UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is a UK executive agency working to prevent the loss of lives at sea and is responsible for implementing British and International maritime law and safety policy. This involves coordinating search and rescue (SAR) at sea through Her Majesty's Coastguard (HMCG), ensuring that ships meet international and UK safety standards, monitoring and preventing coastal water pollution and testing and issuing Merchant Navy Certificates of Competency (licences) for ships' officers and crew to STCW requirements.