The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) reports that it has saved more than 3,000 staff working hours following a major data upskilling programme.
Since 2022, 68 MCA employees have completed training programmes delivered in partnership with Multiverse, covering data analytics, machine learning and data visualisation, resulting in improved adoption of digital tools across the organisation.
The initiative has improved the flow of data into the MCA Data Platform and significantly increased the use of Power BI for operational reporting and analysis, the Agency said.
Nearly three quarters of MCA staff are now active data users, with Power BI adoption rising from 43% to 94% since the programme began and data apprentices creating more than half of all of the reports, dashboards and apps produced in 2024 and 2025.
The number of ‘data super users’ developing multiple reports each month has also increased sevenfold.
“Ensuring safety in the maritime sector is our priority, and technology plays a key role in our ability to effectively deliver life-saving initiatives like responding to coastguard incidents and maintaining our UK fleet,” said Charis Doidge, Head of Data Science and Analytics at MCA.
“Now that we have this strong foundation, we’re excited to explore what’s next, including how AI can support our mission in saving lives, safer ships, and cleaner seas.”
Through the integration of machine learning and statistical modelling, the MCA’s data teams have already begun using predictive analytics to assess vessel risk and environmental hazards. Improved data access is also supporting coastguards, surveyors and customer-facing teams with real-time information to improve decision-making.
