NCI Felixstowe

18/06/2026

On Tuesday, our station manager Nick BW had the pleasure of awarding Certified Watchkeeper epaulettes and a certificate of achievement to Mike L. Mike is following a family tradition as his brother Richard is station manager at NCI Cromer.

We are delighted to have Mike aboard and helping to save lives and keep folk safe on the beach and in our waters. Huge congratulations Mike. A pleasure awarding you your epaulettes.

09/06/2026

06/06/2026

Proud to show off the new National Coastwatch Institution mascot Spot the Watchkeeper. We were lucky to preview Spot at the Suffolk Show, prior to the official launch on 5th June.
Look out for Spot appearing at any NCI station soon. Spot loves a high five, so you might get a Spot sticker if you do.

06/06/2026

02/06/2026

This week is 'National Volunteers Week'.
As station manager of our amazing Coastwatch station at Felixstowe, I would like to take this opportunity to thanks every single one of our dedicated and committed watchkeepers both past and present for their volunteering.
Without people giving their time freely, the NCI wouldn't exist at all. Nationally we currently have over 2,900 volunteers from all walks of life. Every one is trained to a high standard to be the Eyes and Ears Along the Coast, working alongside all of the Search and Rescue partners in their area, helping to save lives at sea and along the coast of our country.
Volunteering is the backbone of the country adn without volunteers, many much needed roles and jobs just couldn't happen.
Thank you all..... wherever you are and however you volunteer.

29/05/2026

Saturday 6 June is our seventh Live at the Ferry. The evening will start with folk duo In Tandem joined by the wonderful musician Emma Hagger. After the interval Chris King, who is Coastwatch watchkeeper, will be performing a delightful selection of folk songs. He may also be joined by Emma 😉.
The evening is usually a sell out so make sure you get your tickets by contacting Ian Clarke (07780 702099 or [email protected]).
All profits will go to Coastwatch.

26/05/2026

Eeeeeeeek !!! We are so ready for tomorrow and Thursday's Suffolk Show. All set up today ready to see all the lovely visitors.

Come and find out who we are and what we do and how we make going to the seaside at Felixstowe, and using the waters along our coastline so much safer just by being here 365 daylight days.

Come and see whether you could join us as a volunteer. We have a comprehensive display board telling our story.

If you're lucky, you may get a glimpse of our mascot (shhhhh, we can't tell you until the official launch on June 5th)

Come and try your hand at VHF marine radio on our practise setup (don't worry we are not broadcasting to the World).

25/05/2026

Come and see us on stand 336 in the Emegency Services Zone near the Bucklesham entrance and 4x4 track.
Come and find out who we are and what we do. Talk to our volunteers and maybe consider joining us as a volunteer watchkeeper.
We keep an eye (and some ears) on the sea and beach along the whole of Felixstowe's coastline and waters. We report any concerns direct;ly to the Coastguard, who will, in many cases, have an asset launched, whether the RNLI, or our local Felixstowe Lifeboat. We then work alongside everyone and provide visual assistance where needed.
We have a display of what we do. Children (and adults) can come and try using VHF radios and, if you are very lucky, you may even meet our new mascot (heat permitting)

24/05/2026

It's a pleasure this weekend to be receiving radio check calls on Channel 65 from yachts taking part in the East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) cruise. EAST sails with blind and visually impaired crew members and has 8 yachts out this weekend. The Co-ordinator (Admiral) of the cruise is one of our recently recruited volunteer watchkeepers.