join as a volunteer watchkeeper

a vital role

As a watchkeeper you decide how many watches you want to do and also when you want to do them. 

Training is carried out at Folkestone NCI station in our dedicated training room which is equipped with up-to-date training equipment. Initially as a course with perhaps 3 to 5 other beginners that is spread over a number of weeks to suit teacher and students and thereafter as a third watchkeeper with experienced colleagues standing watches. The pace of learning is dictated by the volunteer and is a relaxed as he or she chooses. 

An assessment to demonstrate knowledge of all the required competences takes place once the volunteer is ready and the trainer is confident that the volunteer will become an effective watchkeeper. 

The training is designed not only to make volunteers efficient watchkeepers of value to the community, but also to increase their general knowledge of maritime matters. 

Qualified watchkeepers must be able to safely and legally use VHF radio to monitor and communicate with other maritime and SAR VHF users so training includes that for the Short Range Certificate (SRC) for maritime VHF radio issued by the Royal Yachting Association. 

All members of a watch station are not only expected to carry out regular watchkeeping duties but also to attend station meetings and fund-raising events. 

Meetings may be held to conduct training or hold general meetings and they also provide members an opportunity to meet together other than when on watch. 

As each station is responsible for raising sufficient funds to meet its running costs, fund raising events are vital for the efficient upkeep of the station. As an NCI watchkeeper you will be an important part of the national search and rescue organisation and a vital link in the security of our coastline through contact with HM Coastguard. 

If you are interested in joining us, e-mail lynsay.scott@nci.org.uk including the following information: Full name and telephone number that you are happy for us to use to call you and one of us will ring you back, it may take a few days for us to contact you.