Welcome to the NCI Cape Cornwall Lookout Station - The most Westerly NCI station on the UK mainland
NCI Cape Cornwall is a recipient of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
Visitor Policy
Visitors are always most welcome at the lookout. However, if there is an incident in progress, you may be requested to visit at another time. The visitor centre is always open during operational hours.
There is a steep climb up to the lookout at the top of Cape Cornwall. During the Covid 19 Pandemic period, visitors will, unfortunately, only be able to enter at the watchkeepers discretion. Please ask before entering.
Access
The path to the watch station is very uneven and is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with restricted mobilioty. Access to the station is via series of steps up to the watch. We have a bench installed just outside the watch so you will be able to catch your breath before coming in to see us – you will be made most welcome.
Local Hazards
Vynek Rocks to West of Watch and the Bridges Reef (running between Gribba Point and the Brisons) south West of the Watch
Operational capability
This station has Declared Facility Status
This station reports to MRCC Falmouth
Current weather and sea conditions are available by telephone or by Marine VHF on Ch 65 during Watch opening hours
Defibrillator Available:
Mounted externally available 24 x7 call number displayed on unit for instructions
Station Telephone:
01736 787890
Visual Watch:
Yes
Radar Watch:
Yes
NAVTEX:
No
AIS Watch:
Yes
CCTV Watch:
Yes. Camera looks South from Cape Cornwall and can see into Priest Cove that was be a blind spot.
DSC Watch:
Yes
Radio: Listening watch on channels:
06
08
10
16
62
63
64
67
69
84
86
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:
Cape Cornwall NCI
Other Watch Information:
The station is equipped with a hand held warning siren, Aldis signalling lamp and hazard flags.
Visual Horizon:
15.2 miles (13.2 nautical miles)
Radar Horizon:
15.5 miles (13.5 nautical miles)
None
Station Info
Station Address
NCI Watch Station
Cape Cornwall
St Just-in-Penwith
Cornwall
TR19 7NN
Station telephone number
01736 787890 Station email address
Station contact
Jim Hind
Station contact role
Station Manager
07773 774646
Station website
Summer opening
Open from:
07:30
Open until:
17:00
Days:
Every Day
From:
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Until:
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Notes:
Summer watches are kept from the start of BST. In July and August the station is often open until 20.00 hours but evening hours cannot be guaranteed. Please contact the station if you intend to visit after 17:00 hours to avoid disappointment.
Winter opening
Open from:
08:00
Open until:
16:00
Days:
Every Day
From:
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Until:
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Notes:
Winter watches begin at the end of BST.
Location
Latitude:
50°07.63' N
Longitude:
005°42.56'W
OS Reference:
SW349 318
Station Elevation:
128 feet (39 metres) above sea level
what3words:
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Visual features of station
The Lookout station at Cape Cornwall was formerly a HM Coastguard lookout station. It is a white painted building halfway up Cape Cornwall on the seaward ( West) side and has a 33 foot tall flagstaff.