From The Mouth Of Portsmouth Harbour!

The Weird and Wonderful - 2

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

Walking the dog! #walkyourdogmonth

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

The Weird and Wonderful!

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

Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS)

Recently watchkeepers from Gosport NCI were invited to visit Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, known locally as GAFIRS. It is one of a surprising number of independent lifeboat rescue services around the coast (over 60) that plays a vital role in maritime and inshore safety.They work in close collaboration with the UK Coastguard and other lifeboat services, such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Their area of coverage includes the waters off Lee-on-the-Solent, Hill Head, and Stokes Bay, extending out into the Solent itself and makes GAFIRS one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the UK!

The watchkeepers from the NCI were all impressed by the rigorous training the volunteers received and to learn about the comprehensive and well equipped boats. The Joan Dora Fuller; the 9 m, 40 plus knots main lifeboat and the Ian Fuller; their 4.8 m, 30 knot inshore lifeboat.Based at the Premier Gosport Marina, the inshore lifeboat is a regular sight for NCI watchkeepers!

As a charitable institution, GAFIRS relies on donations, grants, and community support to maintain its operations. This year, three intrepid Gosport NCI watchkeepers joined the Stokes Bay New Year’s Day swim to help raise funds to support GAFIRS work.

For more information or to support GAFIRS, visit GAFIRS official website.

Everyone Welcome !

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.

Everyone Welcome !

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.

'Tis the season for cold water dips and New Year's Day swims!

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

Gosport NCI provide a visual and listening watch over the waters and coast of the Eastern Solent