Thanet is to get its first coastal watch-keeping station.

The National Coast Watch Institution (NCI) facility, which will be located somewhere between Margate and Ramsgate, will be a base for volunteer watchers to observe and report maritime goings-on.

Station manager Paul Waterman, of the NCI, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, says investment in improving security in the area is vital, and the hope is that eventually three sites will operate in Thanet.

He said: “We’re really excited at the prospect of opening a new station hopefully by the end of the year, and in a place where there’s a clear need for extra coastal safety.

“This will be the first of what could be three stations in Thanet and it is long overdue - it is a very important area both for shipping and very much so for tourism.”

The organisation is affiliated with HM Coastguard and carries out duties formerly assigned to them - observing people in and nearby the water and reporting on any emergency situation to emergency services.

The National Coast watch Institution facility is to replace the Herne Bay station which closed in July after 22 years, due to safety issues at the rented building.

Richard Farr, from the station, said at the time the closure was “due to circumstances beyond the control of anyone at NCI”, having already been shut temporarily for two years, before briefly opening again for several months.

The NCI is made up entirely of volunteers and Thanet district councillor Steve Albon has urged anyone interested in working with the organisation to get in touch.

“Keeping our residents and visitors safe is extremely important to Thanet District Council,” said the cabinet member for cleansing and coastal services.

“We work in close partnership with a number of organisations, who each play a key role in ensuring the safety of beach users around our coast, and we are grateful to all of them.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering to get in touch with NCI."

The NCI currently has around 60 stations which are manned by more than 2,600 volunteer watchkeepers around the British Isles.