‘Eyes along the Coast‘
Alongside the now shortened communication mast on the hill above Newhaven Fort stands proudly the old brick Coastguard Tower, home to the Newhaven branch of the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), and it is here from which the volunteer watchkeepers watch over ‘our’ area of sea; its bordering beaches and cliffs ensuring the safety of all that use it.
NCI was formed in 1994 following reorganisation of the Coastguard Service, when many local stations closed, it was recognised the essential need for ‘eyes along the coast’ to share local knowledge and pass on information about incidents as they happen. There are sixty NCI stations in operation, manned by over 2,600 volunteer watchkeepers, around England and Wales.
Newhaven NCI is supported by over 70 volunteers who are on site in pairs 365 days a year, from 0800 hrs to 2000 hrs, or sunset in the Winter months, on three daily watches.
NCI watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, watching activity on shoreline waters and surrounding areas, monitoring radio channels, and reporting into HM Coastguard (HMCG). Watchkeepers are trained to deal with emergencies, offering a variety of skills and experience.
The NCI mantra is ‘Spot, Plot, Report and Respond’ i.e. spot an incident, plot its location, report it to the HMCG and respond as instructed by them.
The NCI is honoured to have HRH The Princess Royal as its Patron.
The Newhaven NCI lookout, built for the Coastguard in the early 1960s, is positioned on the cliff top at 175 feet above sea level and provides a view seaward; along Seaford beach towards Splash Point to the East, out to the Rampion Windfarm in the West, and South into the shipping lane, covering approximately 400 square miles. The lookout is owned by Lewes District Council and leased to Newhaven NCI.
Newhaven NCI was created in 2004 and in 2023 was awarded, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). It is totally self-funded and relies on collections at local events and fundraising from the local community.
Newhaven NCI has a close working relationship with the local RNLI Station, the Harbour Authority and the companies working within the harbour and marina.
The area we cover is known for its family friendly beaches; however, they are subject to strong prevailing winds, big tides, and a deep offshore shelf all of which make it challenging to those out on the water.
Watchkeepers receive extensive training that includes gaining their RYA SRC VHF radio licence, and everyone attends an annual refresher session. 28% of the watchkeepers are female.
Newhaven watchkeepers are a very eclectic group drawn from commerce, the Services, teaching, the Church and more. They are asked to commit to three watches per month and be available for local fundraising activities at community events and at store collections.
Watchkeepers monitor and observe those using the sea to ensure their well-being and safety. In 2023 watchkeepers were on duty for over 8,000 hours.
All shipping and other activity is logged in the lookout logbook which in turn is summarised and given to National NCI. In 2023 approx. 12,000 vessels etc were logged using the port and local area comprising 5,744 commercial vessels (that includes fishing vessels) 13 military vessels, 723 special vessels (that include the pilot boat, the RNLI lifeboat and Border Force). The lookout can be called upon to share information with HM Coastguard and Border Force regarding the movement of vessels. It is important to know when a vessel or person on a craft leaves the harbour in case of an incident at sea.
Watchkeepers monitor five on-site radios, including the emergency search and rescue channel and can offer information to HM Coastguard and the RNLI if required.
Newhaven Port is home to the Newhaven/Dieppe ferry, a substantial fishing fleet, the Rampion (offshore wind farm) support vessels, RNLI station and lifeboats, the commercial sight-seeing ribs, Newhaven Rowing Club gigs, jet ski hire companies and dive boats. Various large commercial ships visit regularly.
Newhaven Marina provides berths for privately owned yachts, motorboats, ribs, and small leisure fishing craft.
Seaford Bay and West Beach are active constantly with craft from the Seaford Yacht Club, wind and kite surfers, canoes, kayaks, paddle-borders, swimmers, snorkelers, and a variety of leisure inflatables.
There are various swimming clubs and solo swimmers who are active in Seaford Bay, and NCI watches paragliders, (who launch from the cliffs next to the lookout) and walkers, (particularly on Seaford Head). The lookout is also a reference point for those who have lost children and dogs.
A recent incident involving a yacht in trouble off West Beach was spotted by watchkeepers, who reported it to the Coastguard and the search and rescue teams were called into action allowing for the yachtsman to be winched to safety. A job very well done and, most likely, a life saved.
Newhaven NCI is run by the community, for the community to keep the coastal area around where we live, work and play safe.
For further information, or to volunteer or donate, please contact: Mick Carter, Station Manager mick.carter@nci.org.uk, 07802 878 885
Contributed by Sarah Sinclair, volunteer watchkeeper
Celebrating Seaford 