National Coastwatch Institution - Caring for you on the coast Hi-technology and sophisticated communication systems have vastly improved safety at sea but accidents can and do happen to experienced seafarers as well as novices. Hi-tech may fail or not be available when being seen is essential. In 1994, when two Cornish fishermen lost their lives below the recently closed coastguard lookout at Bass Point, a group of local people decided to set up an organisation to restore visual watch along the UK coast. The National Coastwatch Institution was born and the first station to open was at Bass Point on The Lizard. At the start of the third millenium, there are 20 stations open around our shores with many more planned. Our volunteer watchkeepers are not only trained to look out for seafarers and shore-users in trouble, but must know how to deal with an emergency. They are of all ages and come from many different walks of life but they have one thing in common - a firm belief in the work of the NCI and a keen desire to help prevent loss of life. There are 6 NCI watch stations currently operating in Cornwall. All are equiped with VHF receivers, high powered optics, weather instruments and most have radar. These stations are open for 365 days each year during daylight hours and all are self-funding! Many of our stations have achieved Declared Facility Status (DFS) which means that they are formally recognised as part of the Search and Rescue family. Wherever there is an NCI station, someone is looking out for you ......... !