Training on normalcy bias

HMCG recognises the importance of specific training and retraining on small boats for its staff. Training was introduced in the summer of 2021 in recognition of the increasing numbers of crossings, and has been updated, iterated and strengthened since its introduction. HMCG is committed to continue to regularly review and update all contents to ensure training remains relevant and fit for purpose. Key training for operational roles includes courses for new Maritime Operations Officers (MOO) and Senior Maritime Operations Officers (SMOO), which both include small boat specific training and include operational exercises for small boat incident response. These courses were most recently reviewed in 2025. Feedback from attendees is also captured and the courses are reviewed and adapted accordingly to ensure the training is relevant and clear to maritime operations officers – for example, on the information gathering process for small boat incidents. Changes to training are also made as required when updates are made to HMCG’s operational procedures. Continued Professional Development training on small boats is also conducted (see table below). The efficacy of training is ensured through regular operation standards and performance reviews. If these reviews highlight actions or conduct that is not consistent with procedure, learnings are shared and training is updated. This ensures that training and guidance is up to date, under constant review and continuously developed. The table below outlines small boat specific training introduced since 2021:

Training: Directed Network Continued Professional Development training (CPD) on small boats.
Details: This is completed twice a year by all staff who work on small boats. Examples of this might include: • Attending additional training courses. • Structured liaison visits that improve operational understanding. • Learning or training done in response to issues identified during incident response. • Presentations from relevant stakeholders. • Personal learning to improve professional competence. • On watch exercises and debriefs. • Engaging with multi-agency exercises. In addition, training on normalcy bias will be added as part of annual CPD.
Date introduced: Prioritised Network training was delivered from summer 2021 and incorporated nationally from mid-2023.
Purpose: This ensures staff learning is regularly refreshed and kept up to date with the latest developments in small boat crossings.

Training: Human Element and confirmation bias
Details: This is covered within MOO and SMOO training. This is also part of the Search and Rescue Maritime Commander (SMC) training completed by all SMCs.
Date introduced: Whilst this has been and remains part of SMC training since 2013, in that period it has been regularly reviewed and updated. Additional training was run in June and August 2021, following significant increases in small boat crossings.
Purpose: This helps embed the culture of challenging confirmation bias across HMCG, as leaders and direct reports across the UK complete this training.

Training: Normalcy Bias mandatory learning
Details: An independent body, the US Coastguard, initially delivered this training to all HMCG Operations staff, and the recording remains available online to all HMCG staff. This is now included in all HMCG training for new officers (MOO and SMOO course).
Date introduced: April 2024
Purpose: This ensures the training is embedded for operational staff across grades and refreshed for those taking on leadership positions.