During their monthly meeting on October 21, the club welcomed Terry Ewington, who spoke about the charity, which is run by volunteers to protect lives at sea and along the coast of England and Wales.
Mr Ewington shared how NCI watchkeepers serve as the "eyes and ears" along the coast, monitoring for potential incidents and maintaining a listening watch in poor visibility using VHF radios.
The NCI, which began in 1994 following a disaster off the Cornish coast where two fishermen lost their lives, now has more than 60 stations manned by over 2,800 highly trained volunteers.
These volunteers use advanced technology and sophisticated systems such as radar and communications, significantly enhancing safety at sea.
The NCI station at Nell's Point in Barry, where Mr Ewington has volunteered for more than 19 years, is particularly notable.
This station has received the Kings Award for Volunteering, a national recognition award.
Mr Ewington highlighted the vital role these coastal watch stations play, providing an essential link with all emergency services.
Potential and actual incidents are immediately reported to the coastguard and are monitored until the casualty is safe and services are stood down.
The NCI operates 365 days a year, solely reliant on volunteers and fundraising efforts, as they do not receive any central government finance.
The NCI works closely with HM Coastguard, the MCA, the RNLI, and other emergency services.
In 2023, the NCI reported 852 incidents to the MCA, which resulted in the call-out of RNLI lifeboats, RAF air/sea rescue, fire, ambulance, and other rescue agencies.
These incidents included sinking vessels, vessels on fire, swimmers, surfers, people falling off cliffs, and dangerous munitions being washed up.
Mr Ewington encouraged visitors to Nell's Point, which has an exhibition room on the ground floor.
However, he stressed that the work of the station takes priority.
The next meeting of the Probus Club of Penarth is scheduled for November 18, where Catrin Hall and Rosemary will present on Wales Air Ambulance.
New members are always welcome to join the club, which also organises occasional visits to places of interest and special lunches.