Who we are
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT).
We provide a 24-hour maritime and coastal search and rescue emergency coordination and response service for the United Kingdom.
We produce legislation and guidance and provide certification to ships and seafarers. Through our survey and inspection regime, we enforce standards for ship safety, security, pollution prevention and seafarer health, safety and welfare. We promote maritime standards, encourage economic growth and minimise the maritime sector’s environmental impact.
Safer lives, safer ships, cleaner seas
Our vision is to be a world-leading organisation, accelerating the transition to sustainable shipping with non-negotiable safety standards. We put our people, our customers and our planet at the heart of everything we do.
Our focus is on the themes of safety and sustainability, growth and innovation.
Our values are safety, professionalism, trust and respect.
Why our work matters
We contribute to the wider Department for Transport objectives of boosting economic growth and opportunity, improving journeys delivering safe, secure and sustainable transport, promoting a culture of efficiency, and building a one nation Britain. The MCA fulfils an essential safety role across the United Kingdom’s maritime environment.
Examples of our work include:
