VIEW FROM THE TOWER!

Visit us on stand D11 on Saturday 18th May from 0900 to 1600. Come and see us and find out about the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI): - The role the NCI plays in promoting water safety. - How to become a watchkeeper at Gosport - What do watchkeepers do.

Knowing the local weather conditions before you set off can make all the difference to the enjoyment of a day on the water.  Have you ever wondered what the actual weather is like at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, or Bembridge or the Needles for example? Help is at hand! Your local NCI Stations all along the Solent make regular weather broadcasts on VHF Channel 65 throughout the day to give you up to date information about the actual weather near you. Gosport NCI has published a leaflet detailing the times of all the local NCI broadcasts - look out for it at your local NCI station or marina or listen out on VHF Channel 65. Becoming a watch keeper: If you would like to become a watch keeper, email the station manager at richard.suggitt@nci.org.uk for more information. Making a donation to Gosport NCI: Text NCIGOSPORT to 70450 to donate £5. Social Media Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

  Members of the National Coastwatch Institution station at Gosport recently made two presentations to the Chair of the Gosport And Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, better known to everyone as GAFIRS. Cold Comfort! The first came as a result of the GAFIRS New Years Day swim; three hardy watchkeepers from the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Gosport station joined hundreds of swimmers for a chilly sponsored dip into the Solent on New Years Day. Although more used to keeping watch over the sea, coasts and other swimmers for those in distress, our watchkeepers bravely launched themselves intothe water and were not at all distressed to raise a substantial amount in personal sponsorship!One part of this was donated to the NCI station, and the other was given to GAFIRS. Heart Felt Thanks! An official ‘Thank You’ certificate was presented by the NCI Gosport Station Manager in recognition of a special training programme run by GAFIRS for the watchkeepers of NCI Gosport. This included First

As a volunteer organisation, Gosport NCI depends upon generous donations not just of money but also of facilities to help our team training and meetings. So to have the support of the Portsmouth Offshore Group (POG), an organisation that itself is dedicated to the promotion of safer sailing is much appreciated! Richard Suggitt, Gosport NCI Station Manager presents a Supporter's Certificate to John Ainsworth, POG Commodore. Becoming a watch keeper: If you would like to become a watch keeper, email the station manager at richard.suggitt@nci.org.uk for more information. Making a donation to Gosport NCI: Text NCIGOSPORT to 70450 to donate £5. Social Media Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

As watchkeepers based in Portsmouth harbour entrance, we get the opportunity to see an amazing variety of different vessels......... Commercial Tugs at work. Tugs are an important part of Portsmouth harbour. Admiralty tugs and SERCO tugs help ensure the safety of shipping transiting the harbour. Becoming a watchkeeper: If you would like to become a watchkeeper, email the station manager at richard.suggitt@nci.org.uk for more information. Making a donation to Gosport NCI: Text NCIGOSPORT to 70450 to donate £5. Social Media Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

This year, three of our intrepid watchkeepers; Caroline, Lenie and Lesley will be braving the icy waters of the Solent on New Year's Day. Last year they raised over £500, split equally between GAFIRS, Gosport's independent lifeboat and NCI Gosport. This year, again, over 400 people are expected to take part in the event at Stokes Bay, making it one of the largest charity swims on the south coast. Stay warm and watch the fun from midday! If you are thinking of having your own swim this year it is a good idea to check the tides, carry a charged mobile in a waterproof pouch, have warm dry clothing to change into - the sea temperature is just 9 Celsius and don't go alone! Becoming a watchkeeper: If you would like to become a watchkeeper, email the station manager at gosport@nci.org.uk for more information. Making a donation to Gosport NCI: Text NCIGOSPORT to 70450 to donate £5. Social Media Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.