Tom Cunliffe checks out the voluntary National Coastwatch Institution

Ever wondered what happened to all the watch stations around the UK's coastline that used to look out for those in peril on the sea? Here's how they were shut down, and how the excellent National Coastwatch Institution is breathing new life into our shores and cliff tops with an army of capable volunteers.
#NCI, #Coastwatch, #Calshot Tower. #Tom Cunliffe
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Copyright Tom Cunliffe 2020

[@francisskyscapephotography]

Very interesting video. You have a real gift for presenting.

[@rickreid8149]

Hats off to these volunteers

[@nickwebb9290]

Tried posting a few days ago but my message couldn’t/wouldn’t post.
This is a really good video Tom, thanks a million, wonderful that you’re highlighting this fantastic group of volunteers.

[@Trevessa24]

Thank you Mr C !
Mr big shot Gaff Cutter sailor boy here, extremely embarrassed into sending some money to NCI right now..
I'm typing this while I actually look down across at Portscatho's NCI hut on Pednvaden point. 🙁

[@JezzaH-15]

Hi Tom. Great video. I volunteer for the NCI myself at Charlestown down in Cornwall, can I add on the donation front, that people can also visit the station in there area to donate and tell the guys and girls how good they are. Jeremy

[@frank.johnston]

Learned more during that 13 minute video than I have in a long time, thanks Tom for another gem 👍

[@billymccagh5548]

Great to see you again Tom. Great job.

[@altoids784]

Nice video, nice to watch, cheers!

[@Mrkk1103]

Wow! I knew so little about these guys, what a great job they do. Thanks for producing this video.

[@markkurtis8637]

I never knew why the Spitfire was called the Supermarine!
Fantastic! Thank you.

[@Catalina27]

Thanks Tom, such a great episode. A great example of what makes Britain ‘ Great’ 👍

[@chriscalvert3476]

I was hanging around the tower whilst my bike was being serviced and one of the guys invited me up, great insight, always reassuring to know they are there. By the way I rode to never seen before Lover, as an excuse for a trip out, I also had an FJR and a SAAB 900 😉Still have a 1977 SAAB 96... all the best Tom, always raises the spirit watching you, caulking planks information has never been so pleasurable LOL 😆 "it's not what you say its how you say it".

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Thanks for the kind words Chris. I had a Saab96 when I went to Scotland in 1981 to buy Hirta. It snowed hard and the way was littered with dead BMWs and the like. The 'snowmobile' as she was know just pressed on. Great car. Our Saab 900S (Ros's if everyone had their own) has just notched up 200,000 miles and still burns no oil between changes. Not bad eh!

[@SimpsonOutboards]

We have one here in Penzance and it's a real asset to have here.

[@stridebird]

I enjoy giving them a shout on the VHF on long south coast passages, very good for a direct eyeball report of the conditions off the headlands. But mostly, just to pass on a message of thanks for being there, much appreciated work.

[@mrstephenthomas100]

Hi Tom, would it be a good idea to add a link to the NCI website under the description for those who would like an easy way to donate?

[@chrislgriffiths]

Brilliant; well done, Tom.

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

Thanks, Tom. That was very interesting.

[@paulvr3158]

Love your work Tom, you perform invaluable vicarious dock-walking harbour ratting services in these unusual times!

[@losher1000]

Thanks Tom. I learnt to sail at Calshot back in 1973 age 15. They also had a climbing wall, an Olympic size cycle track, ski slope and other things in the old hangers which was great but the sailing was the best :)

[@danielhulme5577]

Thanks for the eye opener Tom you do provide great information.

[@858493]

Thank you Tom wow l wish we had something like that here Down Under, we have our volunteer coast guard but nothing really along our vast coastlines...I importantly love how communities band together and get the job done.... well done to those people who give up their time for all of us...regards
Doc from Down Under

[@pauljones1838]

It's just not required in this day and age. Hence why the Government/Coastguard closed all the look out stations down in the first place. Vessels have AIS, EPIRBs and even DSC on their VHF sets. Plus mobile phone coverage is much better than it used to be. All this technology together means the coastguard service (professionals) can be contacted right around the UK coastline, so no need for someone looking through binoculars all day but hats off to you all for keeping a tradition going.

[@firedogman2280]

Honestly no, there are countless situations with boats there either radios don't work, don't have enough range, or the boats are small enough they aren't legally required. For a lot of smaller boats these guys can be a lifeline.

[@alexandergstettner9820]

Great institution many thanks for sharing this with us Tom! kind regards Alexander

[@richardsims4717]

Took me back to the kayak instructors course I enjoyed there.Nice to know these good folk give up their time.

[@tomriley5790]

Great work Well done!

[@ilricettario]

Donation on its way.

[@livingladolcevita7318]

Nice one Tom, how come I haven't heard of this organisation? do now.

[@toddsumner3216]

A great example of success of when the government gets out of the way. Another wonderful video from my favorite TH-cam Star.

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Cheers Todd.

[@SVImpavidus]

Very informative video Tom as always. Sail Safe mate. Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Glad you enjoyed it shipmates!

[@johnwaga3702]

Love your videos Tom! I love those Sunderland flying boats and would have enjoyed a flight in one!

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Me too John. My late father in law once flew Catalinas

[@johnwaga3702]

@@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns What an experience that must have been for your Dad!

[@dpsandersuk]

Nice video and good to know somebody’s keeping a watch over our coastal areas, although I found it a bit ironic that he talked about clarity and called Hamble Point South Cardinal, Hamble Spit buoy. I hope I heard it wrong, sorry for being pedantic, it must be the weather 🙄😊

[@ianm452]

I heard no mention of south cardinal, or the word Point in his description of that incident!

[@ianm452]

Apologies, I misunderstood your comment: he did indeed call Hamble Point buoy "Hamble Spit buoy", but in his favour I have to say that it's not easy to maintain a flowing commentary when you are being filmed.

[@S.P.A.R.K.Y.]

The wisest will keep ol school traditions, and pass them down to the next generations.

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Nice Point.

[@yorkyswe]

Such a shame they have to rely on the generosity of people and are not government supported.

[@tedb.5707]

Here in the US you're on your own...sadly.