Jersey Coastguard marks Emergency Services Day with an Open Day

Jersey Coastguard is offering islanders the chance to go ‘behind the scenes’ at Maritime House and on Albert Pier this Emergency Services Day to get a better understanding of the work and services carried out by the team and many of its search and rescue partners.

The free-entry event will take place on Saturday 9 September between 10am and 2pm. Visitors can meet with officers from Jersey Coastguard and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS). As well as finding out more about the operational work that goes on, officers will also be on hand to offer maritime safety advice and assistance.

Jersey Coastguard will be joined on the day by their search and rescue partners RNLI Jersey, Jersey Lifeboat Association, and the States of Jersey Fire & Rescue, as well as the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service. They will be on hand along Albert Pier and the pontoons with their search and rescue assets, which will be open for public viewing.

Anyone interested in weather forecasting and predictions will also get the chance to meet with forecasters from Jersey Met, which will be opening its base at Maritime House.

Dan Downey, Coastguard and VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) Manager, explains why they are hosting the event. “We’re delighted to open our doors to mark Emergency Services Day and give people a chance to see what’s involved in controlling and safeguarding our surrounding seas. It’s rare for the public to go behind the scenes at an event such as this and living on an island as we do, where the sea plays such an important part in many of our lives, events like this are always of great interest to people.

“It’s great that we will be joined by our SAR (search and rescue) partners who have agreed to open their assets for public viewing as well. I’m sure it will be a great day and something different to do – and there will be cakes!”

The event is free and pre-booking is not required. Due to limited space in Maritime Operations Centre and Jersey Met, groups of 12 or fewer will be allowed in every 15 minutes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.