MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY
News Release No : 278/98
BY MARITIME & COASTGUARD AGENCY
Announcing the opening of a new national 24-hour information line and one stop email address, Maurice Storey, Chief Executive of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency said:
" From 1 January 1999 the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will open a telephone line and email address to all its customers, offering a round the clock information service on the whole range of Agency business. The Agency has responsibility for a wide range of maritime issues and the new 24-hour information line can expect to deal with many maritime questions such as:
I'd like to go sailing in the Solent tomorrow. What is the weather forecast?
I want to obtain the latest passenger ship regulations. Where do I go for them?
I have found some wreck off the East coast. What do I do next?
I want to register my vessel based in Scotland Who do I contact?
I need a copy of a particular Merchant Shipping Notice. Where do I get it?
Announcing the 24 hour number as
0870 6006505
And the email address as
infoline@MCAgency.org.uk
Mr Storey added:
" The new information line makes the Agency more accessible to all our customers. It is part of the Agency's One Stop Shop initiative which is intended to provide customers with a better quality public service."
Notes for Editors:
1. This line is for information to the public. Press enquiries should continue to call the Press Office on 01703 329401.
2. A ministerial commitment was given at the launch of the Agency on the 7th October 1998 to provide a 24-hour Information Service from 1 January. This has also been called the One Stop Shop - although it is in fact only one of the Agency's one stop shop initiatives.
3. The 24 hour Information Service (or Infoline) has been located at the Coastguard's Swansea Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre where new staff have been recruited to help with the additional workload whilst existing staff have been trained to handle the calls. Emails are also expected on the new Infoline email address, publicised on the Agency website. The Marine Information Centre (MIC) at the MCA's HQ in Southampton will support and evaluate the service.
4. Staff at Swansea will have the resources to be able to deal directly with some calls but will need to refer other calls to staff throughout the Agency for specialist advice - but in case will respond speedily to all enquiries.
ENDS
