The new Isle of Man based Marine Operations Centre is live from today.
Since 1988, when the United Kingdom Coastguard operations room in Ramsey closed, all 999 calls from the Isle of Man have been handled in Liverpool, from where coastguards have also coordinated search and rescue efforts.
But from this morning, the Marine Operations Centre replaces Harbour Control at the Sea Terminal, taking on its responsibilities and dealing with coastguard emergency calls.
The Department of Transport has been working towards the opening of the centre for two years, with staff undergoing training and equipment being upgraded.
Onshore and near shore incidents will be dealt with on the Island, and those further out at sea will be handled by Liverpool.
The Marine Operations Centre will have a wide range of maritime functions, including opening the swingbridge at Peel and raising the harbour bridge in Douglas.
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