GOV.UK
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Coastguard
Agency
- Working at sea: certification, health and safety
- Ships and cargoes: construction, operation and navigation
- Find marine (M) notices
- Seafarer certification: working on a UK registered vessel
- Seafarer medical certification and advice
- UK Ship Register
- Commercial fishing and fisheries
- Apply for a boatmasters' licence
- Civil Hydrography Programme
- Coastguard search and rescue
- All MCA services and information
Featured
Corporate information
Working for MCA
Information about applying for jobs with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Detailed guide
Volunteering for MCA
Information about volunteering for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
News story
HM Coastguard volunteer saves man who was choking in Paris restaurant
Imagine a total stranger saves your life by stepping in to help you at a time of emergency, but you have no way of thanking them?
News story
Reflecting on a busy 2019
As we enter a new year and a new decade we’re looking back at what’s been a busy 12 months for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.
News story
Coastguard help care workers during stormy weather
Coastguard rescue teams on the Isle of Lewis were called out to ensure care workers were able to reach vulnerable and elderly people during the stormy weather.
News story
Fishing safety legislation ILO 188 - MCA supports industry compliance
ILO 188 legislation came into force a year ago and was brought into law to improve safety and well-being for everyone working on fishing vessels.
Latest from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
What the Maritime and Coastguard Agency does
We work to prevent the loss of life on the coast and at sea. We produce legislation and guidance on maritime matters, and provide certification to seafarers.
MCA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Transport.
Documents
Policy papers and consultations
- Review of marine guidance notes and methodology for offshore renewable energy installations
- Consultation on MSN 1899: vessel traffic monitoring notification and reporting requirements for ships and ports
Transparency and freedom of information releases
See all transparency and freedom of information releasesOur management
Contact MCA
HM Coastguard and Marine Offices
United Kingdom
Emergency contact number for the nearest coastguard
999
Head office
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
United Kingdom
Main switchboard
0203 817 2000
For General enquiries
Out of hours duty surveyor
Technical Enquiries
+44 (0)7810 528504
Note that this service is for Urgent Technical Enquiries that require action out of office hours only and for enquiries on registration of ships, seafarer’s certification see the list provided here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency/about/access-and-opening
UK Ship Register
MCA HQ
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
United Kingdom
Merchant Ships
023 8032 9197
Small Ships
+44(0)29 2044 8813
Fishing Vessels
+44(0)29 2044 8855
Pleasure Vessels
+44(0)29 2044 8866
7:30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency press office
Press enquiries
020381 72222 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
Outside these hours, for emergency press enquiries only please dial the above number. You will hear a message giving details of how to contact the on call press officer.
Seafarer training and certification: deck training
Seafarer training and certification: boatmaster training
Seafarer training and certification: CEC training
Seafarer training and certification: engineering training
Seafarer training and certification: exams section
Seafarer training and certification: revalidation team
Seafarer training and certification: safemanning team
Seafarer training and certification: smart team
Seafarer training and certification: STC courses
Make an FOI request
- Read about the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and how to make a request.
- Check our previous releases to see if we’ve already answered your question.
- Make a new request by contacting us using the details below.
Freedom of Information requests
Corporate information
Jobs and contracts
Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Find out about our commitment to publishing in Welsh. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information. Find out About our services.