23rd June 2020. Despite the social distancing restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic, the Training Officer at NCI Hengistbury Head has found a novel way to conduct a final watchkeeper assessment
Due to the temporary closure of all NCI Stations and the subsequent social distancing restrictions due to Covid-19, Mary found herself ready, but unable, to take her final assessment – until today! To meet the challenge, Chris, the Training Officer at Hengistbury Head, put together a plan to ensure that both he and Mary stayed safe and met all the Covid-19 regulations by carrying out the chart work via email, the theory questions in the sunshine outside the Lookout and the practical part on a one in / one out basis.
Needless to say, Mary passed her assessment and is now a qualified National Coastwatch Institution Watchkeeper but, rather sadly, had to have a socially distant epaulette presentation by Chris. Well done Mary and welcome to the team.