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 since the 1970s reorganization. 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 Coast agencies. It also shows the stations around the coast, with maps and photographs. Newhaven is the 26th station to open and the NCI averages a further 3 or 4 a year.