SPONSORED ARTICLE
For nearly 30 years, dedicated, highly trained volunteers have been actively watching and listening out for the safety of people around the UK coasts and at sea. As an integral part of the UK’s world class search and rescue services, the NCI’s watchkeepers keep a daily look out from 59 sea-facing stations for anyone in possible danger.
If you’re planning to be at this year’s Southampton Boat Show, why not find out more in person on stand F052. Just by visiting the stand you’ll be supporting NCI and doing your bit to keep the maritime community safe, with the chance to win goodie bags and test your VHF radio skills.
YOU’RE IN SIGHT
If you’re out on the water and in sight of an NCI station, there’s a good chance that someone is looking out for your safety using high power optics and technology.
Not only that, there’s a range of invaluable (and free) services that could just be a lifesaver for you and all types of mariners and sizes of vessel, from coastal safety information to on call support.
ON CALL FOR YOU
Support for the yachting community is not just for emergencies. Every station can be reached on VHF Ch 65 for useful local information if you’re out on the water:
- Radio checks (avoiding the need to contact HM Coastguard)
- AIS checks
- Current weather information
- Regular weather broadcasts
- Inshore Waters Forecasts relayed verbatim
- Keeping-an-eye requests
CLOSE COLLABORATION AT WORK
NCI stations are robustly assessed as declared facilities of HM Coastguard and although the organisations are separate, the shared aim of keeping people safe around UK waters is the same.
And the collaboration is growing, with NCI Bembridge becoming the first station to be embedded within an operational HM Coastguard Rescue Team station.
NCI Station Development Trustee Chris Aps explained.
“It’s a first for us and the trial at Bembridge during summer of summer 2022 was extremely successful. It makes so much sense that trained NCI Watchkeepers man those coastguard station lookouts where there are active coastguard rescue teams."
“Our volunteers have a fantastic relationship and a very close working partnership with the Coastguard Rescue Team members which gives coastal safety an extra boost. We hope there will be further schemes in the future,” he said.
HELP NCI TO HELP YOU
The entire charitable operation is funded by donations. If you would like to donate, please click the button below, or to find out about becoming a volunteer, go to www.nci.org.uk/join.
National Coastwatch Institution | Eyes Along The Coast (nci.org.uk)
You can support at any time too:
Text NCI to 70450 to donate £5.
Registered Charity No. 1159975