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...

 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.

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...

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, l...