William Maltby was given a tour by JRCC manager Matt West, including the opportunity to see inside the operations room where search and rescue responses are run by highly trained officers.
The visit on 11 May was particularly special because the High Sheriff is the Sovereign's representative in the county for all matters relating to the Judiciary, law and order – and emergency services, such as HM Coastguard.
It was wonderful to see just how professional, skilled and resilient the service is
Mr Maltby met HM Coastguard officers and was given an outline of how they work when dealing with emergencies and the wider roles and responsibilities of the service that encompasses the whole of the UK coastline and national waters.
As well as maritime search and rescue coordination and response, HM Coastguard delivers service around the country such as counter pollution and salvage, and vessel traffic services.
It was a pleasure to welcome the High Sheriff of Hampshire to the JRCC
Mr Maltby said: “We were given a fantastic and clear briefing about the scope of HM Coastguard’s activities, which are broader than I realised, and what a pivotal role the JRCC plays within it.
“As a maritime nation, the role of HM Coastguard is incredibly important, so it was wonderful to see just how professional, skilled and resilient the service is.
“I was also impressed by how clever they have been to use technology to improve the service and increase its efficiency and range. HM Coastguard unquestionably is the unsung hero of our emergency services.”
Matt West added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the High Sheriff of Hampshire to the JRCC and to highlight the depth and breadth of what we do – not just from Fareham but across the country as one of the UK’s four frontline emergency services.”
Main picture, from left: Matt West, William Maltby and his wife Sarah Maltby
