Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team

24/10/2025

Well we’ve been overwhelmed with the response to our area recruitment drive! A big thank you to everyone who’s interacted with the posts so far!

A reminder that we’re currently recruiting at

Sunderland
Seaham
Hartlepool
Redcar
Eyemouth
Holy island
Seahouses
Blyth
Amble
Newbiggin
Howick

Applications are being received up until the 1st December. If you’re interested but have some questions about exactly what the role involves then here are some FAQ’s to help you decide whether it’s for you or not.

Q: Do I need previous experience or qualifications?
A: No — full training is provided. We’re looking for people with commitment to helping the community and teamwork skills.

Q: Is this a full-time job?
A: No — it’s a voluntary role. The majority of our team have regular jobs and respond to incidents when available to do so.

Q: How much time do I need to commit?
A: You’ll need to attend regular training sessions (usually once a week as well as maintaining your competencies with other courses which you’ll be notified of well in advance) and respond to callouts when you can. You’ll also complete initial training when you first join to become operationally competent.

Q: What kind of person are you looking for?
A: Reliable, calm under pressure, willing to learn, adaptable and approachable.

Q: What’s the reward?
A: Knowing you’ve helped save lives at sea and made a difference in your local community. You’ll also be part of a supportive, professional team. You will be able to claim a small amount for your time and mileage when attending incidents.

If this sounds like you, click the link below to submit your application.

https://submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/89/apply-to-be-a-volunteer-coastguard-rescue-officer/220

22/10/2025

COASTGUARD RECRUITMENT IS NOW OPEN!

Looking to do something rewarding?

We currently have a recruitment window open for volunteer on-call Coastguard Rescue Officers at the following Coastguard Stations;

Eyemouth
Holy Island
Seahouses
Howick
Amble
Newbiggin
Blyth
Sunderland
Seaham
Hartlepool
Redcar

To apply click on the link below to complete an application form – selecting Area 05 and then the station you would like to join.

https://submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/89/apply-to-be-a-volunteer-coastguard-rescue-officer/220

You will need to:

• Live or work reasonably locally to a Coastguard Station
• Be available to attend an induction training courses
• Have availability to attend emergency calls during the day and/or night
• Be 18 years old or above and hold a full UK driving licence
• Be in good health and able to pass a Coastguard medical
• Be a team player and train regularly

No prior experience is needed, full training will be given in disciplines such as water rescue, lost & missing person search, casualty care and other specialist skills depending on the Coastguard Team you join, such as rope rescue or flood rescue. As a volunteer you will not be paid. You can claim a small amount for your time and expenses.

You must be available to complete one of the following Core Skills training courses

23rd – 26th April 2026
7th – 10th May 2026

For further queries please email area5@mcga.gov.uk

Recruitment closes at 10am on 1st December 2025 so don’t miss your chance to !

08/10/2025

Tonight at 9pm! Team members from Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and Seaham Coastguard Rescue Team take rescue a dog from cliffs in Seaham!

HM Coastguard NE

03/10/2025

Tune in to Channel 5 on Wednesday at 9pm to see Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and Seaham Coastguard feature during a dog rescue at Seaham.

Coastguard TV Series

17/08/2025

Catch team members from Sunderland and Seaham Coastguard at RNLI - Sunderland Lifeboat Station Harbour Day 2025. We’ll be on site until around 15:00 this afternoon!

Maritime and Coastguard Agency
HM Coastguard NE

20/06/2025

Heading to the coast this weekend? Have fun, make memories - but stay safe.

Struggling in the water? Tilt your head back, stay calm, and float.
Remember it. Practise it. Share it.

🏖️ Swim between the red and yellow flags
🛟 Leave inflatables at home - offshore winds can carry them away

In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

18/06/2025

08/05/2025

Coastguard Rescue Officers were invited by Sunderland City Council (Sunderland, UK) to visit the groundbreaking new Wear Footbridge, traversing 250m across the River Wear to directly connect the city centre and the Sheepfolds.

Seaham Coastguard and Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team gained further valuable insight into the development's design and features, ahead of an expected public opening later this summer.

03/04/2025

Our colleagues from Seaham Coastguard and various teams across the North East and North Yorkshire are currently recruiting, for further details see the below post

31/12/2024

As 2024 draws to a close, we’ve been taking a look back at just a few of the most memorable moments from the last year.

This year has been yet again become our busiest year on record, attending 299 incidents so far in 2024.

As well as attending incidents, training sessions and technical rescue qualifying courses some of our Coastguard Rescue Officers have also supported operations further afield as part of our Area Flood Team.

We were honoured that many of our team members received the coronation medal this year which not only marks the occasion but also symbolises at least five years prior service. We’ve also been given the opportunity to take part in exercises and training sessions with so many partners across the emergency services with more already in the pipeline for 2025.

In the new year we will continue striving to improve the safety on and around our coast, working closely with flank teams at Seaham Coastguard and South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB) and lead by our area management team.

On behalf of all at Sunderland Coastguard Team we wish you and all your family a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Sunderland Alpha - Simon Tait
Sunderland Bravo - Nick Robinson
Sunderland 04 - Dave Small
Sunderland 05 - Chris Hart
Sunderland 06 - Jonny Emme
Sunderland 07 - Martin Routledge
Sunderland 08 - Phillip Smith
Sunderland 09 - Andy Burlison
Sunderland 10 - Rob Irving
Sunderland 11 - Sean Martin
Sunderland 12 - Neil Peddison
Sunderland 13 - Joel Robson
Sunderland 14 - Jonny Todd
Sunderland 15 - Katheryn Haswell
Sunderland 16 - Anthony Anderson

02/12/2024

CALLOUT 270/2024

1/12/24 21:44
Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB) were called out last night to a casualty who was stuck down the cliff at Marsden Grotto after climbing down to rescue their dog.

We located the casualty 15 feet down the cliff face holding on. Both teams worked together to rapidly deploy rope rescue equipment and lower a Rope Rescue Technician to the casualty and recover them to the cliff top.

We then deployed a Rope Rescue Technician to the base of the cliff to recover the dog, alive but injured, into the care of its owners.

This incident could have easily ended in a fatality, we always say dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard and never put yourself in danger, and to keep your dog on a lead when walking the cliffs.

25/08/2024

We know inflatables are fun but they really aren’t for the sea. This afternoon we’ve been involved in more than eight incidents along the East Coast, where inflatables have got their owners into trouble.

Please, please leave them at home or on the sand. We don’t want to spoil your fun but today’s offshore wind is making inflatables and paddle-boards dangerous things to be on.