MCA chief executive Peter Cardy said the Coast Guard emergency response would not be effected by the strike, with Mayday calls, automatic distress calls and 999 calls still getting through.

He said, 'The tugs will still be operating so they will be patrolling the shores of the UK, the helicopters will still be flying exactly as normal, our counter pollution teams will be ready as always and of course the lifeboats of the RNLI will still be launching on request, just like every day of the year.'

The MCA has activated contingency planning procedures which will ensure public safety, with managers drafted in to answer calls and carry out other duties.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) is seeking an additional £3,000 on top of the current MCA base pay of £12,097 per year.

PCS union general secretary Mark Serwotka said the members did not relish the strike action, which an overwhelming majority had voted for in response to pay awards as low as 1% for experienced members of staff.

He said, 'They feel let down and betrayed by a refusal to pay them the same as other emergency services and by below inflation pay rises which are cutting their pay in real terms. Coastguards provide a vital emergency service and ensure the safety of shipping in British waters. It is a scandal that pay rates are so low.'

Peter Cardy acknowledged that Coastguard salaries were lower than those of comparable emergency services but the MCA maintains that it is bound by government rules on public sector pay.

PCS members counter that the MCA has made little effort to persuade the Treasury of the business case for a fair pay settlement. Concerns have been expressed that low morale within the service and an exodus of highly skilled staff will have longer term implications for maritime safety.