Donation helps keep mariners safe

Fawley (29 July 2011) -- Mariners close to the UK’s largest oil refinery will be safer thanks to a donation of £1,400 from Esso Petroleum and ExxonMobil Chemical to The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI). Part of the donation was used to acquire a set of high-powered binoculars for use at its new watchstation at Calshot Tower overlooking the Solent.

At 130 feet high and with a 270 degree panoramic view of the Solent and Southampton Water, the tower has a commanding view of one of the busiest stretches of water in the UK.

Manned by volunteers, NCI Calshot's primary function is to provide a visual watch along the main shipping channel on Southampton Water, across to The Hamble and Portsmouth in the east, and over to Cowes and Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

Chairman Colin Lewis said: "We are delighted with the money donated by the Refinery. Their support, together with our team of volunteer ‘watchkeepers’, is invaluable to ensure the safety of this very busy waterway along the South Coast.”

A spokesperson at Fawley Refinery commented: “Calshot Tower is unmissable on the landscape and has a commanding and unmatched view of the Solent Water. The binoculars will ensure that the Watchstation is used to its full potential.”

Note to editors:
Training for 'watchkeepers' is in line with nationally agreed standards and includes an introduction to understanding charts and maps, producing weather reports, keeping a log and learning about marine VHF radio procedures. The facility provides a visual watch from Calshot Tower seven days a week all year round reporting directly to HM Coastguard.