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.

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.

As watchkeepers based in Portsmouth harbour entrance, we get the opportunity to see an amazing variety of different vessels......... Naval 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.

 As watchkeepers based in Portsmouth harbour entrance, we get the opportunity to see an amazing variety of different vessels......... Traditional Sailing Boats 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 is #walkyourdogmonth. The NCI has got some top tips to keep safe! Always keep your pets on a lead around cliff edges or choppy seas. And if the worst happens do not put yourself at risk, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. 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.eyesalongthecoast, #coastwalk, #dogfriendly

 As watchkeepers based in Portsmouth harbour entrance, we get the opportunity to see an amazing variety of different vessels......... T he carriers !  Look out for more pictures! 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.

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.  

The Watchkeepers of NCI Gosport come from many and various diferent backgrounds.   Unsurprisingly, given the population of Gosport, some come from the armed services, and others have long maritime experience.   Others bring skills honed in industrial or commercial arenas.   But some have seen and done things that the rest of us can only dream about…   as in this article sent in by a Watchkeeper who, for reasons of anonymity, we will call Captain ‘SJL’. Despite his grey hair and beard, he stands more watches that any other Watchkeeper and you may hear him on our VHF Channel 65 from time to time. In Command Of an Antarctic Supply Ship Submitted by Captain ‘SJL’, MBF RD RNR It was in November 1974 that I took over command of the RRS Bransfield, the British Antarctic Survey's (BAS) ice-strengthened logistics vessel supporting the 5 scientific research stations that BAS operated in the British Antarctic Territory. The RRS Bransfield, 4816 grt, 1577 nrt, launched in Leith in 1970,