The NCI is a voluntary body with a mission to reopen, develop and maintain a visual watch from the coastguard stations abandoned by HM Coastguard after extensive reorganisation in the 1970s. Following the tragic and avoidable loss of two fishermen after a shipwreck at Bass Point in 1984, the NCI came into being and, in 1994, reopened Bass Point station. The NCI now boasts more members than the coastguard, and operates closely with HMCG and the RNLI as part of the National Rescue Services. Split into two parts, this book explains the history and development of the NCI, key figures, dates, incidents and the training and day to day work of the coastal agencies. It also shows the stations around the coast complete with maps and photographs. Newhaven is the 26th station to open, with the NCI averaging three or four new stations each year.