Shetlander wrote;
Before I go... In my opinion, the local Coasties made a far better job of things than the ARCC have to date.
Of course you're entitled to your opinion but it would be interesting to see how you substantiate that particular one. I'm sure the service at a local level from the local coastguard was fine but having Co-ordinaton at a national level makes eminent sense otherwise you are always faced with the attitude of "it's 'our' asset". This is fine when it's a simple mission in your own 'patch' (as most of Shetland's are) but having a national Co-ordinator as arbitrator when things get a bit more complex is a must. Thankfully the MCA intend to adopt that model and not go back to the days of local CGOCs 'owning' the asset, something of which you are clearly a proponent.
Maybe I shouldn't have bitten but find it hard not to in this case!