Volunteer to be a National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Watchkeeper at St Donat’s Bay

VolunteeringVolunteering Opportunity
Written By janine Richardson

NCI St Donat’s Bay is keeping a special lookout this summer – searching for the next intake of volunteer watchkeepers.

NCI and UWC Atlantic are appealing to the local community who may be interested in applying to volunteer ~20 hours per month at the NCI St Donat’s Bay Coastwatch station from September 2026.

The station, based at UWC Atlantic near Llantwit Major, is the eyes and ears along the coast to help keep people safe. Working with search and rescue teams including the RNLI and HM Coastguard, NCI St Donat’s is crewed by a team of volunteers from the local community, staff and students from the College.

Open during daylight hours, it’s aiming to expand to 7 days a week with the help of more volunteer crew. New recruits will receive full training in nautical knowledge, search and rescue protocols and a range of skills required to meet the high standards of HM Coastguard and the RYA.

  • Application forms officially issued – early July 2026 with return by 31st July

  • Application review and sift, invite to recruitment evening – early August 2026

  • Informal discussions, meet the crew – 13th August 2026

  • Try Out Watches at the station (you can make sure it is for you before committing) - August and September 2026

  • If successful, your training starts - October 2026

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact us using the form below.

janine Richardson
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