THE National Coastwatch (NCI) station at Hengistbury Head is now recognised as a member of the maritime Search and Rescue organisation after receiving its Declared Facility Status for HM Coastguard.

The assessments were split over two days, with the first day devoted to station management and administration and the second day spent assessing the competence of watchkeepers during spot, plot and report incidents.

The NCI station will now serve as an integral part of the Maritime Search and Rescue emergency services in the Christchurch area after receiving their accolade on Thursday September 2.

CEO of the National Coastwatch Institution, operations trustee and member of the DFS Assessment Team David Crozier: “To reach the Facility Status in a period of the year when there is a pandemic is an exemplary achievement.

“The Station’s documentation is very good, and the management team have been spectacularly thorough in preparing for the assessment.”

NCI Hengistbury Head station opened in August 2018 and currently has 89 qualified watchkeepers and 10 trainees.

Bournemouth Echo: The National Coastwatch (NCI) Station at Hengistbury Head passed its assessment to become a Declared Facility Status for HM Coastguard

Honorary president and founding member of NCI Hengistbury Head Brian Roberts, who was also the stations first manager, said the station’s new status is a testament to all the watchkeepers’ hard work during an unprecedented year.

He added: “I congratulate Peter, Ed and Chris with the committee and others who have taken on tasks to get HHNCI ship shape ready for DFS and the result is a credit to you.

“But I take my hat off to each one of you watchkeepers. You have gone through so much over the last 18 months but have persevered in honing your skills to make the station an operation to be proud of.

“I personally thank everyone of you for realising the dream I had back in 2014 of being able to watchkeep on Hengistbury Head. Long may I, and you, enjoy the community of wonderful people we now have.”