The Cruising Association names the National Coastwatch Institution as official charity

National Coastwatch Institution © NCI

National Coastwatch Institution © NCI

The CA is pleased to announce the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) as our charity partner.

The NCI has touched thousands of peoples’ lives over the last three decades through their vital work in safeguarding life at sea along the coastline of England and Wales. The CA is proud to endorse charities that contribute to the safety and well-being of the on-water community.

"The CA is delighted to announce the NCI as our charity partner,” said Lucy Gray, Chief Operating Officer. “The CA is fully on board to help spread the word and support the NCI’s vital lifesaving work.”

Established in 1994, the NCI relies on charitable support to help maintain a visual and radio watch. Together with HM Coastguard and the RNLI, the NCI is an integral part of maritime search and rescue efforts.

This partnership underscores the support the CA has provided to NCI over the years, and the CA is proud to formally recognise our longstanding partnership.

Throughout our partnership, the CA will continue to raise awareness of the NCI’s work and encourage member donations.

Because the NCI is entirely self-funded, it relies on public support and corporate sponsorship to maintain and expand the number of lookout stations it operates around the coastline.

NCI Chair Stephen Hand said, “Without the help of organisations like the Cruising Association, NCI could not carry out its vital work. We are indebted and extend our grateful thanks to the CA and its members for their continuing support and look forward to seeing many of them at the Southampton International Boat Show.”

To support NCI's fundraising initiatives, you can:

1. JustGiving: Set yourself a fundraising challenge, participate in a race, hold a raffle or simply make a one-off or a monthly donation.

2. Shop smarter! Use easyfundraising for your shopping, and a portion of your spending will be donated to your local NCI station at no extra cost to you. Over 7,000 participating brands donate.

3. Donate via Text: Text NCI to 70450 to donate £5 or make a direct donation to help keep a station operational.

4. Volunteer: Become a volunteer watchkeeper and contribute to saving lives along the coastline.

5. Engage in person: Visit your local station, attend local events, invite NCI volunteers to give a presentation at your school, club or organisation, or visit the NCI stand at the Southampton International Boat Show.

NCI was founded in 1994 in Cornwall following the final closure of Coastguard lookout stations around the coast in 1992. NCI is a volunteer component of the UK’s Search & Rescue services and answers and reports to HM Coastguard.

NCI volunteer Watchkeepers are trained to a very high standard and are on duty during daylight hours every day at 60 stations in England and Wales, on the lookout for all kinds of trouble. When troublesome events occur, NCI intervenes to try to stop them becoming incidents, but when trouble does arrive, Watchkeepers alert the Coastguard who deploy assets using NCI as ‘eyes on’ the incident. When casualties remain unseen by assets, Watchkeepers use their skills to direct rescue services to the casualty.