Search & Rescue Helicopters Privatised

The Government is going to end the current search and rescue arrangement with the military and source a private provider, it has announced on Monday.

The new service will see search and rescue operations provided by contractors and the Government has started the procurement process for a contract lasting around ten years.

Currently, search and rescue is provided jointly by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) - operating a fleet of Sea King helicopters from eight military bases, with a further four civilian bases operated under contract to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

However, the plans announced on Monday morning will see the end of military involvement in a dedicated helicopter search and rescue service, apparently allowing the Armed Forces to meet its "previously announced intention" to retire its fleet of Sea Kings by March 2016, the Government said.

Shipping Minister Mike Penning said: "Every day around the UK, people undertake a range of activities where knowing there's a reliable search and rescue service if something goes wrong is absolutely vital.

"The current arrangements have served us well for decades, and we are grateful to the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force for their great dedication in helping deliver an exemplary search and rescue service over the years. But we cannot ignore the fact that, after their sterling service to our country, the Sea Kings are nearing the end of their life and it is time to look to the future.

"Commercial operations are nothing new in this area - the MCA's search and rescue functions have been provided on a contract basis for almost thirty years - and this system has served us well. This new, long-term contract will see the UK served by some of the most modern, well-equipped helicopters in the world."

Under the plans, search and rescue operations at RAF Boulmer would end in 2015 and at Portland when the MCA contract expires during 2017.

The winning bidder will be then be expected to operate from ten locations around the UK, but provide at least the same level of service as at present.

(DW)