YOUR article on the merger of local marine rescue services (Bay and Basin Extra, August 15) was interesting, and it’s pleasing to see some steps toward State-level rationalisation of this important area.

I look forward to it being followed by future integration of maritime services in Australia into a national coastguard. At a federal level there has been some partial movement by setting up a “joint offshore command”, which creates closer liaison between Navy patrol services with surveillance needs of customs, quarantine, and immigration, although its aims are limited.

A case for a fully integrated coastguard is made from my web-page (www.geoffbolton.net) and includes informative links to information on other approaches to coastguard services round the world.

Getting there will be slow and obstructed by resistance expected from many entrenched interests (including the RAN) – but it must become a national-level project.

G. Bolton,

Sussex Inlet.