A recruitment drive has been launched by National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) at Bass Point on the Lizard.

NCI is a voluntary organisation that assists in the protection of life at sea by keeping a visual watch from stations all round the coast of England and Wales. Bass Point was the first NCI lookout, set up in 1994 following an accident involving local fishermen.

Watchkeepers do not need to have an armed forces or nautical background as full training will be provided. The lookout at Bass Point is open 365 days a year with Watchkeepers conducting four-hour watches during daylight hours.

 

Bass Point lookout

Bass Point lookout

 

Ross Durkin, PR Officer for Bass Point NCI, said: "The work carried out by NCI forms an important part of the National Search and Rescue Infrastructure. Each year Bass Point is involved in a number of incidents where human life is potentially at risk. The work is not physically demanding and is an ideal way for those with a little free time on their hands to make a valuable contribution in their local area."

Bass Point Coastwatch Station was the country's first station to be opened by the NCI, after extensive refurbishment by volunteers, on December 18, 1994.

The opening was the direct result of the tragic loss of a local Cadgwith fishing boat and her two-man crew. This happened in the sea area near the derelict Bass Point Coastguard Station, which had been closed in 1992.

For the first few weeks the Watchkeepers were without electricity, heating and toilet facilities. The visual watch, however, was in place from that time.

The Station was opened formally on February 3, 1995 by the actress Jenny Agutter who has since become an honorary member of Bass Point.

Watchkeepers come from all walks of life and are all trained in-house to the standards of a Declared Facility Status Station.

READ NEXT:

PICTURES: Big crowds for 60th St Keverne Ox Roast

Bass Point watches the sea area off The Lizard which has no traffic separation zones. Numerous merchant and commercial vessels ply the area and tend to take the shortest distance between two points. This takes them into the area used by the local fishing boats, with their dan buoys, crab pots etc.

Bass Point has been instrumental in saving lives over the years together with our sister Stations in the West Cornwall Region.

Anyone interested can contact the station manager, Peter Martin by email - peter.martin@nci.org.uk or by mobile 07976 509124.