For over 140 years Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade has provided a service to people who use the city’s port, harbour and beaches. It was founded in 1877 to assist HM Coastguard in saving life from shipwreck. The Brigade has evolved to offer a range of services to meet modern day requirements. Sunderland VLB is based in Roker at the Watch House on Pier View.
The Watch House has been the headquarters of the SVLB for over 100 years, opening in 1906. It provides a training base for Brigade members as well as a lookout for the Coastwatch team and a Museum to house items that celebrate the Brigades rich maritime history.
As the name suggests the members of the Brigade are all volunteers. Sunderland VLB is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.
