Could you be a watchkeeper?

Watchkeepers must be ready for anything from contacting HM Coastguard in an emergency to informing a local farmer that a sheep is stuck on a ledge. Fisherman and yachtsmen frequently telephone the lookout for local weather conditions. Walkers too may call in for advice before tackling hazardous coastal paths and wildlife sightings are reported to the appropriate organisation.

Visual watchkeeping means someone is on scene watching and listening, aware of local conditions and able to provide an accurate picture of events to help speed rescue if necessary.

• Work closely with HM Coastguard. Most of the work of the station is routine surveillance. Watchkeepers must remain vigilant at all times, know how to deal with an emergency and report to HM Coastguard who co-ordinate the various search and rescue services.
  
  
• Help to reduce time before rescue by looking for distress signals, locating and identifying casualties.
  
  
• Help rescuers reach casualties by observing casualties not visible at sea level, providing the position and identifying which vessels may be able to help in an emergency.
  
  
• Keep watch on potentially vulnerable craft and people, such as canoeists, boardsailers, divers, swimmers, anglers, walkers and climbers.
  
  
• Watch over craft until they reach safety, with problems such as engine breakdown, gear failure, leaks in the vessel, exhausted crew etc.
  
  
• Act as Ears on the coast by monitoring Channel 16, the VHF distress channel, listening in poor visibility and for cries for help.
  
  
• Keep records by logging vessels, aircraft, divers, walkers etc. Monitoring and logging the local weather and giving information to HM Coastguard as necessary.
  
  
• Also provide an emergency contact point for walkers and coast users. Watch local fishing areas and co-operate with harbour authorities, police, customs etc. Work with local farmers where livestock is at risk and with local wildlife organisations.

What makes a good Watchkeeper?

• Commitment. Providing the 'eyes along the coast' is a serious commitment and one must be prepared to put in the required effort to keep the station open and running effectively.
  
  
• Willingness to learn. Regardless of one's background, shore watchkeeping is usually a new experience for all NCI recruits and full training to exacting standards defined by the Institution is given to all volunteers. Being willing to share knowledge and experience with colleagues is valuable too.
  
  
• Observation. This is what watchkeeping is all about. Eyes and ears must be alert at all times to what is going on all around the lookout together with the ability to spot the abnormal and know how to react.
  
  
• Dedication. The task of becoming a good watchkeeper involves the above qualities but maybe most of all is a sense of responsibility not only to seafarers and coast-users but also to the work of NCI and to one's fellow volunteers. Working as a team is vital.
  
  
• Learning the ropes. All new watchkeepers, whether seasoned mariners or novices, must be prepared to attend training sessions to bring them up to the required standard that NCI is determined to maintain. Training helps volunteers to grow in experience and confidence and many are able to pass on their own particular expertise. Recruits come from all walks of life and bring with them a wide range of experiences. Training helps to recognise existing skills whilst preparing volunteers for the type of watchkeeping with which few of us are familiar.
  
  Training also has to be devised to suit local needs and conditions and much of it takes place on a 'hands-on' basis alongside knowledgeable and experienced watchkeepers. Some activities, such as chart work, are not easy to practice whilst keeping watch and special sessions are arranged to allow both the new and experienced, to brush up old or learn new skills.
  
  New recruits are placed on watches with more experienced watchkeepers where they can play a useful role in helping to man the lookout. There is no substitute for eyes and ears alert for potential trouble and no better experience than being on the spot. Learning is an on-going experience for everyone.

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