Episode 4

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0:00:08 > 0:00:12It's the busiest waterway in the world.

0:00:12 > 0:00:16Come on, skipper! Get a move on. That way.

0:00:16 > 0:00:18A gateway to our nation.

0:00:18 > 0:00:21Over 90% of the world's trade travels by sea.

0:00:21 > 0:00:24It's not just TVs and refrigerators. It's everything around us.

0:00:24 > 0:00:28Protected by a multi-agency task force, it's a unique stretch

0:00:28 > 0:00:30of water.

0:00:30 > 0:00:33This is Warship Tyne, Warship Tyne, channel one-two, over.

0:00:33 > 0:00:34INAUDIBLE

0:00:35 > 0:00:40It's very difficult to police, the Channel. To board every vessel's

0:00:40 > 0:00:41an impossible task.

0:00:43 > 0:00:44It's a place where swimmers

0:00:44 > 0:00:47and Sunday sailors fight for space

0:00:47 > 0:00:52with cruise liners and cargo ships.

0:00:52 > 0:00:55It's like trying to get across the M25 during rush hour.

0:00:55 > 0:00:58For some, the English Channel is their place of work.

0:01:00 > 0:01:02If my mum came out here and saw what I was doing up here,

0:01:02 > 0:01:06- she'd tell me to get off straightaway. - HE LAUGHS

0:01:06 > 0:01:08For others, it's a playground.

0:01:08 > 0:01:10Whoo hoo!

0:01:11 > 0:01:13- ON RADIO:- This is rescue helicopter...

0:01:13 > 0:01:16But for those who venture onto its unpredictable waters...

0:01:16 > 0:01:19We're just going to assess the moving of the casualty now.

0:01:19 > 0:01:23- All controlled over lifeboat. - ..it can mean life or death.

0:01:23 > 0:01:25Just drag him onto the boat!

0:01:28 > 0:01:29I hope my babies get to see this,

0:01:29 > 0:01:31and see what Daddy does for a living.

0:01:31 > 0:01:33HE LAUGHS

0:01:42 > 0:01:45Today on Channel Patrol:

0:01:45 > 0:01:48The RNLI fight to save an historic structure.

0:01:50 > 0:01:53There was lots of debris in the water. Lots of burnt timbers.

0:01:53 > 0:01:56There was also lots of ash and smoke flying.

0:01:56 > 0:02:00A Navy boat checking up on the Channel's fishermen

0:02:00 > 0:02:02is battered by bad weather.

0:02:02 > 0:02:05This is our constant enemy that any sailor has to battle against,

0:02:05 > 0:02:08is the elements and the eternal effects of the sea.

0:02:08 > 0:02:10The height of the summer holidays means

0:02:10 > 0:02:13the pressure's on for the busy staff of the passenger ferries.

0:02:13 > 0:02:17This way, my love, please. SHOUTS: This way!

0:02:17 > 0:02:21And two old rivals battle it out at Cowes Week.

0:02:21 > 0:02:22It's a game of chess on water.

0:02:34 > 0:02:38Covering a 350-mile stretch from Kent to Cornwall,

0:02:38 > 0:02:43at any one time the Channel is being used by all kinds of people...

0:02:44 > 0:02:49..whether it's fishermen trying to make a living from its waters,

0:02:49 > 0:02:52holiday-makers setting off around the world, or yachtsmen

0:02:52 > 0:02:55simply messing about on boats.

0:02:56 > 0:03:00But if something goes wrong, it's often the Royal National

0:03:00 > 0:03:04Lifeboat Institute who will be first on the scene.

0:03:08 > 0:03:10As one of the busiest stations in the Channel,

0:03:10 > 0:03:13the crew in Newhaven deals with everything from medical emergencies

0:03:13 > 0:03:17aboard vessels to stranded pleasure cruisers who've

0:03:17 > 0:03:20run out of power and need a tow back to harbour.

0:03:22 > 0:03:26It's easy to forget this fourth emergency service is made up

0:03:26 > 0:03:30almost entirely of highly dedicated volunteers,

0:03:30 > 0:03:32risking their own lives to help others.

0:03:33 > 0:03:35If we focus on what we're doing,

0:03:35 > 0:03:38there's nothing else that's going on in life at that moment in time.

0:03:38 > 0:03:41You are solely focused on the job that you've got to do,

0:03:41 > 0:03:44and getting it done. The adrenaline's a wonderful thing.

0:03:47 > 0:03:50Although not the first thing you'd associate with the water,

0:03:50 > 0:03:54the RNLI is called out to around 90 incidences of fire every year.

0:03:56 > 0:03:59In here is where the salvage pump is, which we can use to pump

0:03:59 > 0:04:01saltwater up through fire hoses.

0:04:01 > 0:04:04And the remaining hydrants are up on the foredeck.

0:04:04 > 0:04:09So we have one hydrant here on the starboard side, and one other

0:04:09 > 0:04:12one in the same position on the port side, and another up on the foredeck.

0:04:14 > 0:04:18The Newhaven team recently had to put its firefighting capabilities to

0:04:18 > 0:04:23the test when it was called out to help with a devastating emergency,

0:04:23 > 0:04:25when Eastbourne Pier caught fire.

0:04:25 > 0:04:29NEWSREADER: The call to the fire service came just after three o'clock this afternoon.

0:04:29 > 0:04:32The pier's traditional timber structure had allowed the fire,

0:04:32 > 0:04:35first spotted in wood panelling, to take hold quickly.

0:04:38 > 0:04:41The Newhaven lifeboat was immediately scrambled.

0:04:47 > 0:04:50It's always the buzz that goes round, "What's the shout,

0:04:50 > 0:04:51"what's the job?"

0:04:51 > 0:04:53When we heard it was Eastbourne Pier on fire,

0:04:53 > 0:04:56it automatically gets the hairs on the back of your neck going,

0:04:56 > 0:04:58and you're not sure really what you're going to find,

0:04:58 > 0:05:01whether there's going to be lots of people still trapped on the pier.

0:05:01 > 0:05:05Fire crews were in attendance within minutes. But access was limited.

0:05:07 > 0:05:09And vital seaborne firefighting was needed.

0:05:13 > 0:05:16As we approached around Beachy Head we could see the fire coming over

0:05:16 > 0:05:19the cliffs, and the smoke going up into the air.

0:05:21 > 0:05:25From that point, you're never really sure how bad the pier is on fire.

0:05:35 > 0:05:38When we got there, it was quite well alight.

0:05:44 > 0:05:48I came down straightaway, and it was just absolutely engulfed in flames.

0:05:48 > 0:05:50It was so, so shocking.

0:05:50 > 0:05:54So I run down here and the smoke is just going higher into the sky

0:05:54 > 0:05:56than I could have ever imagined.

0:05:56 > 0:06:00We were just watching it slowly just take up the rest of the pier,

0:06:00 > 0:06:03- like losing all the little shops. - It's devastating to look at it.

0:06:09 > 0:06:11We have to get in as close as we can,

0:06:11 > 0:06:14listen to the careful instructions by the coxswain.

0:06:14 > 0:06:16He would get in as close as possible.

0:06:16 > 0:06:18We had our fire hoses ready.

0:06:19 > 0:06:22Newhaven lifeboat joined the Eastbourne crew, who were

0:06:22 > 0:06:23already at the scene,

0:06:23 > 0:06:26and high-pressured sea water was pumped directly onto the

0:06:26 > 0:06:30remaining structure in a desperate bid to stop it going up in flames.

0:06:30 > 0:06:33The problem we had was we had a falling tide,

0:06:33 > 0:06:37and the area that was on fire was quite difficult for us

0:06:37 > 0:06:40to access because of the tide falling away all the time.

0:06:43 > 0:06:46Fearing they'd run aground, the decision was taken to fight

0:06:46 > 0:06:51the fire from the other side of the pier, where the water was deeper.

0:06:51 > 0:06:54But it was also downwind from the blaze.

0:06:54 > 0:06:57As we were going round the pier to try and get into position,

0:06:57 > 0:07:00there was lots of debris in the water, lots of burnt timbers.

0:07:00 > 0:07:02There was also lots of ash and smoke flying.

0:07:04 > 0:07:07We don't really strictly have a firefighting capability,

0:07:07 > 0:07:10we have a fire protection capacity.

0:07:10 > 0:07:12So it was then suggested we might do better

0:07:12 > 0:07:15if we had some firefighters on-board us.

0:07:15 > 0:07:18The firefighters came on board with a much heavier duty pump than ours.

0:07:18 > 0:07:21It had a suction pipe that went over the side of the boat,

0:07:21 > 0:07:24into the sea, and they were able to pump that water straight out

0:07:24 > 0:07:27through their fire hoses up onto the pier.

0:07:28 > 0:07:31Luckily enough, there was a break in the pier where the deck then

0:07:31 > 0:07:33becomes concrete, so that obviously assisted,

0:07:33 > 0:07:35preventing the spread of fire.

0:07:35 > 0:07:38But the structure above that is all timber, so we made sure

0:07:38 > 0:07:41that we kept them as cool as possible to stop the fire spreading.

0:07:41 > 0:07:44I think if the fire had taken hold from that point,

0:07:44 > 0:07:46it probably would have spread to the end of the pier,

0:07:46 > 0:07:49so it was quite a critical point to make sure that was kept cool.

0:07:52 > 0:07:56After several hours, the fire was finally under control.

0:07:57 > 0:08:01- It holds so many memories.- Yeah, the pier does, yep.- The pier...

0:08:01 > 0:08:04From our childhood, we just remember going on it,

0:08:04 > 0:08:06using all the arcade machines.

0:08:06 > 0:08:08Even yesterday we were on it.

0:08:08 > 0:08:12It's the main part of Eastbourne. Everybody comes here for the pier.

0:08:12 > 0:08:14Although a large section of it was lost,

0:08:14 > 0:08:18the majority of the pier remained intact thanks to the quick action

0:08:18 > 0:08:20of the firefighters

0:08:20 > 0:08:23and the RNLI crews from Eastbourne, Hastings and Newhaven.

0:08:23 > 0:08:26I don't think we would have saved any of the rest of the pier,

0:08:26 > 0:08:27that was already well ablaze.

0:08:27 > 0:08:31But I think as a combined emergency service response,

0:08:31 > 0:08:34it was considered a big success.

0:08:40 > 0:08:44Such a diverse body of water as the Channel needs many different

0:08:44 > 0:08:47agencies to monitor and manage it.

0:08:47 > 0:08:51The Royal Navy have long made it their base and training ground.

0:08:51 > 0:08:55And one of the Navy's core tasks is to assist with the management

0:08:55 > 0:08:58and policing of the UK's fishing industry.

0:08:58 > 0:09:00The Channel's waters are an important source

0:09:00 > 0:09:02of revenue to the economy.

0:09:02 > 0:09:06Fishing alone brings in over £880 million a year,

0:09:06 > 0:09:11and to help conserve stocks, strict regulations have been imposed.

0:09:11 > 0:09:14This is Warship Tyne, Warship Tyne, channel one-two, over.

0:09:14 > 0:09:18HMS Tyne is one of the three offshore patrol vessels which

0:09:18 > 0:09:21make up the Royal Navy's Fisheries Protection Squadron.

0:09:21 > 0:09:26They work as part of the Marine Management Organisation,

0:09:26 > 0:09:30who are the main body responsible for enforcing fishing regulations.

0:09:30 > 0:09:32What we do is, we work for the Marine Management Organisation,

0:09:32 > 0:09:34or on their behalf,

0:09:34 > 0:09:39and we go out up to 200 miles off to the UK limits to board different

0:09:39 > 0:09:43vessels of all nationalities to check that the EU legislation

0:09:43 > 0:09:44is being enforced.

0:09:45 > 0:09:49JP and his crew stop and search fishermen to check that their

0:09:49 > 0:09:53catch and trawling gear are in legal limits.

0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Red eight zero.- Red eight zero. - Port step three.

0:09:56 > 0:10:00With over 6,000 active UK fishing vessels,

0:10:00 > 0:10:02JP has his work cut out.

0:10:03 > 0:10:06Port 35. Roger.

0:10:08 > 0:10:12HMS Tyne spends over 300 days a year at sea.

0:10:16 > 0:10:21And the 42 crew members live on board for a month at a time.

0:10:21 > 0:10:25- Chefs, all right?- Yes, sir.- What are we having tonight, fellas?

0:10:25 > 0:10:28- Roast dinner, roast chicken and roast beef.- Roast dinner,

0:10:28 > 0:10:29roast beef? Happy days.

0:10:31 > 0:10:33To help with the workload,

0:10:33 > 0:10:37fisheries inspector Andy Newlands is on board to train up a new recruit.

0:10:40 > 0:10:43This week we've had Andy on board as part of the Marine Management

0:10:43 > 0:10:46Organisation to facilitate the training and assessment

0:10:46 > 0:10:51of Jono in his quest of becoming a qualified marine enforcement officer.

0:10:51 > 0:10:56Sublieutenant Jono Bethwaite has been in the Navy for four years

0:10:56 > 0:10:58and is looking to step up in his career.

0:10:58 > 0:11:02We're just looking at the moment for viable contacts,

0:11:02 > 0:11:06so fishing vessels that haven't been boarded in the last few months,

0:11:06 > 0:11:09that we can now go on board and inspect.

0:11:09 > 0:11:12In order to qualify on this patrol,

0:11:12 > 0:11:15Jono must inspect a number of different fishing boats.

0:11:15 > 0:11:17We're back alongside in a few days,

0:11:17 > 0:11:20and trying to get as many boardings in as we possibly can.

0:11:20 > 0:11:23- A bit of a mad rush. - HE LAUGHS

0:11:23 > 0:11:25We are looking for a wider variety,

0:11:25 > 0:11:30a different sort of vessels, using as many different gears as we can

0:11:30 > 0:11:33so he is exposed to as many different gear types

0:11:33 > 0:11:38and fishing vessels and fisheries as we can before we run out of time.

0:11:38 > 0:11:42So we've got our fingers crossed that we'll find enough ships

0:11:42 > 0:11:47and get enough inspections done, so that Jono can make the grade.

0:11:47 > 0:11:51Today there is an added complication to proceedings,

0:11:51 > 0:11:54as Hurricane Bertha is approaching the Channel.

0:11:54 > 0:11:57We are expecting a gale force eight coming in,

0:11:57 > 0:12:01so we are trying to get as much done as we can in a short period.

0:12:01 > 0:12:03Despite the bad forecast,

0:12:03 > 0:12:07Jono is confident he'll qualify before the patrol is out.

0:12:07 > 0:12:10Hopefully by the time we get back alongside,

0:12:10 > 0:12:12I'll be signed off and good to go.

0:12:16 > 0:12:19Working on the sea, it's an inherently dangerous place.

0:12:19 > 0:12:22Statistics show that the fishing industry is one of the most

0:12:22 > 0:12:26dangerous industries that you can work in, and subsequently,

0:12:26 > 0:12:30as we're trying to regulate the fishing industry, then there is

0:12:30 > 0:12:33an element of danger involved for us as well, as the regulator.

0:12:33 > 0:12:37When the crew spot a boat on the horizon, Jono has his chance

0:12:37 > 0:12:41to experience one of the riskiest parts of the marine inspector's job.

0:12:41 > 0:12:46Just getting into me suit now, see if we go in.

0:12:46 > 0:12:48I'm going to get cold and wet,

0:12:48 > 0:12:51so I've got the best of the kit on.

0:12:51 > 0:12:54I don't know how cold and wet it's going to be

0:12:54 > 0:12:57on board the fishing vessel either, so...

0:12:57 > 0:12:58I've got my notebook in here,

0:12:58 > 0:13:01just to basically help my boarding process and write down

0:13:01 > 0:13:05anything that we might need to take in terms of legal aspects.

0:13:20 > 0:13:24Jono's task as a fisheries inspector is to check that the boat

0:13:24 > 0:13:26is following the regulations.

0:13:26 > 0:13:30This includes using nets with holes that are big enough to let through

0:13:30 > 0:13:33smaller, younger fish, and not catching restricted species.

0:13:35 > 0:13:39The master wasn't actually keeping a proper listing on the radio

0:13:39 > 0:13:43frequency, so I've just sent my team straight over.

0:13:43 > 0:13:47If the skipper has flouted the law, he could be fined up to £10,000.

0:13:49 > 0:13:52With the weather closing in, the rib leaves Jono

0:13:52 > 0:13:56on the boat for the next few hours to carry out his inspection.

0:14:02 > 0:14:05Despite the vast array of different vessels on this bustling

0:14:05 > 0:14:09stretch of water, for many of us the Channel means one thing.

0:14:09 > 0:14:13Taking the car on a cross-Channel ferry on a trip to France,

0:14:13 > 0:14:15or the rest of Europe.

0:14:15 > 0:14:20In fact, over 15 million of us cross its waters by ferry each year,

0:14:20 > 0:14:22in 3.3 million cars.

0:14:23 > 0:14:26But something going wrong with a ferry at sea can have

0:14:26 > 0:14:28deadly consequences,

0:14:28 > 0:14:32so safety is key for the passenger ferries operating in and out

0:14:32 > 0:14:36of Dover, the busiest ferry port on the Channel.

0:14:36 > 0:14:39And it's a priority for the crew of the passenger ship Delft,

0:14:39 > 0:14:42who carry out regular safety drills.

0:14:42 > 0:14:45ON RADIO: There are copious amounts of smoke emanating from the alleyway,

0:14:45 > 0:14:48adjacent to the... INAUDIBLE

0:14:48 > 0:14:52Yeah, a four-man team making an entry into the port alleyway

0:14:52 > 0:14:53aft end of deck seven.

0:14:53 > 0:14:56Put a call out for the coastguard, please. Let them know the situation.

0:14:56 > 0:15:00Dover Coastguard, Dover Coastguard. We have a fire on board.

0:15:00 > 0:15:04- We require immediate assistance. - These drills we do weekly.

0:15:04 > 0:15:07They are very important so all the crew are fully trained

0:15:07 > 0:15:09in abandon ship procedures

0:15:09 > 0:15:13in order to facilitate this if such an incident does occur.

0:15:16 > 0:15:19INDISTINCT COMMAND

0:15:19 > 0:15:21But although it's vital for the crew to be properly trained

0:15:21 > 0:15:25for emergencies, they're thankfully very rare.

0:15:25 > 0:15:28The biggest challenge the Delft's crew face is getting the ship

0:15:28 > 0:15:31in and out of such a busy port on time.

0:15:31 > 0:15:33One-one-five. OK, thanks.

0:15:33 > 0:15:35And at the height of the summer holidays,

0:15:35 > 0:15:39with eight crossings to complete a day, the pressure's really on.

0:15:41 > 0:15:44- We should get a full check list now, and the fins are in.- Happy.

0:15:45 > 0:15:48The job of landing this multimillion-pound vessel

0:15:48 > 0:15:53falls to Captain Brian Salter and Chief Officer Mark Miller.

0:15:53 > 0:15:57- ON RADIO:- Six.- Six.

0:15:58 > 0:16:03- The stern's lifting slowly. - Five.- Five.

0:16:03 > 0:16:05With 35,000 tonnes of ship to control,

0:16:05 > 0:16:07it's some reverse parking manoeuvre.

0:16:13 > 0:16:16Out on deck, the pressure's also on for deck hand Brandon.

0:16:18 > 0:16:20Basically, we are reversing in,

0:16:20 > 0:16:22and when we get into position

0:16:22 > 0:16:25we would chuck the line, feed the rope out,

0:16:25 > 0:16:28so they can put it on the hook, and then when the captain

0:16:28 > 0:16:32gives the orders to make all fast, we will tighten them all up.

0:16:37 > 0:16:38Four.

0:16:46 > 0:16:48- INTERVIEWER:- It's quite good fun, isn't it?

0:16:48 > 0:16:52It's not when there's 100 people and you miss from one metre.

0:16:53 > 0:16:58- There's hundreds of them up there. That's a lot of pressure.- Two foot.

0:16:58 > 0:16:59Two foot.

0:17:03 > 0:17:05- One foot.- One foot.

0:17:06 > 0:17:11If I don't hit it, I have to heave it back in, and then throw it again.

0:17:14 > 0:17:16I've missed so many times.

0:17:17 > 0:17:22- Any good?- Landing on. Happy? Four and a half bridge,

0:17:22 > 0:17:24we're in position, mate. Fast, please.

0:17:43 > 0:17:44- INTERVIEWER:- You happy with that?

0:17:44 > 0:17:46Yeah. Yeah, I'm happy with that.

0:17:50 > 0:17:51That's about it.

0:17:57 > 0:17:59Can you just nip up that stern line?

0:17:59 > 0:18:02It looks like there's a little bit of slack in it, please, mate.

0:18:02 > 0:18:06'Obviously you want a gentle landing. It's a big ship.'

0:18:06 > 0:18:08With over 15 years' experience,

0:18:08 > 0:18:11Captain Brian Salter has seafaring in his blood.

0:18:11 > 0:18:14I've always known I wanted to go to sea. Right from an early age

0:18:14 > 0:18:16I started going to sea with my father when I was

0:18:16 > 0:18:20still at school, just during the summer holidays and things.

0:18:20 > 0:18:22And got the bug from there, really.

0:18:22 > 0:18:24'And that was always what I was going to do.'

0:18:24 > 0:18:29My father's a captain, so, yeah, it was always going to happen.

0:18:29 > 0:18:31Brian started at the bottom as a deck hand,

0:18:31 > 0:18:34and worked his way up through the ranks.

0:18:34 > 0:18:39And apprentice deck hand Brandon is hoping to follow the same path.

0:18:39 > 0:18:41I've always been an ambitious type.

0:18:41 > 0:18:43I always want to be the best at everything.

0:18:43 > 0:18:47I want to be the best, I want to be at the top. Simple. It's like that.

0:18:47 > 0:18:52It will take time. A lot of work, and not much fun. But it's worth it.

0:18:54 > 0:18:55That's his aim and his goal.

0:18:57 > 0:19:02I mean, he's a good lad, and he's in the right direction.

0:19:02 > 0:19:06He's eager, he's keen. And I can see him progressing. And doing well.

0:19:08 > 0:19:11The Merchant Navy is shrinking, so the competition is hard.

0:19:11 > 0:19:13This opportunity arose.

0:19:13 > 0:19:16And it's the best thing that's ever happened to me.

0:19:18 > 0:19:20With the ship now safely berthed,

0:19:20 > 0:19:23the captain can breathe a short sigh of relief.

0:19:23 > 0:19:26But the challenge for the dockside staff is just beginning.

0:19:26 > 0:19:30No, you go down, my love. Go down. And go under the ramp.

0:19:30 > 0:19:33They need to get 700 vehicles on and off the ship

0:19:33 > 0:19:35so it can head back out across the Channel.

0:19:35 > 0:19:37No, you shouldn't be coming across here.

0:19:37 > 0:19:41Can you go down and under the ramp, please? Thank you.

0:19:41 > 0:19:44And to make sure the ship doesn't miss its slot out of port,

0:19:44 > 0:19:46they have just one hour to do it.

0:19:49 > 0:19:53With up to 100 ferry crossings every day here at the height of summer,

0:19:53 > 0:19:59the team at Dover's Marine Coastguard has its work cut out.

0:19:59 > 0:20:01It is 375612.

0:20:01 > 0:20:04Dover Strait itself is the busiest waterway in the world.

0:20:04 > 0:20:06So you can imagine the sort of workload

0:20:06 > 0:20:09that we can get dealing with the Dover Strait itself.

0:20:09 > 0:20:11All ships on the Dover Strait,

0:20:11 > 0:20:14this is Dover Coastguard for a channel navigation.

0:20:14 > 0:20:16The Dover Strait is divided into two sections.

0:20:16 > 0:20:19We have the South West Lane, which we actually look after.

0:20:19 > 0:20:21And we also have the North East Lane, which is looked after

0:20:21 > 0:20:23by our French colleagues.

0:20:23 > 0:20:25- This is the Dover Coastguard... - On average,

0:20:25 > 0:20:30we deal with about 400 to 500 vessels travelling in this area.

0:20:30 > 0:20:33So that doesn't include any of the smaller ships or the fishing

0:20:33 > 0:20:35vessels that are in the area as well.

0:20:35 > 0:20:37Fishing vessels can present a particular challenge

0:20:37 > 0:20:39for the coastguard.

0:20:39 > 0:20:42As you can imagine, fish don't obey the rules of the road,

0:20:42 > 0:20:45so the fishing vessels, they go in all directions as well.

0:20:45 > 0:20:47ALARM

0:20:47 > 0:20:48If there is good fishing grounds

0:20:48 > 0:20:51and we get a large number congregated in one area,

0:20:51 > 0:20:54that can cause a problem to the passage of

0:20:54 > 0:20:57- the larger vessels through the Dover Strait. - ALARM

0:21:00 > 0:21:03While the Marine Coastguard keep a watchful eye on fishing boats

0:21:03 > 0:21:05to keep them safe from other traffic,

0:21:05 > 0:21:09it's the job of the Navy's Fishery Protection Squadron to make sure

0:21:09 > 0:21:11they're following the regulations.

0:21:13 > 0:21:17Sublieutenant Jono Bethwaite is on his way back to HMS Tyne

0:21:17 > 0:21:20after inspecting a fishing boat.

0:21:20 > 0:21:23He's confirmed that the fisherman's nets are the right size

0:21:23 > 0:21:27and ensured he's not caught any fish he's not supposed to.

0:21:28 > 0:21:30We are not always looking for an infringement.

0:21:30 > 0:21:34The aim of the boardings is to check that everything's OK, reassure

0:21:34 > 0:21:39the fishermen, and also by doing that kind of process,

0:21:39 > 0:21:42and going on board the vessel, it just reminds them that we

0:21:42 > 0:21:46are watching, and it's really a deterrent more than anything.

0:21:49 > 0:21:52Jono is hoping to qualify as a marine enforcement officer,

0:21:52 > 0:21:55and for this inspection to count towards his qualification,

0:21:55 > 0:21:58everything needs to go by the book.

0:21:58 > 0:22:01Including the all-important debrief.

0:22:03 > 0:22:08- How was that?- Yeah, it was all right. Quite hostile to start with.

0:22:08 > 0:22:10But he sort of calmed down towards the end.

0:22:10 > 0:22:13He was pretty compliant by the time we finished the boarding.

0:22:13 > 0:22:16- He was more than happy, offering cups of tea and whatnot.- OK.

0:22:16 > 0:22:18Got the gear done, got the documents done,

0:22:18 > 0:22:21and with the fish, he only had 12 boxes of fish on board

0:22:21 > 0:22:24so we just said visual assessment only. Andy was happy with that.

0:22:24 > 0:22:26Yeah, there were a few outlining points today.

0:22:26 > 0:22:31Made a good job of assessing the catch, good net procedure.

0:22:31 > 0:22:36- Followed all the best practice. - Right, onward intentions.

0:22:36 > 0:22:39We're heading off at speed now towards Dover TSS.

0:22:39 > 0:22:42The aim will be to just visually ID any fishing vessel we can

0:22:42 > 0:22:45and we'll get you off on another boarding as soon as we can.

0:22:45 > 0:22:49- All right, thanks.- Jono has one boarding under his belt.

0:22:49 > 0:22:52But he needs to complete several more in order to qualify today.

0:22:52 > 0:22:55The intention is now we are just going to head east,

0:22:55 > 0:22:57try and beat the storm that is due to come in,

0:22:57 > 0:23:00and essentially try and track vessels visually.

0:23:00 > 0:23:03So we will be looking out for them, looking for them on radar

0:23:03 > 0:23:05and looking for them on the chart system,

0:23:05 > 0:23:07and we will board them straight from there.

0:23:08 > 0:23:12As the crew race to get ahead of the approaching storm...

0:23:12 > 0:23:14We are expecting the remnants of Hurricane Bertha

0:23:14 > 0:23:18with winds at 55 knots, increasing as time goes on.

0:23:18 > 0:23:21..they ID another potential vessel for Jono to inspect.

0:23:22 > 0:23:26The fishing vessel now at red two-zero, a Brixham beam trawler.

0:23:26 > 0:23:29It intends to return to Brixham either this evening or early

0:23:29 > 0:23:31tomorrow morning.

0:23:31 > 0:23:34The team have a briefing before he's allowed to board.

0:23:34 > 0:23:36- Still in seven echo, presumably, yeah?- Yes, we are.

0:23:36 > 0:23:39She has been fishing for six days

0:23:39 > 0:23:42and her target species is scallops.

0:23:42 > 0:23:44Sole recovery is on, hake recovery is on.

0:23:44 > 0:23:46I'm not expecting to see any of those

0:23:46 > 0:23:49as we're expecting at least 95% bivalve molluscs.

0:23:49 > 0:23:52Scallops must be at least 100mm

0:23:52 > 0:23:57and logbook tolerance is 10% all species as normal.

0:23:57 > 0:23:59But as they get near the vessel,

0:23:59 > 0:24:02the remnants of Hurricane Bertha are closing in.

0:24:02 > 0:24:05As the wind picks up, the sea will pick up.

0:24:05 > 0:24:08There will be more movement on the ship and in the boat.

0:24:08 > 0:24:09It's a safety issue, basically.

0:24:10 > 0:24:14It is going to be a terribly long boarding, really, so get on, have a

0:24:14 > 0:24:18quick check of the logbook and then go straight to the gear inspection.

0:24:18 > 0:24:21The weather is set to deteriorate, as you know.

0:24:21 > 0:24:23So it's always your call how long you stay on there.

0:24:23 > 0:24:27If you feel that it's getting too rough out there for collecting

0:24:27 > 0:24:29just call the boarding off early.

0:24:29 > 0:24:31Boarding approved as briefed, 17.15.

0:24:50 > 0:24:54The wind has now reached 50 knots, and the mission looks precarious.

0:24:57 > 0:25:01As part of Jono's training, he's in charge of the team,

0:25:01 > 0:25:05and must make the call on whether it's safe to board.

0:25:05 > 0:25:08INAUDIBLE

0:25:08 > 0:25:10Yeah, we can't get on board. The boat won't go in.

0:25:16 > 0:25:18Will that help?

0:25:20 > 0:25:22So we can't actually get the boat alongside?

0:25:25 > 0:25:27Return to mother?

0:25:27 > 0:25:28- ON RADIO:- Confirmed.

0:25:28 > 0:25:32With the dangerous conditions, Jono decides they must turn back.

0:25:37 > 0:25:41Basically, as we got there, the vessel was unsafe to board.

0:25:41 > 0:25:44It's not safe, it's just not worth risking it.

0:25:48 > 0:25:53Jono's qualification on this patrol is hanging in the balance.

0:25:53 > 0:25:55The weather is going to be closing in fairly shortly.

0:25:55 > 0:25:57Even if I do get you on something in the next two hours,

0:25:57 > 0:25:59I'll almost certainly have to pull you off early,

0:25:59 > 0:26:01or you may get stuck on because of the weather.

0:26:01 > 0:26:03So we'll call it a day today.

0:26:04 > 0:26:07The real shame is on this patrol that we've not managed to qualify

0:26:07 > 0:26:10Jono fully. And that's because of the weather,

0:26:10 > 0:26:13you have seen the weather has had a great impact on the training.

0:26:13 > 0:26:17This is our constant enemy, that any sailor has to battle against, is

0:26:17 > 0:26:21the elements, and the eternal effects of the sea.

0:26:21 > 0:26:24With the HMS Tyne heading back into harbour, Jono must now wait

0:26:24 > 0:26:27another month until he has a chance to complete his training.

0:26:34 > 0:26:37While for many, the Channel's waters are a place to make a living

0:26:37 > 0:26:41or keep safe, for others, they offer the chance for some serious fun.

0:26:42 > 0:26:45An estimated 14 million of us

0:26:45 > 0:26:50take part in recreational activities on or near the water,

0:26:50 > 0:26:53with sailing being one of the most popular.

0:26:54 > 0:26:58Cowes Week is the oldest and largest sailing competition in the Channel,

0:26:58 > 0:27:03and competitors range from world-class to weekend amateurs.

0:27:03 > 0:27:05But while the racing's going on,

0:27:05 > 0:27:08this part of the Channel remains open for business.

0:27:08 > 0:27:12The Solent is the entryway to one of the UK's busiest ports,

0:27:12 > 0:27:16with cargo ships and cruise liners coming in and out, day and night.

0:27:18 > 0:27:21It's the job of Paul Black from Southampton Harbour Patrol

0:27:21 > 0:27:24to keep the yachtsmen and the commercial traffic

0:27:24 > 0:27:26from crashing into each other.

0:27:26 > 0:27:27CANNON FIRES

0:27:27 > 0:27:29It's going to be a busy day today.

0:27:29 > 0:27:32The start of Cowes Week. It's the first day,

0:27:32 > 0:27:36one of the busiest events in the yachting calendar.

0:27:37 > 0:27:41In terms of working on the water, equivalent land job,

0:27:41 > 0:27:44I sometimes think possibly a shepherd.

0:27:44 > 0:27:46Particularly during Cowes Week.

0:27:46 > 0:27:48There's a very large number of yachts,

0:27:48 > 0:27:52thousands of yachts in the area, all very focused on what they want to do.

0:27:52 > 0:27:57And we've got to help to clear the way for the commercial ships,

0:27:57 > 0:28:02and by hook or by crook, we generally manage to herd people out of the way.

0:28:02 > 0:28:06Sometimes it gets a bit hairy, but generally speaking, it works well.

0:28:06 > 0:28:10Normally, Paul only guides very large ships into port.

0:28:10 > 0:28:12But during Cowes Week, it's so busy,

0:28:12 > 0:28:15he'll be escorting every commercial vessel.

0:28:15 > 0:28:20The primary objective today is to not interfere with the racing

0:28:20 > 0:28:22any more than we have to.

0:28:22 > 0:28:26We shall be probably allowing yachts to get closer to the

0:28:26 > 0:28:30commercial shipping, more so than we normally would.

0:28:30 > 0:28:32Paul's guiding a large tanker into port.

0:28:32 > 0:28:36But he's got his eye on the race, which is about to start.

0:28:36 > 0:28:38At the moment we're just coming in slowly,

0:28:38 > 0:28:40cos there's quite a big yacht race ahead of us.

0:28:41 > 0:28:46Ships of this size cannot easily adjust their path or come to a stop,

0:28:46 > 0:28:49so Paul must keep a close watch on the Cowes competitors.

0:28:49 > 0:28:52This could be potentially a tricky time,

0:28:52 > 0:28:56because everybody's focused on the start of the race.

0:28:56 > 0:28:58And, from experience,

0:28:58 > 0:29:02they tend not to be focusing as much on what's going on around them.

0:29:03 > 0:29:06With the tanker fast approaching the competitors,

0:29:06 > 0:29:11- Paul has got his hands full.- We are going to need to make a decision.

0:29:11 > 0:29:16Yeah, Turmoil, we will keep that blue spinnaker on the port side.

0:29:20 > 0:29:25Yeah, we'll keep them all onto the west side of the Channel, please.

0:29:25 > 0:29:27Keep them all to the west.

0:29:27 > 0:29:33We had to turn the first three back whilst the tank comes through.

0:29:33 > 0:29:37Which won't please them at all, because they were out in front.

0:29:37 > 0:29:39But that's just the name of the game, really.

0:29:39 > 0:29:43Keeping the water safe is our ultimate task.

0:29:43 > 0:29:47What we are trying not to do is to spoil people's fun whilst we're doing it.

0:29:47 > 0:29:49Now that the tanker has safely passed them,

0:29:49 > 0:29:51these competitors can finish their event.

0:29:53 > 0:29:55And at the start line,

0:29:55 > 0:29:59another fiercely contested race is getting ready for the off.

0:29:59 > 0:30:02Two archrivals are hoping to take this year's title

0:30:02 > 0:30:05in the Solent Sunbeams category.

0:30:05 > 0:30:0984-year-old John Ford is known as The Commander.

0:30:09 > 0:30:13Young, keen sailor men prefer to sail a high-performance dinghy

0:30:13 > 0:30:18and lie out on a trapeze, and it looks all very dramatic.

0:30:18 > 0:30:22For those that don't know, we might look like elderly folk

0:30:22 > 0:30:26almost coming down with our white sticks to the jetty to get on board.

0:30:26 > 0:30:30We're not. We are very competitive.

0:30:30 > 0:30:33The Commander has sailed at Cowes for 26 years,

0:30:33 > 0:30:36but his nautical history stretches back much further.

0:30:36 > 0:30:39My relationship with the Channel,

0:30:39 > 0:30:44I started at a sea cadet camp in the Isle of Wight just after the war.

0:30:44 > 0:30:46Later on I joined the Royal Navy.

0:30:46 > 0:30:50I was lucky enough to be sent in command of a ship,

0:30:50 > 0:30:53and here's a copy of my frigate.

0:30:53 > 0:30:56This actually was taken at Portland.

0:30:56 > 0:31:00That was a very thrilling time for me, as in the services,

0:31:00 > 0:31:03of course, command of a ship is the thing which you strive for

0:31:03 > 0:31:05and that carries over into sailing.

0:31:05 > 0:31:08You say to yourself, "I'm going to win today."

0:31:08 > 0:31:11John may have been a decorated naval commander

0:31:11 > 0:31:14but his main rival takes all the silverware.

0:31:15 > 0:31:20Roger Wickens has won the Sunbeams class for the last six years.

0:31:20 > 0:31:24You may wonder why we have such a passion for these boats.

0:31:24 > 0:31:29If you stand at the back here and look down the hull,

0:31:29 > 0:31:33they have beautiful curves, they glide through the water,

0:31:33 > 0:31:38they handle beautifully, they're happy in no wind, or a gale.

0:31:38 > 0:31:40They're the most exquisite shape.

0:31:40 > 0:31:44I've been sailing Sunbeams for about 24 years

0:31:44 > 0:31:46and they're quite successful.

0:31:50 > 0:31:52Roger Wickens, I'm afraid to say,

0:31:52 > 0:31:55he's won more races than anyone else.

0:31:55 > 0:31:57He is of international standard.

0:31:57 > 0:31:59He can be beaten.

0:31:59 > 0:32:03He does make mistakes but not very often.

0:32:03 > 0:32:05If we can get up there and chase his tail, even,

0:32:05 > 0:32:07and get to start him looking behind and get him worried,

0:32:07 > 0:32:09that's a good day.

0:32:10 > 0:32:13Three minutes to the start of the Sunbeams...

0:32:13 > 0:32:16As the competing Sunbeams are lined up and ready to go,

0:32:16 > 0:32:19The Commander's hoping this will be the year Roger slips up

0:32:19 > 0:32:21and HE can take the crown.

0:32:23 > 0:32:25All the boats are really tuned up.

0:32:26 > 0:32:29It is a game of chess on water.

0:32:29 > 0:32:32It's a kind of snakes and ladders game.

0:32:32 > 0:32:34It usually only means if you make one tactical mistake...

0:32:34 > 0:32:36and you're not going to win.

0:32:36 > 0:32:40Five, four, three, two, one...

0:32:40 > 0:32:41CANNON FIRES

0:32:48 > 0:32:51For the next three hours, every decision Roger

0:32:51 > 0:32:54and The Commander make could win or lose them the race.

0:32:59 > 0:33:01As the boats release their spinnakers,

0:33:01 > 0:33:03the racing begins in earnest.

0:33:10 > 0:33:13We are always having to make lots of very fine judgments

0:33:13 > 0:33:15about which side of the Channel do we go,

0:33:15 > 0:33:19have we got room to get past someone?

0:33:22 > 0:33:25The Sunbeams must steer around seven buoys

0:33:25 > 0:33:27in a gruelling 20-mile course.

0:33:31 > 0:33:33The thing about yacht racing is we do things

0:33:33 > 0:33:36that under normal, civilian business codes

0:33:36 > 0:33:39would be deemed to be too dangerous.

0:33:39 > 0:33:42We're bouncing about on the deck of small boats in heavy seas.

0:33:45 > 0:33:48Despite these dangers, Roger's crew is operating

0:33:48 > 0:33:50like a well-oiled machine.

0:33:56 > 0:33:58There's never any shouting.

0:33:58 > 0:34:00Shouting is totally non-productive.

0:34:00 > 0:34:02If you upset the crew, they don't operate so well.

0:34:07 > 0:34:10But things are far from smooth sailing

0:34:10 > 0:34:12aboard The Commander's Sunbeam.

0:34:15 > 0:34:18There are tense moments during a race,

0:34:18 > 0:34:21a lot of shouting and gnashing of teeth and waving of fists.

0:34:21 > 0:34:23It can get fairly fraught.

0:34:23 > 0:34:25The sea takes no prisoners.

0:34:28 > 0:34:31Having taken a different route around the first buoy,

0:34:31 > 0:34:35The Commander's boat is trailing in last place.

0:34:40 > 0:34:42It's blowing force five, the wind against tide.

0:34:42 > 0:34:44We've got no life lines

0:34:44 > 0:34:48and the sea's crashing over the bow.

0:34:48 > 0:34:50Everybody's soaking wet.

0:34:50 > 0:34:53We use our wits and our senses.

0:34:55 > 0:34:56You do need a bit of luck.

0:34:56 > 0:34:58HE LAUGHS

0:35:01 > 0:35:04The Commander needs to find a way to make up some ground.

0:35:04 > 0:35:06Think about the angle of the line.

0:35:06 > 0:35:09If you start out here, you've got further to sail.

0:35:11 > 0:35:13Petra, come back here and you can see it better.

0:35:14 > 0:35:18He finds a new racing line and is back on track.

0:35:20 > 0:35:21Ready about, lee ho!

0:35:23 > 0:35:26In order to be successful, you really do need

0:35:26 > 0:35:27to work up as a team.

0:35:31 > 0:35:35All three people in the boat would be of equal value

0:35:35 > 0:35:38and they do their own thing without being told.

0:35:38 > 0:35:42It's not long before The Commander starts to overtake other Sunbeams,

0:35:42 > 0:35:44gaining ground on Roger.

0:35:50 > 0:35:52Forward. That's it.

0:35:58 > 0:36:00Just one boat lies between them.

0:36:03 > 0:36:06But Roger is already on the home straight.

0:36:09 > 0:36:12On the final stretch, Roger makes a break for it,

0:36:12 > 0:36:14sailing across the finish to claim first place.

0:36:18 > 0:36:21Despite best efforts, The Commander can only manage third.

0:36:31 > 0:36:34It was a pretty big disaster, we didn't beat Roger Wickens.

0:36:38 > 0:36:42What happened today was we got it wrong, we were right at the back.

0:36:42 > 0:36:44We couldn't beat Roger, who was well ahead.

0:36:44 > 0:36:48Did I really ever believe that it was possible to beat Roger?

0:36:48 > 0:36:51Erm, it was a nice idea

0:36:51 > 0:36:53but he is very, very good.

0:36:54 > 0:36:58When you're in love with sailing and racing, yacht racing,

0:36:58 > 0:37:01you never really want to give it up.

0:37:01 > 0:37:03It's like a drug,

0:37:03 > 0:37:05it draws you back.

0:37:05 > 0:37:07With the Sunbeam crown going to Roger,

0:37:07 > 0:37:11The Commander will have to wait another year for a rematch.

0:37:16 > 0:37:19But there's no letup in Dover for the busy

0:37:19 > 0:37:21crews of the passenger ferries.

0:37:21 > 0:37:26Ships depart every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 364 days a year.

0:37:27 > 0:37:31The dockside crew of the Delft need to get the ship ready

0:37:31 > 0:37:35for the next of the eight Channel crossings it will make today.

0:37:35 > 0:37:37- Update from Seaways 1. - Good morning.

0:37:37 > 0:37:40We are expecting about 180 tourists at the moment.

0:37:40 > 0:37:43No, my love, if you can go onto the walkways, please.

0:37:43 > 0:37:46It's the responsibility of Loadmaster Diane,

0:37:46 > 0:37:49better known as Dolly, to coordinate the unloading

0:37:49 > 0:37:52and loading of up to 700 vehicles per trip.

0:37:55 > 0:38:00She has just one hour to do it or the ship risks missing

0:38:00 > 0:38:02her departure slot, jeopardising the timetable

0:38:02 > 0:38:05of the busiest port in Britain.

0:38:05 > 0:38:07Now is the summer holidays so this is

0:38:07 > 0:38:11when we have as many as we can get on and we have to pack the ships tight.

0:38:11 > 0:38:12Can I have a check-in figure, please?

0:38:12 > 0:38:14There are lots of little spaces

0:38:14 > 0:38:16so they'll ask for lots of little vehicles to go in little spaces

0:38:16 > 0:38:20to maximise the load, to ensure the ship's full and everyone gets away.

0:38:20 > 0:38:24- ON RADIO:- Grey, silvery Clio. - The last one's a Clio.

0:38:24 > 0:38:26I will send you up your stores.

0:38:26 > 0:38:29I have been doing it for six years now, loadmaster,

0:38:29 > 0:38:31and I've seen most things, I think, that can happen.

0:38:31 > 0:38:33This way, my love, please!

0:38:33 > 0:38:35This way!

0:38:35 > 0:38:37Up here, please. Thank you.

0:38:37 > 0:38:40You'd be surprised at how many people think that little Danny,

0:38:40 > 0:38:44who's three, can actually drive the car on board the ship.

0:38:44 > 0:38:46Top deck 8, motorbikes.

0:38:46 > 0:38:50They come in the port, they think they're not on the road any more.

0:38:51 > 0:38:55But no matter how experienced Diane is at her job,

0:38:55 > 0:38:59one thing that's not in her control is the public's timekeeping.

0:38:59 > 0:39:02We're trying to get everyone back to their vehicles.

0:39:02 > 0:39:05We have a space on the front of the ship for two Transit vans which

0:39:05 > 0:39:09we're trying to utilise but there's no-one in the vehicles at the moment.

0:39:16 > 0:39:19Rebecca, anyone back in those Transits yet?

0:39:19 > 0:39:21- ON RADIO:- No, Dolly.

0:39:21 > 0:39:23Seaways 2, can we have another callout, please?

0:39:23 > 0:39:26- ON RADIO:- Yeah, no problem.

0:39:26 > 0:39:27If there's no-one to go up there,

0:39:27 > 0:39:30then we will lose those two little spaces, yes.

0:39:30 > 0:39:33We're trying to get them out so that we can fill them up!

0:39:39 > 0:39:42While Diane tries to track down the Transit drivers,

0:39:42 > 0:39:46it's the job of Chief Officer Mark to ensure the freight vehicles

0:39:46 > 0:39:48are loaded correctly on board.

0:39:49 > 0:39:52The 18-metres need a wider swinging space.

0:39:52 > 0:39:55I try to keep them in the two central lanes.

0:39:57 > 0:40:00But with such a short time slot for loading and unloading,

0:40:00 > 0:40:03the ship is equipped with the latest technology to help him.

0:40:03 > 0:40:06We haven't got time to keep stopping and looking

0:40:06 > 0:40:08at what weights they are.

0:40:08 > 0:40:10Sometimes you might get all the heavy bits on one side but

0:40:10 > 0:40:13we've got tanks to compensate for that

0:40:13 > 0:40:15and we can pump water from one side of the ship to the other.

0:40:15 > 0:40:17It's on automatic at the moment.

0:40:19 > 0:40:20HE WHISTLES

0:40:24 > 0:40:26Back on the dockside,

0:40:26 > 0:40:29one of Diane's missing Transit drivers has finally turned up.

0:40:29 > 0:40:32- ON RADIO:- We've got one Transit driver so far, Dolly.

0:40:32 > 0:40:36OK, do you want to send him round behind the stores for me, please?

0:40:36 > 0:40:39- On its way.- Thank you!

0:40:39 > 0:40:42But there's still no sign of the other driver

0:40:42 > 0:40:45and Diane can't hold up the loading of the top deck much longer.

0:40:45 > 0:40:48Top deck, unfortunately, they've still not returned.

0:40:50 > 0:40:52Seaways 2, can we have another callout, please?

0:40:53 > 0:40:56We've still got ten minutes of check-in.

0:40:59 > 0:41:03The second Transit driver finally makes an appearance.

0:41:06 > 0:41:08Second Transit is on the way up, top deck.

0:41:12 > 0:41:16I do enjoy getting it all on the ship and then looking around

0:41:16 > 0:41:18and it's all gone.

0:41:18 > 0:41:21After the car top deck, you've got four pieces of clean,

0:41:21 > 0:41:26- the small, the DG and the film crew. - Thank you very much.

0:41:26 > 0:41:29Dolly's really good, she's one of the best loadmasters we've got.

0:41:29 > 0:41:32She knows everything out there, so she's good.

0:41:32 > 0:41:35When it all goes on and it all goes on perfectly, that's good.

0:41:35 > 0:41:37SHE CHUCKLES

0:41:37 > 0:41:38I come away and go...

0:41:38 > 0:41:41"I did a good job there."

0:41:43 > 0:41:45As loading is completed,

0:41:45 > 0:41:48the job of feeding up to 1,000 passengers begins.

0:41:48 > 0:41:50Thank you very much. Cheers!

0:41:50 > 0:41:52The challenge is making sure we've got enough food

0:41:52 > 0:41:56in the timescale in which to serve all the passengers.

0:41:56 > 0:41:58The crossing is only two hours

0:41:58 > 0:42:00and most people eat within the first hour.

0:42:00 > 0:42:02As you can see, we're flat out now.

0:42:02 > 0:42:06- Mushy peas or beans?- No.- No?

0:42:06 > 0:42:08There you go, thank you.

0:42:08 > 0:42:11Holiday-makers, in general, they like fish and chips on the way out.

0:42:11 > 0:42:12It's their last taste of England

0:42:12 > 0:42:16and with the Continental people it's beef bourguignon, that sort of thing.

0:42:19 > 0:42:20After just an hour in port,

0:42:20 > 0:42:25the Delft is now making her way back out into the Channel once more.

0:42:25 > 0:42:27ON RADIO: On behalf of DFDS Seaways, officers and crew,

0:42:27 > 0:42:30I would like to welcome you on board the Delft Seaways

0:42:30 > 0:42:32for the 1600 sailing to Dunkirk.

0:42:33 > 0:42:37The weather on the Channel, we've got a light westerly breeze...

0:42:37 > 0:42:41And while the passengers enjoy their last taste of England,

0:42:41 > 0:42:45Captain Brian Salter will safely steer them

0:42:45 > 0:42:48through the heavy traffic to France.

0:42:48 > 0:42:49All right.

0:42:49 > 0:42:51Yeah, it's not without its challenges

0:42:51 > 0:42:55and it does require some high levels of concentration

0:42:55 > 0:42:57but safety's key.

0:42:57 > 0:43:01We're carrying 1,000 passengers, at any one time, that all rely on us

0:43:01 > 0:43:03to make sure they get there safely.

0:43:03 > 0:43:06That's the number one priority for me as Master of the ship.

0:43:07 > 0:43:10Another day has passed without incident thanks to the work

0:43:10 > 0:43:15of the many agencies patrolling this busiest of waterways.