Prawle Point is looking for new watchkeepers

The National Coastwatch Institution is looking for watchkeepers for Prawle Point. 

National Coastwatch Prawle Point is looking for new watchkeepers to "watch out for the vulnerable".

National Coastwatch Prawle Point 

A spokesperson said: "That means keeping a log of every passing vessel and keeping an eye out for any walker (or animal) on the coast path who may be in trouble.

"We also respond to calls on our dedicated VHF channel 65, provide two-hourly broadcasts of current weather and sea conditions, and answering calls from Falmouth Coast Guard (FCG) and sometimes other emergency agencies engaged on a search and rescue mission."

National Coastwatch Prawle Point 

They continued: "We note any details we can about passing vessels and those engaged in fishing or diving or other activities that are potentially hazardous. That’s why it’s so important that your boat - of whatever size - has some kind of visible distinguishing feature. It’s usually a name, but it could be a sail number, or a particular colour scheme: anything that helps identify you if you get in trouble.

"If we see someone who may be in danger, we report to FCG; if the coastguard has a report of a vessel in trouble that is in our area they will call us to see if we have sighted the vessel. 

"Some days it can be quite slow, particularly in the winter months. Then there is more of an opportunity for good conversation, or observing the fantastic wildlife we can see from our glorious 240° view of the coast between Bolt Head and (almost!) Start Point. But in the summer we can at time log over a hundred vessels in a single watch, so there is little time for much else.

"The key skills, therefore, are the ability to be alert and an attention to detail. That’s it. You don’t need to have years of experience on the water, or know how to manage loads of fancy equipment. We’ll teach you what you need to know to become a competent watchkeeper.

"As long as you can walk up that hill, you can be a watchkeeper at Prawle Point." 

National Coastwatch Prawle Point 

If you think you might be interested, visit their website: www.nci-prawlepoint.org.uk/contact-us/ and you can organise a date to join the team for an observation watch.