New technology will aid search and rescue around Caithness coast – JohnOGroat Journal

State-of-the-art technology will bring a new edge to the search and rescue potential of HM Coastguard (HMC) sites in Caithness.

Old copper-based cables are being replaced with fibre-based technology across 165 remote radio sites across the United Kingdom, which started with Weymouth last week and eventually including Noss Head, Thrumster and Dunnet Head.

Each radio site receives distress calls from UK waters and the replacement technology will bring improvements such as security and bandwidth.

Damien Oliver, commercial and programmes director for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: We are investing 175 million into this new national radio network, which is central in preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea.

At a time when getting outdoors is pivotal to peoples mental health and wellbeing, it is essential that we can provide reassurance that we are here to respond to any emergency they may find themselves in, and this new network will enhance our ability to do that.

The new network is being built and maintained by Telent Technology Services Ltd.

Peter Moir, managing director of network services at Telent, said: This network may not be seen by many people, but its literally a lifeline for someone in distress at sea. Its important that this networks capability continues to support HMC in the vital lifesaving search and rescue work that it does.

The new fibre-based hybrid network will also make sure that HMC can continue to:

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New technology will aid search and rescue around Caithness coast - JohnOGroat Journal