucrats for a long time. If we go on subscribing to this con, they will soon turn round and argue that, because they are providing a ‘valuable service’, we should pay for it – whether we use it or not.
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