0:00:08 > 0:00:10It'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 > 0:00:27Protected by a multi-agency task force,
0:00:27 > 0:00:29it's a unique stretch of water.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33This is Warship Tyne, Warship Tyne. Channel 1-2. Over.
0:00:33 > 0:00:34RADIO COMMUNICATION
0:00:35 > 0:00:38It's very difficult to police the Channel,
0:00:38 > 0:00:41to board every vessel is an impossible task.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46It's a place where swimmers and Sunday sailors
0:00:46 > 0:00:49fight for space with cruise liners...
0:00:50 > 0:00:51..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 > 0:01:04she'd tell me to get off!
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- For others, it's a playground. - Whoo-hoo!
0:01:12 > 0:01:16But for those who venture onto its unpredictable waters...
0:01:16 > 0:01:20We're just going to assess the moving of the casualty now.
0:01:20 > 0:01:21Port control, Dover lifeboat.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23..it can mean life or death.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Just drag him onto the boat!
0:01:28 > 0:01:31I hope my babies get to see this and see what Daddy does for a living.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47Today on Channel Patrol, a rookie sailor learns the ropes.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Much harder than that, it'll be slave labour!
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Harbour Patrol has its hands full.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Get a move on!
0:01:55 > 0:01:56I wasn't happy
0:01:56 > 0:01:58with your manoeuvre earlier on, sir.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01The Navy inspects a fisherman's catch.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05And a band of crane-operating brothers feel the strain.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08But if something does happen,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11it could mean someone's life at stake, really.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25Today, holiday-makers from all over the UK flock to the Channel
0:02:25 > 0:02:31to be carried on ferries and cruise ships to the Continent and beyond.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34I'd like to welcome you on board the Belle Seaways for the 16.00 sailing.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37The weather on the Channel this afternoon, a light westerly breeze.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43These sturdy steel vessels are a common sight on the seaway.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46But for hundreds of years,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48magnificent wooden ships like these
0:02:48 > 0:02:51were carrying men and women around the world.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Back then, they were the quickest form of mass transportation.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Tall ships are a traditionally rigged sailing vessel,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02over 30 foot long,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06with masts towering 100 foot into the sky.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11Today, 46 of these vessels, from all four corners of the globe,
0:03:11 > 0:03:13have come to Falmouth
0:03:13 > 0:03:17to race to the Isle of Wight for the Tall Ships Regatta.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22All ships in the tall ships fleet stand by for the start of class B.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27They are taking part in a race of over 200 miles
0:03:27 > 0:03:28up the English Channel.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31- Can we go?- Yeah, go!
0:03:33 > 0:03:36The race to the Isle of Wight aims to engage young people
0:03:36 > 0:03:37in the art of sailing.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43One rookie looking to spend more time on the water
0:03:43 > 0:03:46is 19-year-old council worker Joseph Nickless.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49I don't want to work in an office nine-till-five
0:03:49 > 0:03:50for the rest of my life.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55Constantly working towards budgets and deadlines.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58I'd rather be out on the sea, taking it all in,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00rather than sat in front of a computer typing away.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03He hopes, one day, to build his own boat.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06But for now, he has to learn the ropes
0:04:06 > 0:04:08on board the 100-year-old Kapitan Borchardt.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12I don't know what to expect, really,
0:04:12 > 0:04:14because I've only been on a small yacht before.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17And I've not had much experience on that. Excited. Really excited.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32Training up Joseph is officer's mate Katarzyna Szarecua.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42The biggest challenge is learning the technical terms,
0:04:42 > 0:04:44learning how to do things properly.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45I'm going to go full steam ahead,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48trying my best to soak it all in like a sponge, if I can.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Rigging these relics from the past
0:05:03 > 0:05:06is far more complex than modern vessels.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Their giant masts and wooden timbers are heavy
0:05:09 > 0:05:11and their sails complicated.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Yeah. More or less.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26All the boats in the regatta will be racing under wind power alone.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29So just to get out of the harbour to the starting line...
0:05:30 > 0:05:31This?
0:05:33 > 0:05:35..involves Joseph and his fellow trainees
0:05:35 > 0:05:41hauling these heavy canvas sails 92 foot to the top of the mast.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58You can have all the strength in the world
0:05:58 > 0:06:00but if the technique isn't there,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03you're not moving anywhere with that sail, it just won't go up.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04Phew!
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Hopefully, that's one of the harder ones.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Much harder than that, it'll be slave labour!
0:06:26 > 0:06:29It's a tradition of the Tall Ships Race
0:06:29 > 0:06:31that as these grand old dames of the sea
0:06:31 > 0:06:34make their way slowly out of Falmouth Bay,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37smaller, more modern boats rally round
0:06:37 > 0:06:38and escort them out.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Set port lever ahead one to starboard lever stern two.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04The race line is set between the naval boat HMS Severn
0:07:04 > 0:07:05and a cruise ship.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09James, do you want to be out there looking to make sure
0:07:09 > 0:07:11there isn't an early cross?
0:07:12 > 0:07:15It is being closely monitored by race officials,
0:07:15 > 0:07:19who are running the operation from the navy vessel's bridge.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23On my sign, we'll set more sails, we split up,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25and then we go to cross the start line.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31It's a timed race and the boat skippers need to make sure
0:07:31 > 0:07:35they're in position and their mainsail set,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37ready to get a good start.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38This is us.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42And all the other ships are ships from our group,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44heading towards the start line.
0:07:45 > 0:07:51All ships in the Tall Ships race, 20 seconds to the start of class A.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52Ten,
0:07:52 > 0:07:53nine,
0:07:53 > 0:07:54eight,
0:07:54 > 0:07:55seven, six,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57five,
0:07:57 > 0:07:58four, three,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00two, one...
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Now!
0:08:01 > 0:08:04HORN BLARES
0:08:06 > 0:08:08So we are almost on the line.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Yeah, nervous.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17A bit worried about something happening
0:08:17 > 0:08:19and being stranded in the Channel somewhere.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Then again, I could always swim back. I've got my wetsuit.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Each tall ship now has just two days
0:08:29 > 0:08:31to reach the finish line at the Isle of Wight.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40And as they leave the safety of Falmouth Bay,
0:08:40 > 0:08:42they soon have to vie for space
0:08:42 > 0:08:44with other vessels on the Channel.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49The most dangerous in travels is traffic.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Between Europe and the rest of the world, it's very dangerous.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56All these big ships are much bigger than ours,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58they are much faster than we,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01so if there would be a collision,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04probably, they just crush us.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06The GPS shows they are on a collision course
0:09:06 > 0:09:08with another vessel.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13RADIO COMMUNICATION
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Good morning, sir.
0:09:15 > 0:09:16This is Kapitan Borchardt,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20the sailing vessel on your port side.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24I would like to ask you to go off our stern
0:09:24 > 0:09:28because we are on sails and have limited manoeuvrability.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31RADIO: Please keep your course and speed
0:09:31 > 0:09:33and I will alter my course to port.
0:09:33 > 0:09:34OK. Thank you very much.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38You see over there, there is the big vessel, the cargo ship.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44And they are, for now, a bit collision course with ours.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47And as we are on sails, very close to the wind,
0:09:47 > 0:09:53we have much less possibility to manoeuvre than they have.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56It takes time for them to change course,
0:09:56 > 0:09:58but it's much more easier than for us,
0:09:58 > 0:10:02because they don't have to change the sails.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04SHIP'S HORN BLARES
0:10:04 > 0:10:07They are passing us
0:10:07 > 0:10:10and I think they will correct their course in a few minutes
0:10:10 > 0:10:11and back on their way.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15The potential collision is averted.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20But when it comes to sailing on the Channel,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24there's one thing that is completely out of Katya's control.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35The Isle of Wight is 100 miles away.
0:10:35 > 0:10:36With limited wind,
0:10:36 > 0:10:41the Kapitan Borchardt is slipping behind other, bigger-sailed ships.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47The wind's not picked up like we expected, I think.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50So, at the minute, we're not going at any speed.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52We're doing about two knots, I think.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54I guess it will pick up eventually.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Finishing the race within the official two-day time limit
0:11:00 > 0:11:02looks in doubt.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08We have to practise our patience for this.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14The Channel is a lifeline to the UK's economy.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18The majority of our imported goods,
0:11:18 > 0:11:20from exotic fruits to foreign cars,
0:11:20 > 0:11:24come in through this stretch of water
0:11:24 > 0:11:26on board towering, majestic shipping vessels.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Southampton is the most productive port in Europe
0:11:33 > 0:11:35and 38 million tonnes of freight
0:11:35 > 0:11:38pass through its container terminal every year.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41The crew here turns around container ships
0:11:41 > 0:11:44faster than anywhere else in the UK.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47And when it comes to container ships,
0:11:47 > 0:11:50they don't get much bigger than the Marco Polo.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55This super-vessel was once the largest man-made object
0:11:55 > 0:11:57to move across the planet,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00with her vast decks the size of four football pitches,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03carrying more than 16,000 containers.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08And unloading such a giant is no easy job.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Hold it there. Hold it there.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12It's a dangerous environment.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Containers can weigh up to 40 tonne apiece.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Shift Ops Manager, Colby Squibb,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24must ensure the monster ship's hefty cargo
0:12:24 > 0:12:27is unloaded quickly...and safely.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Right, good morning, gentlemen.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33The sheet, as it stands, is crane 21 is out for maintenance.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Today, in amongst the thousands of containers on board the Marco Polo,
0:12:37 > 0:12:40there's a particularly challenging cargo.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44Crane 41, discharging four wind generators.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47There's about 96 boxes before we get there on that one.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52The spare parts for a wind turbine, weighing nearly 40 tonnes apiece.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56So getting them onto land safely will be no mean feat.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57Any questions?
0:12:57 > 0:12:59To add to the pressure,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02the Marco Polo needs to be unloaded as quickly as possible
0:13:02 > 0:13:05so it can get under way to its next destination.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Colby has just the crack team for the job -
0:13:11 > 0:13:13his brothers,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Steve and Jay Squibb.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20I suppose you could say, although I don't like to say it,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22I'm their boss.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25Well, I don't like to see it that way.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27And I'm sure they don't see it that way, either.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Following in their father's footsteps,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33the brothers have been working at the docks for the past 20 years.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Ships are so much bigger now than when I started.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40It's incredible, really.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43It's frightening that they are getting even bigger.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45I think this place is a good barometer for the economy.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47When we went through our lull,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49the volumes on the ships was so much down.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51We sort of noticed that things were picking up
0:13:51 > 0:13:53a long time before anyone else did,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56just with the amount of business that we were doing.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00The youngest of the three brothers is crane operator Jay.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05And one of his job requirements is a serious head for heights.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32And when he reaches the control cab, 160 feet up,
0:14:32 > 0:14:36he has a glass floor looking all the way down.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46No, it's a lovely view, isn't it?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Especially on a nice day like today.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51If it gets too windy, we've got wind alarms.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Fog as well. You get quite a bit of fog down here.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55You have to stop for fog,
0:14:55 > 0:14:58as soon as your visibility goes - it's a safety thing.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Unlike the rest of the cargo,
0:15:01 > 0:15:05the generators have not been shipped in a container.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07We have to look at how we're going to lift it.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09We've got loads of different lifting equipment.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13What the weight is, what the size of it is.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14Because we've got lifting gear
0:15:14 > 0:15:16that can lift heavier stuff and lighter stuff,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19so we have to make sure we use the right gear.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20It's a lot slower.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23You know, normal containers, the spreader just locks on,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26takes them on or takes them off. Very quick operation.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29There's lots of uncontainerised loads
0:15:29 > 0:15:31that come through on the ships.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33It can be wind turbines. It can be yachts.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35It can be Airbus wings.
0:15:35 > 0:15:36Hold it there.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Unloading uncontainerised goods is much more dangerous,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42because it requires a crew on the ground
0:15:42 > 0:15:44directly below the heavy load.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48The most important aspect,
0:15:48 > 0:15:52when you're doing a lift like that, is communication.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Jay will probably be well-versed in what he has to do beforehand.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59And he'll have to take explicit instructions
0:15:59 > 0:16:00from Steve at all times.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03OK, Jay, just wait there, mate. Rich will bring the trailer under.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04It's vital.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07If the crane driver doesn't hear you stop,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09you could cause untold damage.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Or, you know, accidents or whatever.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13So, yeah, good communication is paramount.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16Just hold it there, mate.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17They're my eyes down there.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21I don't do anything until they say. And you don't want any doubt.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24You need everything to be fixed and in place.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26OK.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28I can hear you loud and clear now, Jay.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- I'm more or less ready.- OK, mate.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Each wind generator has to be moved individually.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39And with the crane itself weighing over 1,000 tonnes...
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Come down. Come down now, Jay. Come down now.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44..it's a risky business for Jay and Steve.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Yeah, go on. It's a bit flat, mate.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50But big brother is watching.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52I monitor the channel, so I can listen to what's going on.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54But I don't have any input.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59To begin lifting the wind generator,
0:16:59 > 0:17:04Jay has to position his cab and the winch over the hold of the ship.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11OK, Jay, come on down. You're stopping just short there.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17And just hold it there. Can you just go aft for me again a touch?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20I think we're there now.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25So far, I've got it down far enough for him to shackle on.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Obviously, you don't want there to be any errors.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29I suppose it's just unforeseen circumstances,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32things that happen out of the ordinary.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35But if something does happen, you know,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37it could mean someone's life at stake, really.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Because you know, that's a big, heavy thing we're lifting there.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44And if anything were to go wrong, you know, anything could happen.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49We're just going to take the weight, just to see what it does,
0:17:49 > 0:17:50just as we lift it a little bit,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53as long as there's not a lot of movement.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54OK, Steve, I'll just take the weight
0:17:54 > 0:17:57and then I'll wait for you to give me a shout.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58OK, mate.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02How heavy is it? Over 38 tonne.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04So, you know, if 38 tonne were suddenly to fall off,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07you know, it's disastrous.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12All right, Jay, if you just want to take it off.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13OK, mate.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17So where I've got a load and they're suspended,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19you don't want to just steam back. You want to just go nice and steady.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22You don't want 38 tonne just swinging about.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30This is a time when you do drive a crane just nice and slowly.
0:18:30 > 0:18:31With time of the essence,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34the crew needs to balance efficiency with safety.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36We got to be careful with everything we lift.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38You know, we treat a container, a bit of un-con,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40everything with the same respect.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42They're not particularly fragile
0:18:42 > 0:18:44but we've got to treat them with the utmost care.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54You have to have good depth perception.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56You have to judge height well.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58All right, don't trolley back any more, Jay.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- Just come down like that, mate. - OK, mate.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Keep coming, Jay. Just hold it there, mate. Hold it there.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Jay, just trolley back for us, please, mate. Trolley back.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22As the ground crew go about their work 160 foot below Jay...
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Just a couple of inches, Jay, just to get it right.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27..it's the ultimate exercise in brotherly trust.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Getting into position now to turn it.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34One false move
0:19:34 > 0:19:38and nearly 40 tonnes of heavy metal could come crashing down.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Steve obviously knows his role really well.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Just square it up, lads, and I'll land it.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Just come this way, Rich.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Most of the pressures
0:19:47 > 0:19:50and the difficulties that they would face.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53And, in turn, Jay is a skilled operator.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56So, yeah, and them being brothers,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00I suppose there's that relationship and that trust.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01All right, just, just...
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Just, come down about a foot, mate.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04Perfect.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06No, he's got a steady hand. Yeah, he's good.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10No-one wants to make a mistake.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Right, hold it there, Jay. Just hold it there.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16Let's get the rubber down, lads.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21You just trust each other.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Yeah. Bit of slack, mate.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25Beautiful.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28That's landed now.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30Cheers, mate.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32As well as trust,
0:20:32 > 0:20:34the brothers share the experience of operating the cranes.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39I've spent some time up the crane.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42So, on how good he is, I would say he's definitely better than me.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Whether Steve would say he's better than him,
0:20:45 > 0:20:47I don't know - you'd have to ask Steve that.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53To be honest, I think, out of the three of us,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56we're all pretty good up the crane.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I think Jay's probably the best out of the three of us.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16With all four 40-tonne loads
0:21:16 > 0:21:20safely disembarked from the giant freighter,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23the Marco Polo is ready for its next assignment.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25You OK, Jay?
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- Yeah.- Come on down, mate.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42Keeping the flow of freight coming in to the Squibb brothers
0:21:42 > 0:21:44and other crews at the container terminal
0:21:44 > 0:21:47is the job of Southampton Harbour Patrol.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Paul Black escorts these freighters
0:21:49 > 0:21:53through the dense harbour traffic of fishing and leisure craft.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57His job is to prevent accidents and collisions.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59We're at Dock Head now,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02where the River Test and River Itchen join.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03We have a six-knot speed limit
0:22:03 > 0:22:06in the whole of the docks area
0:22:06 > 0:22:08because often you've got divers working on ships
0:22:08 > 0:22:10and you can never be sure whether they are or not.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12The flags are not that prominent.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14You've got mooring areas.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16You've got people getting into dinghies.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18You've got people walking about in small boats.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21So generally, we try and keep the wash down.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24We've got a guy coming down the river here - it's not excessive,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27but it's just a bit too fast.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30So I'm going to have a quiet word with him
0:22:30 > 0:22:32and just advise him of the speed limit.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34SIREN SOUNDS
0:22:34 > 0:22:35Hello, skipper!
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Just to advise you, we've got a six-knot speed limit in the port.
0:22:42 > 0:22:43No problem at all.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45I think they took it quite well.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48He made a point of saying he was aware of the rules
0:22:48 > 0:22:52but saw the fast catamarans going in excess of that.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54They have a dispensation.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57They call up every time as they approach the docks.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59And they're given permission, if it's safe to do so.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02We obviously can't do that for every single small boat.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05To police his 30 square miles of water,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Paul has various tools at his disposal.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10We've got blue flashing lights.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12We've got two tones.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14We've got a tannoy system.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18And, as a last resort, go right alongside the yacht
0:23:18 > 0:23:20and actually blocking the path.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24The yacht on my starboard bow, sir, are you happy to go astern of him?
0:23:27 > 0:23:29You've got commercial shipping, yachting,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32a unique tidal regime, sandbanks.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35You know, what is there to go wrong(?)
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Paul's first job of the day
0:23:40 > 0:23:44is to guide a massive oil tanker safely into port.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49We have a precautionary area.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52It's an imaginary box, if you like,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55about 1,000 metres ahead of each ship and 100 metres either side.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59And the idea is that that box is definitely a no-go area.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03There's a reason why Paul's job is so crucial.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07In 2011, a yacht breached this exclusion zone
0:24:07 > 0:24:10around a 120,000-tonne tanker
0:24:10 > 0:24:14before Harbour Patrol had time to intervene.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21Its crew narrowly escaped with minor injuries.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22But the skipper was fined
0:24:22 > 0:24:26and ordered to pay legal costs of over £100,000.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Five to starboard. OK. Thanks very much.
0:24:38 > 0:24:44We've got a 260-metre crude oil carrier behind us,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47the Navion Britannia.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50You're talking, for this particular crude carrier,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53100,000 tonnes upwards.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58Big freighters like this take a long time to stop or change course.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00So it is crucial the smaller traffic gives way.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04If we can turn that one back or make sure he doesn't come
0:25:04 > 0:25:05to the south, please.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- RADIO:- We'll send them down...
0:25:07 > 0:25:08Thank you.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13You don't need a licence to go behind the wheel of a boat.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18So Paul is always on the lookout for yachtsmen behaving badly.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23The yacht that's motor sailing, I guess, fine on your starboard bow,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26just keep an eye on that one, we might have to turn him back.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Yeah, we will do. I see him. Over.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32The yacht continues on its path,
0:25:32 > 0:25:34aiming straight between Harbour Patrol
0:25:34 > 0:25:37and the 100,000-tonne tanker -
0:25:37 > 0:25:41a major breach of navigational safety.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- What are they doing? - He's still coming.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48SIREN SOUNDS
0:25:48 > 0:25:51The yacht is now in the prohibited zone.
0:25:52 > 0:25:58Paul has to manoeuvre his boat 180 degrees to try and block their path.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Come on, skipper! Get a move on!
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Get a move on that way!
0:26:11 > 0:26:13That really is a no-no.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24"I'm going that way," he said. "Are you really?"
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Make sure he gets a piece of paper.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28What was it? Sun Seeker, wasn't it?
0:26:28 > 0:26:30We've taken his name.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32I think we'll definitely need to have a word with him.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36Quite why he felt he needed to get across in front of that ship,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39so close to it, I really don't know.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47After successfully guiding the tanker into port,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51Paul is now on the hunt for the Sun Seeker's skipper.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58He has on board what we call AIS,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01automatic identification system,
0:27:01 > 0:27:03so as long as he keeps that switched on,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05we should be able to find out where he is
0:27:05 > 0:27:08and then go and have a polite word.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- There he is.- That is him.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24We've got some information here.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Some bedtime reading for him.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32- Hello, sir.- You all right?- Yeah.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35I wasn't happy with your manoeuvre earlier on, sir.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38I thought you were too close to the big ship.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51The thing is, you leave no margin for error.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54If you have a mechanical problem, there's nowhere you can go
0:27:54 > 0:27:56and there's no way that ship's going to go.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59There's the paperwork that relates to it. Have a little read.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07I'm not upset. But have a safe one.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Well, I thought for a moment, he was going to be argumentative.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15You know, if something goes wrong, you've got nowhere else to go
0:28:15 > 0:28:17and the ship's certainly got nowhere else to go.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19And his face, his whole attitude changed.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23I don't think he'd thought of that side of it,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26which is when he stuck his hand out and shook my hand.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- So, yeah, good result, really. - Excellent.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Paul's busy shift is over
0:28:31 > 0:28:35and the Port of Southampton has been kept accident-free for another day.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Southampton's harbour officers
0:28:41 > 0:28:43aren't the only ones patrolling the Channel.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45This is Dover Coastguard Information Centre.
0:28:50 > 0:28:55The Royal Navy is also tasked with defending these waters -
0:28:55 > 0:28:56and not just in times of war.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01This is Protection Vessel Severn on channel 1-6. Over.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03During peacetime,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07they adopt crucial roles protecting the UK's interests.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12And safeguarding the country's £500 million fishing industry
0:29:12 > 0:29:13falls under their remit.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Overfishing has threatened sustainability,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21so the government has introduced fishing limits and regulations
0:29:21 > 0:29:22to conserve stocks.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26To ensure fishing vessels stay within the law,
0:29:26 > 0:29:31the navy patrols the fisheries up to 200 miles off the UK coast.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39HMS Severn is part of this Royal Navy task force.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42In position 5-0.
0:29:42 > 0:29:435-0.
0:29:43 > 0:29:440.03.
0:29:44 > 0:29:460.03.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50HMS Severn is an offshore patrol vessel. She was built in 2003.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53There are three of her in her class -
0:29:53 > 0:29:55HMS Severn, Mersey and Tyne.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57All are used for marine enforcement tasking around the UK.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Today, she is tasked with patrolling the Channel
0:30:01 > 0:30:02off the coast of Falmouth,
0:30:02 > 0:30:06with orders to board and search fishing vessels
0:30:06 > 0:30:09suspected of flouting the strict regulations.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11These cover everything from how much fish you can catch,
0:30:11 > 0:30:13what type of fish you can catch,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17to the equipment that you can use, areas in which you can fish in.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20And our role is to board and inspect these vessels
0:30:20 > 0:30:23and ensure they are compliant with all of the rules,
0:30:23 > 0:30:25which will allow fish stocks
0:30:25 > 0:30:27to remain sustainable for the foreseeable future
0:30:27 > 0:30:30and will support the fishing industry in British fishery limits.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Every fishing vessel operating in UK waters
0:30:35 > 0:30:37is required to carry a tracker,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40which the navy can use to identify it.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47One boat in particular has caught their attention.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53Fishing vessel Imogen, fishing vessel Imogen.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56This is Protection Vessel Severn calling on channel 1-6. Over.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01All craft are required to be available for radio contact
0:31:01 > 0:31:05at all times via a specific VHF channel.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09You can see somebody in the wheelhouse.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13When you're steady, try again. And then blast with the siren.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18This is Protection Vessel Severn calling you on channel 1-6. Over.
0:31:24 > 0:31:25Yes, please.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29SHIP'S HORN BLARES
0:31:45 > 0:31:47Keep an eye on his course. He's coming to port slightly.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49So make sure we don't hit them.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Fishing vessel Imogen, call sign Foxtrot Yankee 470,
0:31:57 > 0:32:01this is Protection Vessel Severn on your port beam at two cables.
0:32:01 > 0:32:02Calling you on channel 1-6. Over.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12RADIO: Yes, OK.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Fishing vessel Imogen, request channel 1-0.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- Yeah, you're on this one now. - Good afternoon, sir.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Just some routine questions for you this afternoon, please.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Yes, OK, fire away.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Where was your last port of call and when, please?
0:32:30 > 0:32:31Yeah, it was Zeebrugge.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Before deciding to mount a boarding mission,
0:32:34 > 0:32:37the skipper is asked a set of questions.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Roger, skipper. That's all copied.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42And how much fish have you on board at this time?
0:32:45 > 0:32:46Not very much.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49About 30 kilo of weight here.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53This boat has not long set sail and has little catch
0:32:53 > 0:32:55so, despite their initial suspicions,
0:32:55 > 0:33:00the navy is happy with the skipper's answers and decides not to board.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04Roger, skipper. All copied. Thanks for answering my questions.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07I request that you answer the VHF
0:33:07 > 0:33:09a little bit earlier next time, if possible.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11In the meantime, we wish you good fishing.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Listening at channel 1-6.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Yeah, OK. Thanks a lot. Cheers.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25HMS Severn can now continue its patrol.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29We've got all these vessels in the vicinity here.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31As part of their work,
0:33:31 > 0:33:35the marine management team carry out routine on-the-spot inspections
0:33:35 > 0:33:36of fishing vessels in the area.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39We've got eight vessels in the vicinity, sir.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41Manx Ranger looks like she's the most likely.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45She's a scallop dredger, last boarded on 26th July by myself.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46OK, where's the Manx Ranger?
0:33:46 > 0:33:49The Manx Ranger is down here, sir. 12 miles away at the minute.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52OK, so we'll proceed down there at best speed.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Close to a mile, hail, and then we'll board as soon as we can.
0:33:55 > 0:33:56Aye-aye, sir.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Fishing vessel Manx Ranger, fishing vessel Manx Ranger,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02this is Royal Navy Fishery Protection Vessel Severn.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06Yes, Fishery Protection Vessel Severn, you're calling Manx Ranger.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09Stand by on channel 10, please.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11The team decide to board the vessel
0:34:11 > 0:34:13to carry out routine checks on its catch.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15The plan at the moment is, having called the vessel,
0:34:15 > 0:34:16it is a viable target.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Therefore, my intention will be to board the vessel.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Boarding team at Bravo Charlie.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Sea surface temperature is 70 degrees.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Survival time in the suits, four hours, in excess of.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30As per usual, team.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Coxswain, your decision as to when you're in the water
0:34:33 > 0:34:35and whether you make the approach.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Boarding officer, your decision about getting on board.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40Have a good look at the boarding ladder.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Anybody have any questions?
0:34:43 > 0:34:46OK, boarding and boat ops authorised as briefed, 13.43.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56The Manx Ranger catches scallops
0:34:56 > 0:34:59that reside on the bottom of the Channel.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Consumption of this mollusc in the UK
0:35:01 > 0:35:04totals over 650 tonnes a year,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07with a retail value of £13 million.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11My name is Dave. I'm the marine enforcement officer. This is Sam.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13She's my assistant.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Have you got all your paperwork, documentation and stuff?
0:35:18 > 0:35:19That's great. Cheers.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22The penalties for flouting regulations can be severe.
0:35:22 > 0:35:28In 2012, two vessels were ordered to pay £1.62 million
0:35:28 > 0:35:31for illegal overfishing of ling and hake.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35Commercial scallops smaller than 100 millimetres
0:35:35 > 0:35:39should be thrown back into the sea to protect the mollusc's population.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46The landing gear is also inspected to ensure it meets legal criteria.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Bravo Charlie, that's gear inspection complete.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Most fishermen support the inspections,
0:35:54 > 0:35:57respecting the need to preserve the diversity of species
0:35:57 > 0:36:00in the marine environment for future generations.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04It's definitely a good thing.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07As long as you keep within the law and all that, it's not a problem.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09It's never been a problem for us, anyway.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12We, you know, just keep within the law and that's it.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15With the inspection complete,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19David is happy to report back that everything is in order.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Boarding complete. We're nearly finished. Over.
0:36:24 > 0:36:25- RADIO:- Roger.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41With hundreds of square miles still to patrol...
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Fishing vessel Milly Jean, fishing vessel Milly Jean,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47this is Protection Vessel Severn on channel 1-6. Over.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50..HMS Severn continues its important mission
0:36:50 > 0:36:53to protect the Channel's fisheries.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02From its mouth at the North Atlantic Ocean,
0:37:02 > 0:37:06the Channel gradually narrows from 112 miles to 21 miles.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12And 53 ports and harbours feed it with 500 vessels a day.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15SHIP'S HORN BLARES
0:37:15 > 0:37:17In the 1970s,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20catastrophic collisions in this overcrowded waterway led to
0:37:20 > 0:37:24the world's first radar-controlled traffic separation system.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Joining the swarm of vessels this week
0:37:29 > 0:37:32is a flotilla of imposing tall ships,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35racing from Falmouth to the Isle of Wight.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02Crewing the century-old Kapitan Borchardt
0:38:02 > 0:38:05is a group of young novice sailors,
0:38:05 > 0:38:08including 19-year-old Joseph Nickless,
0:38:08 > 0:38:11who wants to leave the nine-to-five and spend more time at sea.
0:38:13 > 0:38:14A couple of months ago,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17I would never have dreamt I would've had the chance to do this.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21You know, so... A lot of hard work. You've got to work as a team.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23And it's good for your biceps!
0:38:23 > 0:38:24Why not?
0:38:26 > 0:38:29The crew's attempt to get to the Isle of Wight
0:38:29 > 0:38:32within the two-day time limit is being hindered by the lack of wind.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36The ship is losing its position in the race
0:38:36 > 0:38:40to its competitors with bigger sails.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44We've only been cruising at about two to three knots. So...
0:38:44 > 0:38:46But I think the captain decided
0:38:46 > 0:38:51to go out and try and catch the sea breeze coming from France
0:38:51 > 0:38:56and then go back in and up through the Channel to the Isle of Wight.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59I don't know how that's going to work,
0:38:59 > 0:39:01because, obviously, I'm a novice, so I wouldn't know.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04But, erm...the captain will know what he's doing.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09So...I guess the crew all puts their faith in the captain and that's it.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13As night falls, the captain's gamble pays off.
0:39:14 > 0:39:15OK. OK.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19And the sails start to catch the wind.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26The next morning, the wind picks up further.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30And to gain every bit of speed,
0:39:30 > 0:39:34the trainees opened the outer jib sail on the front of the boat.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40So...you've got an extra sail up so you're getting more sail area.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42So, in effect, you're getting more speed out of the wind
0:39:42 > 0:39:44and it's pushing you more cos it's catching the wind.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49Changing sails on these old boats is quite an undertaking,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52and perilous for the uninitiated -
0:39:52 > 0:39:53especially in these conditions.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06The worst thing is the risk of falling off
0:40:06 > 0:40:08because, obviously, you're not in a catch or a schooner,
0:40:08 > 0:40:10you're on netting.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12And if you're not clicked on with the harness,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14then there's a chance that you can fall into the sea.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16So it is risky.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28It's all right. Loosen.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31Loosen.
0:40:31 > 0:40:32More loose. More loose.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
0:40:51 > 0:40:52Is it usually that hard?
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Mind your leg! Leg! Leg!
0:41:13 > 0:41:16With the movement of this wind and with the pressures on those lines,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19it's very dangerous what these guys have to do,
0:41:19 > 0:41:20because if they weren't careful,
0:41:20 > 0:41:23they can actually fetch one of them over the side.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26So you truly need one hand for yourself and one for the ship.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30With the crew battling to get the sails up,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33the Kapitan Borchardt makes the most of the wind
0:41:33 > 0:41:36and gains good speed on her last leg of the race.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45But as the Isle of Wight and the finish line come into view,
0:41:45 > 0:41:48the skipper has some bad news for his valiant team of trainees.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54As you see, the Isle of Wight here, we are passing south of it.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59Actually, now we are crossing the real finish line.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02We have not crossed it on time.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05But, in accordance with the racing rules,
0:42:05 > 0:42:10for the ships who are not able to cross the line on time,
0:42:10 > 0:42:11they finish at sea.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13But it's not all bad news.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17The lack of wind has affected the whole Tall Ships race
0:42:17 > 0:42:20and the boats will still rank in the regatta.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24I anticipate sixth position out of 45.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27This is what we can make.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29We will see.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35For me, I feel the experience,
0:42:35 > 0:42:38I enjoyed more than anything in the race,
0:42:38 > 0:42:40actually being out on the sea.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I've gained insight into what I want to do.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46I want to do a lot more sailing, be on the sea a lot more.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49I'll try my hardest to get better at doing that.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55I've never sailed up to the Isle of Wight before.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58So it's all a new experience.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Yeah, I wish I could go back and start it all over again.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04As the Kapitan Borchardt continues east,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07it joins the ranks of the hundreds of other pleasure boats
0:43:07 > 0:43:10getting away from it all on the Channel.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14This is what we keep this old lady alive for -
0:43:14 > 0:43:16to give people enjoyment.