The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is a voluntary organisation set up in 1994 to restore
a visual watch along UK shores after many small Coastguard stations closed down due to Government
cuts.
When two Cornish fisherman lost their lives off the Cornish coast below a recently closed lookout, local people decided to restore the visual watch; and the first station opened at Bass Point, on the Lizard peninsula.
NCI stations have been set up along the coast from Lands End in the South West to Hartlepool in the North East. Each station has a qualified and highly trained team to watch over its own particular area whether it is a popular seaside town, busy port or shipping area. Accidents will always happen at sea and along the coastline. Wherever there is an NCI station a watchkeeper will be looking out for danger and ensuring your safety on the water.
High technology and sophisticated systems such as radar and telecommunications have vastly improved safety at sea, but there is no substitute for a watchful pair of eyes. Accidents do happen and a computer or technology cannot spot a distress flare, an overturned boat, a yacht with problems, a water sports enthusiast in difficulty, or children or adults in trouble, or possible pollution incidents. That is why our lookouts and watchkeepers are an important service provider to all those who use our coastal waters, footpaths and coastline.