VIEW FROM THE TOWER!

Well, the challenge was set by the NCI to its stations to get the special NCI anniversary flag around all 60 watch stations using as many different and varied methods of transport possible! The journey started on the 3rd June at Fleetwood in Lancashire for the 2000 mile journey around the coast to Trinity House on the Thames. Gosport NCI certainly rose to the challenge! The flag was delivered to a reception at the Gosport Submarine Museum by HMS Sultan's  Super Sentinel steam lorry. The flag was welcomed on board the submarine HMS Alliance by Gosport Watchkeepers, Gosport Mayor and Mayoress and representatives of the Kings Harbour Master and Fort Blockhouse. It was then flown at the station before being transferred over to the care of the Needles NCI but hovercraft! The flag was seen off on its journey by Portsmouth's Mayor and Watchkeepers from Gosport NCI. HMS Sultan's Super Sentinel to Gosport NCI HMS Alliance Island Flyer Hovercraft to the Needles NCI I think the watchk...

 HM Coastguard has just released a website packed with safety tips whether you are on the beach or on the water! Follow the link for Family Safety Week -  https://t.co/SmVi6taMUJ

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.

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.

  Alan, former naval officer   Why I became a watchkeeper? I love binoculars round my neck and to see the whole of the eastern Solent in view and that I am making a contribution to water safety.     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.

  Mark, amateur sailor and food and beverage business man   Why I became a watchkeeper? I have a love of the sea. I love the location in Fort Blockhouse and the teamwork.     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.

Yesterday, watchkeepers from Gosport NCI had a privileged insight into the workings of Portsmouth Harbour Control with a visit hosted by Nick Randall, the King ’ s Harbour Master. Portsmouth, along with Plymouth and Clyde that have a King ’ s Harbour Master (KHM) in recognition of their primary roles as Royal Navy bases.The current job of KHM dates back almost 200 years but its origins can be traced to the beginning of 17th century. The KHM ’ s remit covers 55 square nautical miles of sea, from Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight to the Eastern Solent and Seaview Bay to the South and the approaches to Langstone to the West. The KHM is responsible for all movements in and around the harbour, admiralty pilotage and the safety and security of the port operations.   From their offices in the Semaphore Tower in Portsmouth ’ s historic dockyard complex, Harbour Control operate 24/7 and manage movements in and out one of the busiest ports anywhere - with over 80,000 vessel transits an...