Prawle Point Coastwatch Station

The view from the National Coastwatch at Prawle Point looking towards Start Point

Prawle Point Station is situated 200 feet above the sea at the southernmost point of Devon giving a fantastic view from Bolt Head to the west and Peartree Point near Start Point to the east. It is a wonderful venue with ever-changing weather conditions and a superb overview of passing vessels. It is well equipped with superior optics and extensive documentation. Many visitors drop in to explore the nearby Visitor Centre and meet watchkeepers on duty.

Volunteers

Watchkeeping involves a wide social network with around 60 volunteers. Monthly meetings are held with visiting speakers, training updates and an annual party.

Watchkeepers at Prawle Point provide the ‘eyes and ears’ along the coast by keeping a visual watch, monitoring radio channels, using radar and providing a listening watch in poor visibility.  All watchkeepers hold Short Range Radio Certificates (SRC) to operate the National Coastwatch dedicated VHF Channel 65.

They watch for emergencies at sea and provide a contact point for emergencies on shore every day of the year. Local weather is recorded at two hourly intervals and local forecasts are reported to members of the public as required.

Search and Rescue

Prawle Point Coastwatch forms an integral part of the local Search and Rescue (SAR) facilities by communicating with Solent Coastguard, working closely with Salcombe RNLI and, when required, assisting emergency services.