INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL WATCHKEEPERS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The National Coastwatch Institution warmly welcomes and encourages people from all walks of life and gender to volunteer
ALL TRAINING GIVEN
Training is carried out here at the station, with experienced watchkeepers whilst on watch. An assessment to demonstrate knowledge of all the required competences will take place once you are ready and the trainer is confident that you will become an effective watchkeeper.
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
The training is designed not only to make volunteers efficient watchkeepers of value to the community but also to increase their general knowledge of maritime matters.
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
All members of a watchstation are not only expected to carry out regular watchkeeping duties but also to attend station meetings and fund-raising events.
Meetings may be held to conduct training or hold general meetings etc. They also provide members an opportunity to meet together other than when on watch.
As each station is responsible for raising sufficient funds to meet its running costs, fund raising events are vital for the efficient upkeep of the station.
NCI watchkeepers are an important part of the national search and rescue organisation and a vital link in the security of our coastline through contact with HM Coastguard.
COMMITMENT
We operate a 3 watch system 7 days a week 365 days a year. Watch times are 08:00 – 11:00 1100 – 1400 14:00 until 17:00 Summer schedule and 8:00 – 10:30 10:30 -13:30 13:30 until 16:00 Winter Schedule. We strive to maintain 2 watch-keepers per watch, especially during the hectic summer months.
On Qualifying we would expect you to commit to at least 1 weekday watch. You will also be called upon to also keep and an Occasional weekend watch.
Still Interested? Please fill in the below form below
© NCI St Ives 2013 -2025
The National Coastwatch Institution is a charity registered to save lives around our coast — No. 1159975