A voluntary organisation keeping a visual watch along UK shores

Gosport

Welcome to NCI Gosport Lookout Station

We are operational between 0900 and 1930 hours every day during British Summer Time and during the winter months between 0900 and 1600 daily. 

NCI Gosport, based in the Signal Tower of Fort Blockhouse, has a unique and commanding position at the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour. The function of NCI Gosport is to maintain a visual and radio watch of this large area as well as the Eastern Solent, reporting any safety-related incidents to HM Coastguard and the King’s Harbour Master, Portsmouth. We are a declared asset and hence a member of HM Coastguard. The beneficiaries of our work are diverse and include all those who participate in any form of marine activity. There is a wide spectrum of craft to observe, from aircraft carriers to paddle boards, a large population of leisure craft, registered and private fishing vessels and ferries together with members of the public using beaches near strong tidal streams. 

NCI Gosport welcomes anyone interested in the work of the NCI and in joining our Station to become a qualified Watchkeeper.  No previous maritime experience is necessary as our in-house training programme will equip you with all the skills you need.  See "Volunteer Watchkeepers Required" tab above.  

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The National Coastwatch Institution is a registered charity.  All our equipment and running expenses are covered by fundraising.  Donations to our station are welcomed and cheques should be made out to "NCI Gosport".  Thank you. 

Visitor Policy
The lookout is in a Ministry of Defence Security Restricted Area – Visits are welcome but must be by appointment only.
Access

The station lookout is in the Signal Tower, Fort Blockhouse, which is on MOD property and to gain access security passes are required.  There are nearby parking and toilet facilities.  The Signal Tower is at the top of two staircases comprising 39 steps, entry through a safety gate onto a walkaround to the entrance door.  It is 11 metres above the ground and on the sea wall.

Local Hazards
Narrow harbour entrance channel with commercial, military and pleasure craft traffic. Tides in/out of harbour can reach 4.5kts during Spring tides.
Operational capability
This station has Declared Facility Status
This station reports to JRCC Fareham
Radio checks and current local weather and sea conditions are available on CH 65 or by telephone during watch hours.
Defibrillator Available: 
Mounted internally available when lookout is open
Station Telephone: 
023 9276 5194
Visual Watch: 
Yes
Radar Watch: 
No
NAVTEX: 
No
AIS Watch: 
Yes
DSC Watch: 
Yes
Radio: Listening watch on channels: 
11
16
67
Radio: Channels in use (call direct not via ch 16): 
65
Radio: Channel 00: 
Listening watch and ready to transmit as authorised by Coastguard
Station Call Sign: 
Gosport NCI
Other Watch Information: 
Station also has a reporting line to KHM Portsmouth Harbour Control.
Visual Horizon: 
7.01 nautical miles
Radar Horizon: 
No radar available

Weather conditions at NCI Gosport station

Station Info

Station Address
NCI Gosport
Signal Tower
Fort Blockhouse
Gosport
Hampshire
PO12 2AB
Station telephone number
023 9276 5194
Station email address

For membership enquiries

For all other enquiries

Station contact
gosport@nci.org.uk
Station contact role
Station Manager
07771 617902
Station website

NCI Gosport Living History

Summer opening
Open from: 
09:00
Open until: 
19:30
Days: 
Every Day
Notes: 
Summer watches are kept from the start of BST. The tower closes at sunset if that occurs before the scheduled watch end.
Winter opening
Open from: 
09:00
Open until: 
16:00
Days: 
Every Day
Notes: 
Winter watches begin at the end of BST. The tower closes at sunset if that occurs before the scheduled watch end. The station is closed on Christmas Day.
Location
Latitude: 
50°47.38'N
Longitude: 
001°06.72’W
OS Reference: 
SZ 6268 9928
Station Elevation: 
36 Feet / 11 metres
what3words: 
frock.joke.park
Visual features of station
The station is in the Signal Tower in Fort Blockhouse at the western side of the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. Large blue/yellow NCI Banner facing harbour entrance and the NCI flag flown during opening hours.

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