6 July 2011 - The 46th National Coastwatch lookout station is now operational at Caister on Sea, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. By kind permission of the Secretary, Coxswain and Crew of the Caister Lifeboat, NCI has been given free use of the elevated seaward viewing gallery in the old lifeboat building which is now an extensive and impressive museum housing the old Caister lifeboat together with a number of artefacts.

Headed by Station Manager Designate Rob Barker, the new team trained by NCI Gorleston report to HM Coastguard MRCC at Great Yarmouth in the event of any incident. Their equipment in use comprises short and long range binoculars, charts, instruments, two Belcom crystal controlled marine band scanners (donated by the Caister Lifeboat crew), a new twin camera CCTV and new furniture. Wells-Next-the-sea National Coastwatch has promised a second-hand Radar set for the new station. Also promised is a computer to run AIS and a mapping programme.

Watchkeepers for the first watch included Freya Barker, wife of Rob Barker (pictured). 

Currently watching at week-ends and bank holidays, the team are undertaking a recruiting and publicity drive to increase personnel numbers and head toward a daily watch.

National Coastwatch Caister Station Details:
Location: 52 Deg 38’ 46.10 001deg 44’ 09.28 E Grid: TG 52821193
Address: The Lifeboat Station, Tan Lane, Caister on Sea, Norfolk NR30 5DJ
Telephone: 07527 977613