| |
| [The
Coastguard Service was originally the result
of a reorganisation of other existing services
aimed at countering the immense smuggling
activity that prevailed during the first
quarter of the 19th century. It has
subsequently undergone many further
reorganisations and is now responsible for
ship and coastline safety. Smuggling in Britain has existed for many centuries. Whenever a tax or duty was placed on the export or import of materials or goods there have been individuals who have tried to exploit the opportunity of trade by illegally importing or exporting those goods. The export of tin from Cornwall, iron from Sussex and wool from many parts of Britain all gave rise to smuggling activity. The taxes placed on imports of luxury items (silk, tea, coffee, brandy and gin) also led to illegal imports of such magnitude that it has been estimated that by the middle of the 18th century 50% of the spirits consumed in Britain was smuggled. To ensure that taxes and duty was paid Customs Officers were appointed at ports and the official export of some goods was restricted to specific ports. The Board of Customs collected import taxes on goods via their network of Customs Officers at ports. By 1820 there were 6708 officers and men, including 2375 men on 31 Royal Navy ships, operating at a total cost of just under £521000. There was considerable scope for confusion and duplication because of the fragmented approach. In 1821 a committee examining the operation of the Customs recommended the combination of all services (except the Coast Blockade which would remain under the Admiralty) under the control of the Board of Customs. Officers would be recommended by the Admiralty. The Coastguard Service came into operation in 1822. In 1831 the Coast Blockade was absorbed into this new service. Coastguards served on ships and on shore. Men on shore were moved away from their home location for fear of collusion. Coastguard Stations were equipped with living quarters for married men as well as single quarters. Each station was commanded by a Chief Officer (normally a Royal Navy lieutenant). Beneath him were Chief Boatman, Commissioned Boatman and Boatman ranks. The size of the station determined the number of each rank. By 1839 there were over 4553 Coastguards. The first Coastguard Instructions were issued in 1829 and included a section on lifesaving and lifesaving equipment. The Manby lifesaving equipment was already in widespread use. In 1831 the Admiralty determined that the Coastguard Service should be a reserve force for the Royal Navy. As a consequence the regulations for recruitment of officers and men were laid down. In 1856, at the end of the Crimean War, control of the Coastguard Service was transferred to the Admiralty. By this time smuggling was on the wane and the lifesaving role and Naval Reserve aspects were more significant. After the First World War there was a significant reduction in the manpower of the Coastguard Service. Control of the Service changed hands 5 times after 1923]. |