As part of her volunteering element of the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) challenging and prestigious Gold Award, she’s been developing her skills under the watchful eyes of one of NCI Whitstable’s watchkeepers, Deborah. Deborah has now completed the final report for the Award in which she confirmed that Olivia passed with flying colours.

Since October of last year, 17-year-old Olivia has been training and developing her maritime safety knowledge including how to ‘spot, plot and report’ potential incidents, learning about weather and tides and how to use the high-powered optics and systems.   

It’s a course she’d like to continue once she is eligible to formally join and train to be a qualified watchkeeper, she said:  

“In the past year, I have been given many learning opportunities. I am grateful for the time given by my mentor Deborah, working with me on a regular basis. I have also been given opportunities to engage with the fundraising events which I’ve enjoyed.  I am studying towards the subject of Marine Biology and appreciate the techniques I learn with NCI training and the connections with the sea and our ‘eyes along the coast’ ethos. I’d like to continue volunteering with NCI in the future,” she said.  

Watchkeeper Deborah added:  

“It’s been a pleasure to welcome Olivia and we’ve had a carefully planned programme of exercises to help her build skills and reap the rewards of volunteering with us.  

“People of all ages and all walks of life volunteer with us and it’s fantastic to be able to help bring on the next generation. Olivia has really made a big impression with our crew and now we’re planning for next year as Olivia plans to remain with us as a cadet and start training for her watchkeeper assessment. We could not be more pleased.” 

Special checks and permissions have been put in place by Olivia’s school, guardian and the station management to ensure she is always on watch with at least one approved watchkeeper.