National Coastwatch Institution
PORTLAND BILL
BECOMING A WATCHKEEPER
Portland Bill is manned 07.00 - 19.00
by a
team of trained and dedicated volunteers who keep a
visual and listening watch
every day of the year, except on
Christmas Day. Our lookout is equipped with
powerful binoculars,
radar, an automated (ships) information system and
electronic charts,
plus paper
charts, telephones and weather instrumentation. We
maintain close
contact with the local Coastguard Maritime Rescue
Co-ordination Centre
(MRCC) based in Weymouth, to which we are a declared
resource
available for assistance. Our capability in that
regard is
checked annually by virtue of a Declared Facility Status
inspection.
All craft, commercial and leasure, large and small, are
monitored from the
lookout. We also keep an eye on those who enjoy
climbing on
the adjacent cliffs. We provide assistance as
necessary to the
many
walkers who pass by. We generally welcome visitors
to the lookout
- operational circumstances permitting.
Watchkeepers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of skills and experience - some have had no previous maritime experience whatsoever. Training and assessment ensures that all watchkeepers reach the high standard expected by the NCI and the coastguard. Ongoing programmes keep watchkeepers up to date with latest operational procedures and equipment.
Surveillance work is mainly routine but NCI Volunteers are trained to act in an emergency and to report to the Coastguard and other emergency services as necessary - and often do so.
We also have a varied social programme.
Can you help us?
Qualified
Watchkeepers are generally expected to do 4 watches, each
of 4 hours,
per
month.
We are always looking for new volunteers, so if you wish to put your maritime knowledge to good use or would just like to learn a completely new skill and help the community at the same time, and make new friends, please get in touch. Simply phone us on 01305 860178 or visit the lookout at any time up to 19.00 (17.00 winter).
It costs us money to keep the station running (we get no funds from the Governement), so why not become a Friend Of Portland Coastwatch for a small payment of £10 per annum, or more if you wish (Friends will get a membership card and are welcome to visit us at anytime). Again, for further information please phone the station.