The National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) is a voluntary organisation which operates a visual and listening watchkeeping service all along the coast. In addition to their Coastguard liaison service they also help out by offering an alternative radio check on Channel 65 between the hours of 10am and 4pm. The Solent VHF frequencies can be exceptionally busy and if you want a radio check you can be overspoken or the Coastguard can simply be too busy.  As an alternative, switch to Channel 65 and call the nearest NCI for a radio check in the same way as you would the Coastguard:

“NCI Bembridge, NCI Bembridge, NCI Bembridge this is Rebel Runner, Rebel Runner, Rebel Runner. Radio Check please, Over.”

The NCI request that you call specific stations, to avoid confusion. Solent NCI Stations are:

  • Bembridge  07774735125  bembridge@nci.org.uk
  • Calshot Tower – QAVS 023 8089 3562 calshot@nci.org.uk
  • Gosport 023 9276 5194 gosport@nci.org.uk
  • Lee-on-the-Solent 02392 556758 lee.on.the.solent@nci.org.uk
  • Needles – QAVS 01983 754231 secondary line 01983 632442 needles@nci.org.uk
  • Stone Point (Lepe Park) 023 8111 2406 calshot.secretary@nci.org.uk

You can also ask about local tide, weather and other coastal information. For other  VHF Channels in the Solent area please refer to the relevant NCI page here

Key local VHF Channels are:

11 – Kings Harbour Master (Portsmouth)

68 – Langstone Harbour Master

80 – Southsea Marina

A lot of anglers use Channel 10 for chat. Although this is an inter-ship channel it is intended to be reserved for tugs and pilots, so don’t be surprised if you hear some towage-related chat as well as fishing!