The Maritime Incident Response Group
To address the issue of further improving maritime resilience and delivering a more formal approach to dealing with incidents of fire, chemical release and industrial accidents on vessels/structures 'at sea', the United Kingdom’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has entered into partnership with 15 coastal Fire & Rescue Services around the UK.
In January 2003 the MCA launched the ‘Sea of Change Project’. This project culminated in the formation of the UK Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) that actively contributes to maritime & civil resilience.
The Maritime Incident Response Group was formally 'launched' by the Secretary of State for Transport at Dover on 20th April 2006 and the ‘Sea of Change Project’ was completed on the 31st March.
The day to day management of MIRG is now maintained by :
Fire Liaison Manager
On the 5th September 2008 the MCA appointed a new Fire Liaison Manager, Fred Brown, a serving fire officer seconded from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. He will replace the current Fire Liaison Manager Craig Cook.
Fred has served in HFRS for 24 years prior to which he served in the Royal Navy for 9 years.
Fred’s career in the fire service has included responsibility for developing and delivering marine related fire fighting training at both the Warsash Maritime Centre and the Fire Service College. He has previously contributed to the Marine Incident Response Group through participation with the CFOA Marine Operation Group and the Sea of Change project training sub group.
Fred began a handover period on the 1st October 2008 and assumed
responsibility for the Fire Liaison Manager’s role in December.
David Cass-Williams
MIRG Training Officer
On the 7th January 2008, the MCA appointed a new UK MIRG Training Officer. Dave Cass-Williams, (a serving Fire Officer in Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service), fought off tough competition for the post which attracted 19 applicants from Fire Services across the UK.
Dave has just completed a 3 year secondment as the Manager of the Specialist Transport Section at the Fire Service College, running firefighting and command courses for the UK’s Fire Service and the Merchant Navy.
Dave has been a fire officer for 20 years and prior to joining the Fire Service, he served for 8 years as a marine engineer in the Royal Navy and was involved throughout the Falklands Campaign in 1982.
He replaced former MIRG Training Officer - Nigel Bruty on 1st April 2008.
Neil Peacey
MIRG Technical Support
On the 28th April, Neil Peacey was successfully appointed as MIRG Technical Support. He replaces Josh Billinge in the role.
Neil has been in the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) for 9 years, has worked in many of the MCA's departments and has gained a varied knowledge of maritime operations.
Neil's career in the MCA started in 2000 when he worked in the Fishing Vessel Safety Branch where he had responsibility for ensuring the safety of fishermen through policy and promotion. In 2007 he moved to the Better Regulation Unit of the MCA where he undertook Projects and Equality Assessments on behalf of the Directorate of Standards and Directorate of Operations.
The MCA undertook a restructure exercise in 2008 and was appointed in the Technical Support Team - Coastal Safety where he gained knowledge of coastal safety.
Neil is looking forward to the challenging and rewarding role within MIRG
