Leisure Vessel Survey
Over the last week of August NCI Gosport conducted a survey of leisure vessels using the harbour, counting the various types and they passed the lookout station coming in or going out. You might be surprised (or maybe not...) to learn that in that week there the total number of movements exceeded 4,000. This was just leisure vessels and did not include such things as ferries, fishing boats, pilot boats, or military vessels.
Yachts topped the bill, with motor boats a fairly close second and ribs coming third. Jetskis were represented, but the number was small, and the number of kayaks was smaller still. Here's the full breakdown...
Our fundraiser has pointed out that if we had placed a bucket at the harbour entrance and every vessel had thrown a £1 into it, we could be sure of keeping our lookout service running for many months to come. If you prefer to throw a small sum our way electronically, please visit the donation page on our website https://www.nci.org.uk/stations/donations
Stay Safe Along the Coast – A New NCI Coastal and Water Safety Initiative
Coastal safety received an extra boost this summer with the official launch of ‘Stay Safe Along The Coast’ from National Coastwatch. As well as their traditional task of keeping a lookout for vessels and persons in distress on the sea and along the coastlines, NCI Watchkeepers will be taking a more proactive role in promoting coastal and water safety. NCI stations which are public facing will offer practical safety support, distributing wrist bands for children to carry their guardian’s contact details so they can be quickly reunited, waterproof phone pouches, and stickers for owner’s contact details for paddleboards and personal watercraft. The charity’s volunteer watchkeepers will also provide information on local sea and tidal conditions, and local weather. Stephen Hand, National Coastwatch Chair said: “We’ve been active in promoting coastal safety for some time but the official launch of ‘Stay Safe Along the Coast’ is an important step forward. We also wo...
