DURING 1934 the coastguard organiza- tion was required to take action (sometimes only of a precautionary nature) in the case of 797 vessels observed or reported to be in distress, in difficulties, or overdue, off the coasts of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and on 83 occasions the rocket life-saving appliance companies were assembled for service. In 70 cases it was not necessary for the appliances to be brought into action for saving life, but in the remaining 13 cases 66 persons were rescued, 45 being landed by means of the breeches-buoy and 21 by other means.

In addition 68 vessels which were observed to be standing into danger were warned by means of signals made by the coastguard officer or watcher on duty. As a result of such warnings the vessels were enabled to alter course and avoid the risk of being wrecked.

Help was also given to 44 persons in difficulties on cliffs and to 39 who had been cut off by the tide.

The coast life-saving corps, which includes the life-saving appliance com- panies, auxiliary watchers and the intelligence section, now has 6,000 members, and gave valuable help to the coastguard during the year..