Shetland Coastguard is the latest station to join the new national Coastguard network.
Lerwick headquarters had to be closed for two weeks while new technology was installed.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said being part of a UK-wide network meant local coastguards resources would be bolstered by other stations during busy periods and vice versa.
Steve Turner, the maritime operations controller at Shetland, said: “The way we deliver the co-ordination of search and rescue operations on our coast and out at sea is changing…but the public won’t notice any difference.
“The new national Coastguard network will be able to oversee and assist with operations around the whole of the UK. We’re now part of this network, so we can call upon help from our fellow Coastguards elsewhere in the country, and also in turn help them out if needed.
“It’s important to remember though that the rescue teams in your community are unaffected. There will still be the same number of lifeboats, Coastguard rescue teams, helicopters and other rescue resources.”
