SECTION 2. THE TOWER
a. The NCI Tower entrance is at the seaward side and forms a part of the Harbour View Cafe; it is located near to the (RNLI) inshore boat station, on Queen’s Drive, Exmouth EX8 2AY.
Geographical position:- 50º 36.8’ N ; 03º 24.6’ W
Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference:- SY 003 802
Tower Telephone: 01395 222492
b. Access to the Tower is by means of a ladder.
The entrance door into the Tower is secured by a bolt and padlock; this will have a combination, which will be advised to you. Once opened, the door bolt should padlocked in the open position. It is essential that the tumblers of the padlock be secured and their combinations re-arranged so that unauthorised persons cannot lock you in whilst you are in the Tower.
c. Equipment in the Tower
i) Computer. This is permanently switched on and is used to display the weather data currently experienced at the Tower. If the VDU display is blank, the mouse may be moved until the picture is restored. Under no circumstances is any attempt to be made to use this computer for other purposes, nor is it ever to be switched off. You should note that this computer, in addition to displaying weather data provides other functions such as serving our website, www.nciexmouth.org.uk - this includes webcam views from the Tower.
ii) Plinth Telescope. This is permanently fixed on the South shelf of the tower. It should be uncovered and the lens caps of the object and eyepiece removed. It has its own pelorus and any bearings taken will be accurate and “True”.
iii) Plinth Binoculars. When not in use, these are stored on the shelf, beneath the computer. These binoculars should be placed on the shelf at the West side of the Tower, hard up against the window frame making sure that the coloured labels on the plinth are matching those on the window. This will ensure that any bearings take will be accurate and “True”. Note: the plinth binoculars can be moved to any other shelf, if desired, but be certain to follow the coloured label coding for the reasons already stated.
iv) Hand-held binoculars. There are three pairs of portable 7 x 50 binoculars available to you for more rapid use. These are stored in the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet.
v) Telephone. Tower Number 01395 222492. This is secured to the South Eastern pillar and is programmed for easy access to the two Coast Guard stations that we are principally concerned with, HMCG Portland and HMCG Brixham.
vi) Chart Table. There is, on this table, a British Admiralty chart of that part of Lyme Bay which includes Berry Head to Orcombe Point and all points in between. It is operationally important that this table be kept as clear as possible in case incident positions need to be plotted in a hurry. Note that this chart is already a few years old and has not been maintained corrected up to date. It is recommended that no reliance be placed upon charted soundings, positions of navigational buoys or the apparent absence of wrecks (which might have been added/changed subsequently). Note also that the Variation mentioned within the Compass Rose/s shows a published date and the estimated annual amount by which that variation is changing.
d. Facilities
i) Fan heater. Please switch off and unplug when not needed.
ii) Electric panel heater. Please switch off and unplug when not needed.
iii) Ventilation. (manual) – the three fanlight windows may be opened or closed as preferred operationally. However, when closing-down the Tower at the end of a watch-keeping day, please ensure that all of these windows are latched partially open – to allow a modest amount of ventilation for the equipment inside.
iv) Electric kettle. This is kept on the shelf beside the entrance and can be used there – it must not under any circumstances be taken up into the upper Tower level. You will need to provide your own water supplies since none are available in the Tower.
v) Electric Fan. This is kept on the same shelf as the kettle and can be taken up in to the Tower when needed. However, it must be returned to store below when not needed or at the end of the day.