Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team

22/09/2026

Applications to join the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team closes on the 30th of September. Please read the Facebook Post for all Training Dates that you would be required to attend.

22/09/2026

Our Flank Team at Largs Coastguard Rescue Team are also looking for some new Recruits, please give their FACEBOOK page a Follow, and share their Recruitment post.

The Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of volunteers who carry out rescues and help those in distress around our coast.

22/09/2026

🐕 DOG IN THE WATER AT CLYDE MARINA

At 2.14 am this morning, the Team were tasked to a report of a Black Labrador dog in the water at Clyde Marina, with concerns that the owner might enter the water to try and rescue it.

The Team arrived on scene and met up with several Police Scotland colleagues and the owner, who were already searching the dog's last known location.
The dog had slipped its lead and gone over the end of the harbour wall at the storm gate. The owner had two other dogs with them and didn't want to enter the water, as the other dogs would likely follow.

The owner contacted the Police in the first instance, who transferred the call to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Belfast. The MRCC then tasked the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team. After around 40 minutes of searching, the dog was located in the marina 200m from the last known location. Members of the Ardrossan Team gained access to the pontoons and successfully recovered the dog from the water.
Although tired, the dog was in good health and very happy to be reunited with its owners. 🐾

⚠️ A REMINDER TO DOG OWNERS ⚠️

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, please don't enter the water to try and rescue your dog. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Luckily, many dogs are able to get themselves out of the water, so keep yourself safe and let the emergency services help.

🌊 In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

15/09/2026

Reminder: We have an Open Night this Friday, 18th September.

Please come along and we’ll talk you through what’s involved and what’s required. Members of the Team will be on station to answer any questions you may have and give you more information about joining.
We look forward to seeing you there!

06/09/2026

ARDROSSAN COASTGUARD RECRUITMENT OPEN NIGHTS

The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team will be holding two Open Nights as part of our recruitment drive.
If you are interested in joining the Coastguard Rescue Service, these evenings are a great opportunity to find out more about what we do, ask the team questions about the recruitment process, and take a look at some of the equipment you could be trained to use.
You will also have the opportunity to learn more about the wide range of emergencies and incidents that Coastguard Rescue Teams attend, and what is involved in becoming part of a dedicated search and rescue team.

Anyone considering applying is very welcome to come along to our team station on Montgomerie Street, Ardrossan, from 7pm to 9pm on either of the following dates:
📅 Wednesday, 9th September
📅 Friday, 18th September

Come along, meet the team, have a look around the station and find out if becoming a Coastguard Rescue Officer could be for you.
We look forward to welcoming you!

03/09/2026

Last night, members of Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team, alongside colleagues from Greenock Coastguard Rescue Team Clydebank Coastguard Rescue Team and Largs Coastguard Rescue Team , had the opportunity to visit the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) Specialist Operations Response Team (SORT) base in Linwood.

The teams received an excellent overview of SORT’s specialist capabilities, including their response to hazardous materials, CBRN incidents, mass-casualty events, difficult terrain, confined spaces and other high-risk situations.

We were then given a tour of their specialist vehicles and equipment, including the wide range of kit used for mass-casualty and Chemical incidents, and ballistic protection.

The Coastguard teams also had the opportunity to showcase our own Coastguard Rescue Vehicles (CRVs) and equipment, including our mud and rope rescue capabilities.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen the working relationship between our emergency services.

A huge thank you to the SAS SORT team in Linwood for their time and hospitality. It was greatly appreciated by all the Coastguard Rescue Officers who attended.

Working together, learning together and keeping our communities safe. 🚑🚨🌊

01/09/2026

🚨Recruitment Now Open:

The recruitment window for volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers (CRO’s) based in Ardrossan is now open for 2026.

Applicants will be expected to reside or work within 10/12 minutes of our station at Montgomerie Street.

There are no formal qualifications required to become a CRO and all training will be provided.

CRO’s are required to completed a number of training modules which include:
•Water Rescue 🛟
•Rope Rescue 🧗‍♂️
•Coastguard Emergency Responder Casualty Care (CERCC) 🚑
•Lost & Missing Person Search training 🗺️
•Aircraft familiarisation training 🚁

Recruitment process:
• Online Application open on 01/09/26
•Online Application close on 30/09/26
• Membership Day Interview
• Medical (held on station)
• PVG background checks

At membership day interview we will discuss/assess your availability, commitments, career & knowledge of the CRO role.

Mid October for membership days with Station Officer/Deputy Station Officers.
• November/December 2026 - medicals - will be held at Greenock Coastguard Operations Base. Jan/ Feb 2027 - PVG checks

Training will be held at Greenock Coastguard Station on the below dates-
New Entry Course Dates:

Part 1- Monday 22nd March to Friday 26th March 2027 - 0900-1730 daily. Foundation training + 3-day CERCC.

Part 2- Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th April 2027 - 0900-17:30. Water Search and Rescue (WSAR) weekend.

Part 3 - Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd May 2027 -0900-1700. Lost And Missing Person Search (LAMPS)

You have to be available for ALL of the above dates to complete your Foundation Training.

For further details contact - [email protected]

Further reading on CRO role:

https://hmcoastguard.uk/volunteer-as-a-coastguard

24/08/2026

SEPA are investigating an ongoing pollution incident at Saltcoats linked to sewage. Due to the potential impact on water quality, we have requested North Ayrshire Council to erect signage to advise against bathing. More information at https://beta.sepa.scot/news/2026/advice-against-bathing-at-saltcoats/

16/08/2026

02/08/2026

Today, our 2026 intake of Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) from the newly formed Clydebank Coastguard Rescue Team attended a familiarisation visit to the HM Coastguard Search and Rescue (SAR) Fixed-Wing Aircraft and Rescue Helicopter based at Prestwick Airport. Personnel from the Ardrossan and Greenock Coastguard Rescue Team were also in attendance.

This training forms part of the ongoing development that all newly appointed Coastguard Rescue Officers undertake as part of their initial training syllabus.

The morning session took place at the Fixed-Wing Aircraft hangar. Prestwick is one of the UK's designated bases hosting HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft, including the King Air fleet operated under contract by 2Excel Aviation. These aircraft provide long-range search capabilities, vessel tracking, maritime surveillance, and pollution monitoring. They can also be tasked to support ground Search and Rescue Teams during searches for vessels in distress and missing persons throughout the UK.

As the group awaited the afternoon visit to Rescue Helicopter R199 (AW189), the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked to a high-risk missing person incident. Seconds later, the pagers sounded again, with both the Greenock and Clydebank Teams being mobilised to return to their respective areas for a separate incident. HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R199 was also tasked to support.

Unfortunately, this meant the helicopter familiarisation had to be postponed. The teams look forward to arranging another visit in the near future.

Our sincere thanks go to both duty crews for their hospitality and for the time, professionalism, and knowledge they continue to share with our teams during these valuable training visits. Their support is greatly appreciated.

In Coastal emergencies, always remember

To Search, To Rescue, To Save.