About Us

Where are we?

On the Jurassic Coast Path situated at the top of the cliff, to the south of the village of Worth Matravers, overlooking the notorious St Alban's Race, while to the west is Weymouth Bay and Kimmeridge Ledges, and to the east is Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point.

Who are we?

We are trained unpaid volunteer watchkeepers who man the Station, 7 hours a day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year.

What do we do?

Our prime purpose is to help ensure the safety of sailors, fishermen and others in small craft in the vicinity and to assist anyone using the coastal paths and cliffs who may need help. Any life threatening or dangerous situation, both at sea or on the coastal paths and cliffs, is notified to the Coastguard. In return they may task us to monitor any vessel or assist with an incident. We also supply information to the Coastguard or public on request. To assist us in our duties we have high powered optics, VHF radio, Radar and AIS.

Why was the NCI formed?

Just over 20 years ago visual Coastguard Stations were judged by the Government to be no longer necessary and were closed. NCI was formed in 1994 by a group of volunteers who, after a number of tragic accidents, realised the need to re‑instate a visual watch in the interest of the safety of persons at sea and on nearby paths and cliffs.

St Alban's Head is one of some 35 stations around the country and was opened in 1996. We have a close working liaison with the Coastguard and in 2006 achieved, after inspection and assessment by them, Declared Facility Status. This means that they recognise and use us as a resource, qualified to assist them as required.

How are we financed?

Although all of our members give their services free, the running costs of the station are approximately £3,500.00 per year, or £10 a day. As we are a totally voluntary organisation without central funding or Government assistance, it is necessary to obtain financial assistance from the general public, in order to keep operational.

Each Station is responsible for raising money locally to fund its own operations and to provide all the necessary capital equipment. A small charge is made on each station to help fund NCI’s central HQ administration.

The station was built in the 1970's but had to wait until 2006 for a well overdue refurbishment, the station having successfully made a bid to Awards For All for a grant.

How can you help us?

You could join our friendly and professional team and become a qualified watchkeeper. No previous experience is required as full training is given. Males and females are both welcome.

You may prefer to help maintain the work done by the volunteers, if this is so, any financial donation, no matter how small, or other form of support would be welcome.

Interested In .........?