Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union at the country's five control centres are taking part in the UK-wide 48-hour strike in protest at a below-inflation pay rise.

The union said a skeleton staff was on duty at most stations, responding to 999 distress calls only.

Forth Coastguard Station was closed, with calls being diverted to Aberdeen and yesterday all calls to Clyde Coastguard were being handled by the control centre in Belfast. The union said the stoppage, which began on Friday night, could close about half of the UK's 19 coastguard centres.

Stuart Atkinson, of the PCS, said members had been left with no alternative but to strike.

"Coastguard officers are paid substantially less than others in the emergency services. This is a complete withdrawal of labour, a full-blown strike, and we are asking our members not to attend work.

"What we want is for the Government to provide funding so we can work towards a settlement.

"In the past we have been patient, we have worked to rule and taken strikes at quiet times, but the Government won't listen. We could actually earn more money working for a fast-food chain. It is a disgrace."

He added that coastguards had not taken the action lightly.

"When I walked out of that operations room my heart sank that we have been forced into a situation where people's lives may effectively be put at risk. But the Government are not listening to us and there is nothing else we can do."

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said they were "absolutely committed" to maintaining the safety of life at sea despite the ongoing action.

He added that contingency plans were being drawn up.

"The Agency remains committed to engaging closely with the unions to try to resolve this dispute," he added.

"We are very disappointed and concerned at the action that has been taken."

The spokeswoman said high pay settlements would increase inflationary pressures, which could lead to an increase in interest rates.