A shout has gone out to the coastal communities of Angus and the Mearns as HM Coastguard launches a recruitment drive.
One of the emergency service’s most active resources is its 347 teams of coastguard rescue officers.
More than 3,200 volunteers give up their time across the UK and the Arbroath, Montrose, Stonehaven and Carnoustie teams are now looking for new recruits.
These teams have been involved in almost 200 “shouts” or incidents ranging from capsized boats, cliff fallers to missing anglers and people cut off by the tide.
Between January 1 and November 19 this year, Carnoustie’s coastguard dealt with 61 incidents, Arbroath with 56, Montrose 55, and Stonehaven 19.
Susan Simpson, from the Arbroath Coastguard Rescue Team, said: “I am immensely proud to be a coastguard rescue officer and during my two years in the service I have grown in confidence, not only for the job at hand, but I have become a far more confident person in my private life too.
“My family and friends are also very proud of what I do and my daughter loves to tell anyone who will listen that ‘mummy helps people in danger’, which again fills me with pride.
“If you have ever thought about it, my advice is just do it. I am very passionate about what I do and being part of such a vital service to the community is a reward like no other.”
The importance of local coastguard and emergency services was no more apparent this year than when two missing fishermen initiated Scotland’s largest maritime search and rescue operation.
Jim Reid, 75, and his grandson David Irvine, 35, of Inverbervie, sipped from a flask of tea and nibbled on two biscuits as they spent two nights adrift on the North Sea.
Their 16ft creel boat, the Water Rail, ran off course when their compass stopped working. They were found at sea by a passing fishing vessel 46 miles off the coast of Arbroath.
Coastguard area commander Ross Greenhill said: “Coastal communities are privileged to have these rescue teams, which form an integral part of society.
“They respond to callouts in all weathers and often at unsocial hours to assist people in distress.
“Coastguard Rescue Officers are trained in first aid and a variety of rescue techniques, from water, mud, rope and cliff rescues, to search methods and assisting helicopter operations.
“Aside from giving your time to a worthy cause, volunteering has a number of key benefits for your career too.
“It can help you stand out from the crowd, learn practical skills, and will look great on your CV.
“If you’d like to join, we’ll ensure you have regular training, and all we ask in return is that you are situated within 20 minutes of the coastguard base, and be available to respond at most times.”
Officers also spend time in schools and meeting the public.
Email Mr Greenhill at ross.greenhill@mcga.gov.uk or telephone 01674 672101 for more information.