The Liverpool Coastguard Station will close in 14 months’ time with the loss of up to 20 jobs , the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has confirmed.
The closure in January 2015 was confirmed after the Government announced in 2011 that the station would be one of nine to close over the next four years. The coastguard facility in Holyhead, North Wales was named as its replacement.
Upwards of 20 jobs at the Crosby centre could be lost because of its closure.
But Richard Turner, a spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, told JMU Journalism: “This means that Holyhead MRCC, which has worked closely with Liverpool over the years as their ‘paired’ station, will take over Liverpool’s operational area.
“But under the new system Holyhead MRCC will have a much better support network available to them.”
The MCA feels that this will improve the services they offer.
“If they find themselves dealing with one, two or three significant search and rescue incidents, they can focus on those while the National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) can handle the more routine work,” Turner said.
“It also doesn’t have to be the NMOC that can assist either. The new joined-up system could mean any other MRCC has the technical capability to help out.”
In April, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCSU) warned that under-staffing at the station could be putting lives at risk.
A campaign, Save Your Liverpool Coastguard, was launched when the Government announced the closure, but has been unsuccessful in preventing the centre from shutting.
Liverpool Coastguard covers waters from the Point of Ayr to the Mull of Galloway in Scotland.