Watchkeeping
Eyes along the coast ...
The principal role of the NCI is to monitor the safety of everyone using the sea for commercial and leisure purposes and in an emergency to provide co-operation with the rescue services.
The NCI has a joint Memorandum Of Understanding with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and with HM Customs & Excise. This gives a guide to the NCI’s role and provides the basis for the working relationship that we enjoy with both these Departments.
There are over 50 volunteer watchkeepers at Rame Head, who enjoy the panoramic view of the approaches to Plymouth Harbour. Merchant and commercial vessels use this area of sea, also leisure and pleasure craft such as yachts, jet-skis, canoes, dinghies and divers who are being conveyed to the many dive sites in the area. We see naval ships, of various nationalities, as they carry out exercises with submarines and aircraft.
We
identify and carefully log all those who pass in front of our lookout. We
also keep an eye out for walkers along the coastpath and have even called
the emergency services when one of the deer from the Country Park fell down
the cliff!
By listening to the radios and keeping a visual watch we can spot a distress flare, a capsized dinghy or hear a radio call for assistance. We do this every day of the year, (that’s about 3500 hours each year), including Christmas Day – when many walkers enjoy the beautiful scenery in peace, tranquility and often warm sunshine.
We enjoy a good rapport with the Queen’s Harbour Master in Plymouth and Brixham Coastguards, who will alert the Lifeboat when necessary - this can save time and therefore life. Obviously, detailed knowledge of the local area is vital to ensure speedy and precise information is conveyed to the rescue services.
On behalf of the Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, we monitor the number of dive boats who visit HMS Scylla, and report any sightings of cetaceans to the relevant authorities.
There have been concerns raised about the dumping of waste matter from the nearby docks and River Tamar estuary into the sea just south west of Rame Head. By using our eyes, ears and accurate plotting of vessels engaged in this work, we can assure the public that the waste is dumped only in the designated area – but we advise the relevant Agency if we suspect any contravention.
We provide details of the times of local high and low water, also local
weather conditions both to members of the public who request it and to BBC
Radio Cornwall on a daily basis.
Weather Forecasts: -
Tide Predictions for Port of Devonport: -
In November 2004, Rame Head Station was awarded a Declared Facility Status (DFS) Certificate and our work must adhere to the stringent demands made by the MCA. This means that we are an integral part of the Search and Rescue team (SAR) and can be called upon when needed. Stations who are awarded DFS status are tested biennially.
Comment from a watchkeeper:-
.... A few weeks ago, I was on watch and my colleague observed a Laser dinghy capsize. On seeing the ensuing struggle of the lone sailor to rectify the situation, we had no hesitation in informing Brixham Coast Guard. Within minutes the Lifeboat was launched, which saved the sailor’s life and returned him safely to the shore. That evening whilst driving home, I had a feeling of satisfaction that this was precisely why we are keeping a visual lookout.
