National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) – Calshot Tower QAVS & Stone Point NCI

National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) – Calshot Tower QAVS & Stone Point NCI

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) watchkeepers provide eye and ears along the coast, keeping watch and monitoring radio channels to provide a listening watch in poor visibility.

The NCI is a charity staffed and managed by volunteers whose mission is to help save lives at sea and around the UK coastline. If you, a family member or friend uses the coastal waters or the shoreline – maybe canoeing, fishing, boating or even walking on our beautiful but sometimes treacherous coastline – we are watching and keeping you safe. We are a critical part of UK Search and Rescue. We work alongside His Majesty’s Coastguard, the RNLI and the ‘blue-light’ emergency services to assist in the protection and saving of life at sea and along the coastline of England and Wales.

Thinking of joining us?

All training given - Training is carried out by experienced watchkeepers both in the lookout station and in classroom settings. An assessment is carried out when you’re ready, to check that all necessary competencies have been learned.

No previous experience necessary & Learn at your own pace - The training is designed not only to make you an efficient watchkeeper of value to the community, but also to increase your general knowledge of maritime matters. Training is always at your own pace, with support and regular checks to ensure you’re comfortable with the content, delivery and pace of the training.

During training, and even after qualifying as a Certified Watchkeeper you’ll always be helped and guided not only by your station management team and colleagues, but by a network of experienced national officers whose purpose is to ensure you can always access guidance and support if needed.

All members of the NCI are expected to carry out regular watches, attend station meetings and help out at fundraising events. Note we are a uniformed service.

Local New Forest Stations are;
Calshot Tower QAVS is situated alongside the RNLI Lifeboat station at the northeast point of Calshot Spit, NCI Calshot Tower views Southampton Water and the central and eastern Solent. It operates a satellite station, NCI Stone Point, in Lepe Country Park.

Stone Point NCI is situated in Lepe Country Park near the entrance to Beaulieu River, NCI Stone Point views Lepe Spit and the central and western Solent; it is a satellite station of NCI Calshot Tower.

National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) - Calshot Tower QAVS & Stone Point NCI

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) watchkeepers provide eye and ears along the coast, keeping watch and monitoring radio channels to provide a listening watch in poor visibility.
National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) - Calshot Tower QAVS & Stone Point NCI Website