National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), is dedicated to the safety, protection and preservation of life at sea, is poised to open a new station in Filey, but they need volunteers to run it!

NCI watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. They are trained to deal with emergencies offering a variety of skills and experience, and full training by the NCI ensures that high standards are met. Subject to planning permission, the Filey Station will be situated at the south end of the Royal Parade.

NCI offer full training to become a Watchkeeper. If you can offer a few hours either on weekdays or weekends, why not bob along to the Evron Centre from 2.30pm on Thursday March 17.

Mike Johnson, Sector Manager (North East Coast), said: “We would like to invite people to come and see us for a couple of hours and bring a friend if they wish. We will tell attendees everything they need to know about NCI and the new station with lots of time for questions.” There’s no requirement to book and free tea and biscuits will be available!

The first NCI Lookout was opened in 1994 when two fishermen lost their lives off the Cornish coast near a Coastguard lookout which had recently closed. The most northerly NCI station on the east coast is at Hornsea, occupying a former Coastguard Lookout, it opened in 2018. It is one of fifty-six watch stations manned by some 2,565 volunteers.

NCI Station at Hornsea