HM Coastguard (HMCG)

The United Kingdom service that initiates and coordinates civil maritime and coastal search and rescue.

HM Coastguard is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Its coordination centres receive and assess distress information, task suitable resources and coordinate responses involving coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats, helicopters, ships and other emergency services within the UK search-and-rescue arrangements.

HM Coastguard coordinates rescue resources but is distinct from the RNLI, which operates many lifeboats, and from the separate coastguard organisations of other countries. In a UK coastal emergency, the public should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard; vessels at sea should use the appropriate maritime distress system.