Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many times the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Liverpool was staffed at below risk-assessed levels in (a) April 2014 and (b) May 2014.

Liverpool Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was staffed below risk assessed levels during:

a) April 2014 – 30 occasions out of 60 shifts

b) May 2014 – 6 occasions out of 62 shifts

Where there are specific issues at a MRCC Her Majesty's Coastguard is using the current long established pairing arrangements between MRCCs. This enables each MRCC to be connected to at least one other MRCC which is available to provide mutual support.