Any plans to set up a fully independent Isle of Man Coastguard are some way off yet and will be subject to a consultation process.
Transport Minister David Anderson was speaking in the House of Keys after being asked by North Douglas MHK John Houghton to set up a meeting for Tynwald Members and lifeboat station officers to discuss the idea.
However, a greater degree of responsibility is to be given to the Manx service at the end of November, when all emergency calls will start to be routed via Douglas Harbour Control first.
Mr Anderson (pictured) says a more independent Coastguard would benefit the Island and sees the new system as a step towards it:
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