0:00:08 > 0:00:10- NARRATOR:- It's the busiest waterway in the world.
0:00:13 > 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.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33This is Warship Tyne, Warship Tyne, channel 1-2. Over.
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 > 0:00:44It's a place where swimmers
0:00:44 > 0:00:46and Sunday sailors
0:00:46 > 0:00:49fight for space with cruise liners...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52..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 and saw what I was doing up here,
0:01:02 > 0:01:04she'd tell me to get off straightaway!
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- For others, it's a playground. - Woo-hooo!
0:01:12 > 0:01:16But, for those who venture onto its unpredictable waters...
0:01:16 > 0:01:20We're just going to assist the moving of the casualty now.
0:01:20 > 0:01:21Control, 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 > 0:01:45Today, on Channel Patrol,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49the tide turns against a crew of lighthouse engineers.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Dock workers' precision driving skills are put to the test.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02We try to keep everything nice and neat.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04If you don't get it right,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06then it could throw out the whole of the deck.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10And a team of rowers take to the high seas.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Relax into the rhythm.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14We're going to plan!
0:02:14 > 0:02:16Whoooo!
0:02:22 > 0:02:27The Channel is of huge strategic importance to the UK.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34It is the entry point for the majority of our imported goods...
0:02:37 > 0:02:39..is a rich source of food...
0:02:43 > 0:02:46..and has defended us in times of war.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54But deep in the Channel's murky depths,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57lie the legacy of its many uses.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00The remnants of thousands of vessels,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04from small fishing boats consumed by the rough waters,
0:03:04 > 0:03:06to warships lost in battle.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Trying to keep collisions at bay
0:03:11 > 0:03:14is the job of the Trinity House Corporation.
0:03:17 > 0:03:18Since the reign of Henry VIII,
0:03:18 > 0:03:23it has provided lighthouses dotted along the coast,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26warning ships of dangerous, rocky outcrops.
0:03:29 > 0:03:30And, out at sea,
0:03:30 > 0:03:35Trinity House maintains nearly 500 buoys and eight lightvessels,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38to mark shipping lanes and isolated underwater hazards.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44This thing is taking on water, so we do need to get it in.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47If the weather makes it unsafe to do it today,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50then we're not going to be able to.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54On board the Trinity House boat, the Galatea,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Captain Wayne Durrans and Officer Bob Culley
0:03:57 > 0:04:00have been trying to bring a damaged lightvessel ashore
0:04:00 > 0:04:02during a week-long storm.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05It's been involved in a collision,
0:04:05 > 0:04:10so we need to take the damaged lightship into tow
0:04:10 > 0:04:12towards Harwich for repairs.
0:04:12 > 0:04:13And, in the meantime,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16bring a clean lightvessel out
0:04:16 > 0:04:19to put in the place of the damaged vessel.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24This part of the Channel, the Goodwin Sands,
0:04:24 > 0:04:26cannot be left unmarked.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27This underwater sandbank
0:04:27 > 0:04:31is one of the most treacherous areas off the UK's coast.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34The tidal streams are fast
0:04:34 > 0:04:38and the shifting sands mean the depths are constantly changing.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41So, the lightvessel acts like a lighthouse at sea,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43to guide ships away from it.
0:04:51 > 0:04:52The incredibly rough weather
0:04:52 > 0:04:55has been hampering the crew's mission so far.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Galatea, Galatea. Lightvessel.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21I can't get down there and have a perfectly good look
0:05:21 > 0:05:24with her pitching and rolling as she is.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Right, at the moment, I'm calling a stop to the operation.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Can you now make your aim
0:05:30 > 0:05:34to see how we can make this thing more watertight if necessary?
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Aye-aye.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39The weather is a huge concern for us.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43The elements we deal with, particularly the sea state,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46we're governed by that, in what we can and cannot work in.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49So, sometimes we just have to sit off
0:05:49 > 0:05:52and wait until weather conditions improve for us to do the job.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55While they haven't been able to begin the tow job,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58water has continued to pour into the lightvessel,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01making the operation all the more urgent.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Taking action at the first opportunity is critical.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Right, the weather has eased,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17so we're going to try and get alongside it.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- Everybody happy?- Yeah.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20OK, thanks, guys.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Crucial preparation needs to be carried out
0:06:22 > 0:06:24before the towing can begin.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28The damage to the lightvessel is in the pipework,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31through which the anchor chain passes.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33There's three hawser pipes.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Now, the collision damaged this one here.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43In order to bring the vessel into tow, the anchor needs to be raised.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45But, bringing it up through the damaged pipe,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48would cause further damage and water ingress.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54So the anchor chain needs to be cut and passed through a different pipe.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00The plan today is retrieve the chain onto the Galatea.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02We'll cut it.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Then we'll have to pass the chain back to the lightvessel,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07reconnect her, so she's securely anchored overnight.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12After the week-long delay, everyone is raring to go.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14We've got 22 people on board at the moment,
0:07:14 > 0:07:17and the engineers, they'll be involved in making sure
0:07:17 > 0:07:19everything is running throughout the operation.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22The deck officers will be helping me up here.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26And the deck crew will be on board the lightship.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28It's going to be quite a strenuous job.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35The first step is for the crew to move the Galatea in close
0:07:35 > 0:07:37to the 300-tonne lightvessel.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39A precarious operation.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43When she gets within throwing distance of a rope,
0:07:43 > 0:07:45the guys will get some lines across.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47One at the forward end of the lightship, one at the aft end,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51to stop the lightship from moving about and hitting us.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53And then we'll move into the last bit of distance
0:07:53 > 0:07:55and put some more ropes out to make it secure.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04The Galatea is making her way alongside now,
0:08:04 > 0:08:09so she'll get into position, come along, and we'll tie her up fast.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14Although the weather has cleared,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17there are other factors that affect whether the captain
0:08:17 > 0:08:21can hold position safely alongside the lightvessel.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25The only problem I've got this morning is the strong tide.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28So the lightvessel may be moving about on the tide, yawning about.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32If we don't manage to keep hold of the lightship,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35then we've really got to find a way of stopping it
0:08:35 > 0:08:37from drifting off in the tidal stream.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41So there's lots of factors to think about,
0:08:41 > 0:08:43lots of things that could go wrong.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Bring it right across to me.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00Right, Gwyn.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Keep a little bit of weight on it. That's it.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07They're going to need me.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16Now the crew is ready to winch up the anchor chain of the lightvessel
0:09:16 > 0:09:18and bring it onto the Galatea to be cut.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23It is a dangerous operation.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27We're going to be working with large cable, anchor cable.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Potentially, extremely dangerous.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32That could whiplash and possibly hit somebody.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37All right, it's coming up.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Just keep coming.
0:09:44 > 0:09:45Just keep an eye on it.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48- Hold it.- The chain can just go.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51I mean, sometimes you'll see it distorting, as well.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52But it can just go.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00I've got one shoulder shorter than the other because of that.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I've had it whistling past my legs, all sorts.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09That's an adrenaline moment, that is.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14But, as you can see, there's a lot of weight on there.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16We're all watching each other.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20The chain is now on board the Galatea, ready to be cut.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Well done, lads.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25But the swell has picked up considerably
0:10:25 > 0:10:27and the captain is concerned.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31The wind is actually on the starboard side of the ship.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34It's flying through there. The tide's flying through, as well.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42It would be nice to get that cable
0:10:42 > 0:10:45back up to the lightship now all fast.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47So that the lightvessel is anchored to the sea bed once again
0:10:47 > 0:10:49and then I can break free.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54There's now a danger the two ships could be forced apart
0:10:54 > 0:10:56before the operation is complete.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00The tide and the wind's picked up too much,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03so the captain is not happy with keeping position.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07So we'll have to take the chain all back and put her back on here.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09So we're rushing now to beat the tide to do that.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14As the conditions rapidly deteriorate,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17the pressure is on to complete the mission
0:11:17 > 0:11:18before the rough seas intervene.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22We're not holding very comfortably
0:11:22 > 0:11:24and, if the conditions were to get any worse,
0:11:24 > 0:11:25she's going to struggle more.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32The bottleneck of the English Channel at Dover
0:11:32 > 0:11:35is at its busiest during the peak summer months,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38when up to 120 ships, ferries and freighters
0:11:38 > 0:11:42arrive and depart from the port every day.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46And it's this time of year
0:11:46 > 0:11:49when some of the country's most daring fundraisers
0:11:49 > 0:11:50also join the traffic...
0:11:51 > 0:11:54..aboard more unorthodox, man-powered craft.
0:12:00 > 0:12:025am, Dover.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09A group of friends prepare to row in a race
0:12:09 > 0:12:12to the halfway point of the English Channel.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15And back again.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16The sweat tends to get into my eyes,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19so I've got this ludicrous Karate Kid get-up going on.
0:12:19 > 0:12:20Should help.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24It's a six-man crew with a female cox, Jess.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31At a distance of over 20 miles, it's the equivalent of rowing to France.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34And the competitive crew, including Jack Pagan,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37hope to complete it in five hours.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40I don't know about anyone else, but we want to be first back.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43And, if we're not, we won't be happy.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46So we're going in it to win it.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Bad weather has delayed the row by over a month
0:12:48 > 0:12:52and Jack is concerned about their fitness.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54I think I've gone backwards
0:12:54 > 0:12:57from when I was at my peak about a month ago.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00The crew is also rowing out into the unknown.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02I've never done anything like this before.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04I think the longest we've done is about three hours
0:13:04 > 0:13:08on a practice row we did one Sunday morning down the River Thames.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12So, erm...I don't know if you can call that a good practice.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16But Jack has his own motivation to achieve a good time.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Yeah, well, we've got to be back by 12.15,
0:13:18 > 0:13:20otherwise I get a 60-quid parking fine.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23So I think that's an incentive, if anything.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26I'll not be happy if I've got to pay that.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29So, yeah, everyone knows, if we're late,
0:13:29 > 0:13:30it's getting split between everyone.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Our job today is to get you out to the middle of the Channel,
0:13:34 > 0:13:36avoiding all the cargo ships,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39and getting you back all in one piece.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40Before they can begin,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42it's time for a reality check from James Salmon,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45who will pilot the rowers out into the middle of the Channel
0:13:45 > 0:13:47and back again.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48This is a true challenge.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51This is nothing like you've probably done before.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55A lot of people think it's just going to be a bit of a seaside row.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58You've got 9.9 miles to row out there in a straight line,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01and that's without the tides and the swells to contend with.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08It is the world's busiest shipping lane out there.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Some of the world's biggest cargo ships you'll be seeing.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15When you see them looming up, they are huge.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17And they create quite a wash.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20We don't know how calm it is out there, because it's been dark.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23There's a bit of a breeze, OK? There's quite a tide running today.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26You might find the water swirling around with the tides, OK?
0:14:27 > 0:14:31The competing teams are raising money for the AHOY Centre,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33a charity that gives disadvantaged young people
0:14:33 > 0:14:36opportunities to learn to sail and row.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41For those of you who haven't met me before,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45I'm the fundraising challenges manager from the AHOY Centre.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50On board the support boat today, will be charity rep, Rachel Hedley,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52herself a veteran Channel rower.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Just remember, when it all gets hard and gnarly out there
0:14:55 > 0:14:58and your muscles are sore and you're thinking it's never going to end,
0:14:58 > 0:15:00you've made a great contribution to our charity.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02And that's what you're doing this for.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04And I think that might keep you going through
0:15:04 > 0:15:07a little bit of pain and suffering today.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12The pilot boat escorts the team and their rowing boat
0:15:12 > 0:15:14out to the start point -
0:15:14 > 0:15:16a beach inside the harbour.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31One of things that's really critical with rowing is the timing.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Technique and timing is everything.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35And, when people get tired, and start to flag,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38quite often their technique is the bit that goes first.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40If they're not absolutely in synch,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43you'll see, the boat will sort of start to look
0:15:43 > 0:15:44a bit like a centipede.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47Sort of, you know, all the oars go all over the place.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48And off they go.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53At exactly 7am, the three teams start.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Clear, clear, pull!
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Jack, and his five friends, are guided by cox, Jess Dubek.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Don't lift your oars too high, either.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07It's fairly calm today.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10I'll let you know if there's a wave coming along.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Hopefully, we'll hear her being quite vocal today.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Because, really, the role of a cox in this kind of challenge
0:16:17 > 0:16:21is to motivate and keep the team together.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23To get the best out of them.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Relax into the rhythm.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30We're going to France!
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Whooooo!
0:16:33 > 0:16:36As the team leaves the relative calm of the harbour,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39the sea immediately becomes choppy.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Are you ready?
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Give me a couple, just to get in.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45In, out!
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Pull!
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Three and two...
0:16:50 > 0:16:52You can see on the water, there's quite a lot of swell.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55But that's because we're out at sea and it's the English channel.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58So that's one of the things the team has to contend with.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01And it's those different conditions to rowing on the River Thames,
0:17:01 > 0:17:02where they've done their training.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12The crew has made a phenomenal start
0:17:12 > 0:17:16and are already well ahead of the other teams.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19But this is an endurance test, and not a sprint.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23They're doing 30 strokes a minute at the moment...
0:17:24 > 0:17:27..which is quite high for fixed-seat rowing.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Eyes on Jack's shoulders for two minutes.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Get in time.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34But it might be they're trying a bit too hard at the moment.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36So we'll see how it goes.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39I'm hoping that they'll sustain this nice, fast pace,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43because then we'll all be back at Dover for lunchtime.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47But, with nine miles ahead of them, the crew has to dig deep
0:17:47 > 0:17:51if they are to propel themselves to success.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56In, out!
0:17:56 > 0:17:58In, out!
0:17:58 > 0:17:59In, out!
0:18:06 > 0:18:1090% of the world's global trade is carried by sea.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15It is by far the most cost-effective means
0:18:15 > 0:18:20to transport goods and raw materials en masse around the world.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Vessels are getting larger and larger.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23The largest ones that we handle
0:18:23 > 0:18:26at the moment in the port of Southampton
0:18:26 > 0:18:27are circa 400 metres long
0:18:27 > 0:18:29and 60 metres wide.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31They can carry 18,000 containers.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33There's a hell of a lot of value in there.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- Hearing you now loud and clear. Over. - Morning, John.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41This is Dover coastguard.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46The service broadcasts at 1-2-4-3 UTC.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51The Maritime and Coastguard Agency keep this vital traffic flowing.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54And do you have any dangerous cargo on board, sir?
0:18:54 > 0:18:57No dangerous cargo on board.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00The Channel is very crucial for UK trade.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05We will get small tankers, small cargo vessels,
0:19:05 > 0:19:09building all the way up to 300, 400,000-tonne tankers
0:19:09 > 0:19:11and container vessels.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13So they are the major ones that we look after.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17Roger. That's well received, sir. Many thanks. I wish you a safe trip.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Dover coastguard out.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23Once the coastguard has guided tankers through these waters,
0:19:23 > 0:19:27they come to dock in one of the Channel's busy ports.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Britain, without its ports, is inconceivable.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33Just think of how much comes into the country via the sea.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35I mean, just for an example, all these cars,
0:19:35 > 0:19:36they are just a small minority
0:19:36 > 0:19:39of what actually does come through the docks.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41If the ports were to shut down,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43the country probably would go into meltdown.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49And it's not just goods coming in.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55In the last two years, car manufacturing in Britain has boomed,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59thanks to increasing global demand for British design.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03We now export 81% of the vehicles made here.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06The car industry relies heavily
0:20:06 > 0:20:09on the Channel's major port of Southampton
0:20:09 > 0:20:11to get its product out to the rest of the world.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17650,000 vehicles transit through here every year.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21And there's one quintessentially British car
0:20:21 > 0:20:22that is always in demand.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Today, a bumper batch are bound for Australia
0:20:26 > 0:20:28and other destinations around the world
0:20:28 > 0:20:31on this 12-deck cargo ship.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35The man in charge is Geoff Naylor,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37who's worked at Southampton for eight years.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43I have probably driven, over my time here, every vehicle.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Any kind of Porsche, Ferrari...
0:20:46 > 0:20:48You get hearses coming through here.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51So, when you're driving them, you get in and you get a little shiver.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54You know, you don't know who's been in the back.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Everything, basically.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I've driven everything.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Geoff must make sure that the ship's decks are packed with precision,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03because the surge in car manufacturing
0:21:03 > 0:21:06has put space at a premium.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09All right, listen in, please.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13Today, Geoff is managing a squad of 30 drivers.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Today, we've got the Boheme.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19It's going to be roughly about 330
0:21:19 > 0:21:23to 340 vehicles to put on.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26And we've only got a certain amount of timescale, all right?
0:21:26 > 0:21:28On the Dock Road, 30mph.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Quayside, 15mph.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33And, on the ship, ten.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36As we all know, it's always dangerous on these vessels.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37Let's have your wits about you.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39If you see anything that is going to happen
0:21:39 > 0:21:42that you think might be a danger to anybody else or yourself,
0:21:42 > 0:21:43let everybody know.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44Everybody understand?
0:21:44 > 0:21:45OK.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53What we're trying to do is
0:21:53 > 0:21:58put the cars that are going to various destinations
0:21:58 > 0:22:02on board the vessel, in the correct order,
0:22:02 > 0:22:03safely.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06And try not to have any damages or anything like that.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10We have 340 vehicles to put on
0:22:10 > 0:22:13in a timescale of four hours.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16And we need to meet that deadline.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Skilled drivers are vital to get the job done in time.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25First, they collect the cars from holding areas,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27before heading for the ship.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32A cool head is an absolute job requirement behind the wheel
0:22:32 > 0:22:34of these brand-new vehicles.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51New drivers, sometimes you have to relax them down,
0:22:51 > 0:22:53because they are nervous.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56So a first time coming onto a vessel like this,
0:22:56 > 0:23:00you see the big ramp, the big open mouth at the front
0:23:00 > 0:23:02and then they lose it, they just get nervous.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08If someone wants to damage the car,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11either by driving into the vessel
0:23:11 > 0:23:14or, in the multi-storey it's sometimes quite tight
0:23:14 > 0:23:17getting out of the multi-storey,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19we'll have to pay for it, simple as that.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25With such a large volume of vehicles going through Southampton each year,
0:23:25 > 0:23:26accidents do happen.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31There was damage on one of my vessels the other day.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34The driver, coming round on the deck to go downstairs,
0:23:34 > 0:23:39turned in, for whatever reason, too sharply, too tight and, erm...
0:23:40 > 0:23:42..damaged the door.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Just simple mistakes like that that we don't need.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Because, otherwise, you won't get a profit.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Like a giant game of Tetris,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57the drivers need to slot into tight spaces.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00If you don't get it right,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03then it could throw out the whole of the deck.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05And it could be a struggle then for the next port,
0:24:05 > 0:24:08where it's going to, to get the cargo off.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11We try to keep everything nice and neat so it looks good, as well.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13And it's more professional-looking.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18Geoff's target is to get 100 cars expertly parked per hour.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21A feat that depends on the stowers.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26Stowing is watching the guy back and pointing which direction
0:24:26 > 0:24:28that they're going to turn the wheel.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30The stower will give a signal,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33because, if you're shouting all the time to the car drivers,
0:24:33 > 0:24:34they won't hear you.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36So everything is done by signals.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38A hand signal is, for example,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40cars coming,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42you say...this way.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Full-on. Stop.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Going back. Coming forward.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48That's the hand signal.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Keep coming. Keep coming. Whoa!
0:24:58 > 0:24:59That's it.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01It's like a jigsaw.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05And, to be honest, when I do it, everything comes correct.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08I'm quite happy. Oh, look at what I've done!
0:25:09 > 0:25:11The stowers do have a hard job and a difficult job
0:25:11 > 0:25:16because, if a driver isn't necessarily doing
0:25:16 > 0:25:17what the stower signals,
0:25:17 > 0:25:22if one of the drivers was to scratch or scrape another vehicle or a pillar
0:25:22 > 0:25:23as it was coming in,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26it is likely that the stower would get the blame for that
0:25:26 > 0:25:29and then they'd have to do incident reports and things like that.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32Take that one out.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Geoff has intervened to do a bit of juggling
0:25:34 > 0:25:37to maximise the space around a pillar.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Use that red one and then you can bring them through here then.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41You'll get it through the gap.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43And then we turn and bring the other one in here.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47So, what we'll do now, is we'll move this one back
0:25:47 > 0:25:49and then we'll bring that one in.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53And, like Samie says, we won't lose any space, then.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58It's things like this,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01these are one of the other things that can slow you down.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Just trying to place things correctly and get them all sorted.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Space is money. And every millimetre counts.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13You don't get paid for shipping fresh air.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Geoff has just 30 minutes left to finish the load.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23We was ahead by about 20 cars before.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27And now we're probably ahead maybe by about four or five cars.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31But that's only because of where we've just been stowing down here.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35A little bit more of a slightly difficult, awkward position.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39So, most of these vehicles here have had to have been reversed in.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42So these ones are just taking a bit more time.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Once in position, the final step for each car
0:26:46 > 0:26:49is to make sure they are secure.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51The lashing is very important because,
0:26:51 > 0:26:53if any of the cargo is not lashed down properly,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56it will shift when the vessel's at sea,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58either with a deep swell
0:26:58 > 0:27:02or there could be a storm out there or something like that.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Most of the vessels, they rock and roll
0:27:05 > 0:27:07and the vehicles are so tight together,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09that could cause quite major damage.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Even if there's one vehicle out, that will be a knock-on effect
0:27:13 > 0:27:14onto the vehicles either side of it
0:27:14 > 0:27:18and then, again, the vehicles either side of that as well.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20It will rock and move and shift
0:27:20 > 0:27:23and could split the lashings on the other vehicles, as well.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26So very, very, very important that the lashing needs to be done.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30As well as the cars,
0:27:30 > 0:27:35Geoff has to load up 215 heavy vehicles, including tractors.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39So this is the high and heavy cargo coming on now.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44So all these tractors now will be getting reversed down here.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47These also need to be locked down to the deck floor.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51The danger of the heavies is, if they're being reversed,
0:27:51 > 0:27:55you may have a lasher putting the lashings out,
0:27:55 > 0:27:57maybe not concentrating,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00and they could just be moving backwards or walking backwards
0:28:00 > 0:28:02and step or get crushed.
0:28:02 > 0:28:03Basically, get run over.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06If you got run over in one of those,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10the driver probably wouldn't even know that he's done it, to be honest.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11And then that's it. Done.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14You have got to have eyes in the back of your head sometimes
0:28:14 > 0:28:17and just be aware of what's going on around you.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24These chains are ten tonne, they've got a breaking strain of ten tonne.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28It's really pulling the vehicle down. There's no way that's going to move.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39Back with the cars, Geoff's four-hour loading time is almost up.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44This is the last one just coming into stow now.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52The lashers are even up-to-date as well.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54They've lashed that lane and lashed that lane.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59At the end, when it's all done, it is for me, I've done it before,
0:28:59 > 0:29:00it is quite rewarding
0:29:00 > 0:29:03to know that you've done everything properly and safely
0:29:03 > 0:29:04and you know that nothing is going to move.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08And that's it. We're done. Perfect job. Well done to everybody.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09Brilliant.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13OK, on the buses, then, guys. That's it, well done.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Packed up tight, the freighter will be leaving Southampton
0:29:25 > 0:29:28and heading into the Channel's busy shipping lanes.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33On an average day, there's a never-ending conveyor belt
0:29:33 > 0:29:37of freighters going back and forth, up and down the Channel.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Propelling their way through the busy waters today
0:29:42 > 0:29:44are a plucky rowing crew.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47In, out!
0:29:47 > 0:29:50All right, nice bow side. A bit of a comeback there.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Five miles into their 20-mile challenge,
0:29:52 > 0:29:54they are well into the shipping lane.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59What the pilot boats will now be doing
0:29:59 > 0:30:01is they'll be tracking the ships really carefully,
0:30:01 > 0:30:05making sure that they can safely pass behind them.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10And there is the chance, if a tanker is coming along quite quickly,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12that they'll ask the team to wait for it to go past.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Which can cause quite a lot of frustration for the teams,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17because they're really geared up to keep rowing,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19keep the momentum going.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22I want a long stroke!
0:30:22 > 0:30:23Long stroke!
0:30:23 > 0:30:27While the crew is well ahead of the other teams in the challenge,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31they are still pushing hard to complete in five hours.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35Only eight minutes and everyone's going to have a minute's break.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39The rowers get lucky and the ships don't hinder their endeavour.
0:30:50 > 0:30:542 hours 20 in, and the halfway point of this challenge,
0:30:54 > 0:30:56the Copart Buoy, comes into view.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01And the buoy
0:31:01 > 0:31:03is probably only about 20 minutes away.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08I can tell you what colour it is.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11I can tell you what shape it is.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13I can tell you that it's very insignificant!
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Rowing all the way to France used to be possible,
0:31:17 > 0:31:21but the French authorities banned it in 2013,
0:31:21 > 0:31:25after a team got into trouble rowing at night.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29They've made such good time to get here,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32so they will be feeling really sort of strong, we've conquered it.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35But we have to remember, they're only halfway through.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40All right, guys, enjoy this moment going round the buoy.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Take a look at the buoy.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48You're never going to see that ever again in your life.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50Whoooo!
0:31:51 > 0:31:54Beautiful rowing round the bend.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57They've done amazingly.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00They've done the best rowing in the last ten minutes.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02After going round the buoy,
0:32:02 > 0:32:06the crew is rewarded with a well-earned mid-Channel break.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08The other teams are now over a mile behind,
0:32:08 > 0:32:10so the crew's focus turns to completing
0:32:10 > 0:32:12within their five-hour target.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Jess has only allowed them a few minutes' break.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20We're going to do really efficient strokes.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24So I want your oar in the water longer than it's out of the water.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26And...stroke!
0:32:35 > 0:32:39The next stage of it is they are going to cross over the track
0:32:39 > 0:32:40of the other two boats coming this way.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43That'll be another good mental boost for them.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46And then they have to grind their way through the second half.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50And let's hope they have the mental resolve to keep it going
0:32:50 > 0:32:52for another nine miles.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57But the team's strong first half quickly catches up on them.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02I think there's some signs of fatigue setting in.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06You can see some team members are not quite in the same rhythm
0:33:06 > 0:33:08as everyone else every so often.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Which is a sure sign that they're getting a bit tired.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13The shoulders get hunched, they don't really sit up straight,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16they don't use their core muscles so much.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19So it all starts to look a bit like a sack of potatoes.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24In!
0:33:24 > 0:33:25In!
0:33:26 > 0:33:27In!
0:33:29 > 0:33:30Two thirds of the way in,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33and the crew knows they need to work hard
0:33:33 > 0:33:35to hit their goal of five hours.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37In!
0:33:37 > 0:33:39In!
0:33:39 > 0:33:40Nice!
0:33:40 > 0:33:43Now, keep together.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52They've been rowing for a long time. Their muscles will be sore.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54They will be getting blisters on their hands
0:33:54 > 0:33:58and, I think, this is probably the toughest point.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01So, quite often, what people find at this kind of point,
0:34:01 > 0:34:06is that they'll be getting quite a lot of cramp in their hamstrings.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08You're sitting on a very hard piece of seat,
0:34:08 > 0:34:12which is stopping the blood flowing properly into those muscles,
0:34:12 > 0:34:13the top of their hamstrings.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16So they'll want to stretch out.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Jack is cutting it fine to get back to his car in time.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25Keep splooshing!
0:34:30 > 0:34:32The two teams behind them have dropped back.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35The nearest one is two miles behind.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38So that's an amazing distance.
0:34:46 > 0:34:47So, Jack's parked his car ambitiously,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51despite being told to just pay for the day.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54It's about to run out at 12.15.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56And we're now coming up to 12 o'clock.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59So that means they've got 15 minutes to get back up the harbour,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02get round to the marina, sprint off the boat
0:35:02 > 0:35:04and go to the car-parking meter.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06I don't think that's possible.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08Row!
0:35:08 > 0:35:09Row!
0:35:09 > 0:35:11I'm going to give you a countdown for three.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Then we're going to do our last power 20 on the Channel.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19You're going to give me the hardest you've done!
0:35:19 > 0:35:20And...
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Ready? One, two...
0:35:24 > 0:35:25Despite their best efforts,
0:35:25 > 0:35:30the crew reaches Dover 20 minutes after their five-hour target.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31But at least they came first.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35It goes without saying, when you actually make it into the harbour,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37the sense of achievement kind of flows through you
0:35:37 > 0:35:40and you realise you're actually going to make it,
0:35:40 > 0:35:43the tide is going to die out and it's a race for the home straight.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45So, yeah, that was definitely the best bit.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Actually finishing, you can't top that.
0:35:48 > 0:35:49Three!
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Two!
0:35:52 > 0:35:53One!
0:35:53 > 0:35:55One more! Keep going!
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Whoooooooo!
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- Cheers, guys.- Well done, boys.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13Well done, everyone. That was really good. Well done.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20Dotted around the Channel are a variety of navigational aids
0:36:20 > 0:36:23safeguarding skippers from serious accidents.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28If the buoys weren't there, itself, on the Dover Strait,
0:36:28 > 0:36:33it'd be a bit like a junction on the road with no traffic lights.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35And they are there for specific reasons.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Dividing the lane up over mud banks,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40which could be another problem for any ships
0:36:40 > 0:36:41that come down this particular area.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45So the buoys and the lights are a major factor towards
0:36:45 > 0:36:47the safety of the Dover Straits.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53So, if a ship does hit a buoy or a light ship and damages it in any way,
0:36:53 > 0:36:57we will call Trinity House and inform them of that problem.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59And then they will come out immediately
0:36:59 > 0:37:01and deal with that situation
0:37:01 > 0:37:05to ensure that the navigation mark is back online ASAP.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12Out at the Goodwin Sands, off the coast of Deal in Kent,
0:37:12 > 0:37:15a Trinity House crew is dealing with a damaged lightvessel
0:37:15 > 0:37:18that needs towing back to Harwich for repair.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Having hauled the lightvessel's anchor chain on board the Galatea,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26the crew must now sever it
0:37:26 > 0:37:30so it can be reattached through an undamaged portal.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33Once we've done that,
0:37:33 > 0:37:37we'll take the mooring chain back to the lightvessel
0:37:37 > 0:37:39and secure it on board here.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41So then the Galatea can move away
0:37:41 > 0:37:44and she'll be anchored on her own, then.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50But the strong spring tides are forcing the two ships apart,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53putting a dangerous strain on the tethering ropes.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00The operation on the anchor chain is finally complete
0:38:00 > 0:38:03and it can be released from the Galatea.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Lads, just watch yourself on them ropes, OK?
0:38:13 > 0:38:15The ropes may not hold for much longer
0:38:15 > 0:38:17and need to be released in a controlled manner
0:38:17 > 0:38:21to avoid endangering the crew on both boats.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23As weight's coming on it, you don't want to get anywhere near it.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Because, if that does go, it's going to fly back in a straight line.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33The captain mobilises chefs and engineers
0:38:33 > 0:38:36to help secure the lightvessel.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47But the pressure from the tide is too much.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51That's gone.
0:38:57 > 0:38:58Let go!
0:38:58 > 0:38:59Everything!
0:39:05 > 0:39:09Bob and his crew on board the lightvessel have no choice
0:39:09 > 0:39:12but to release the other rope to prevent a collision.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21She took a big wave. The forward rope snapped.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26In that situation, you just let the rope part, get everybody clear.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29If anybody had tried to get near to take that rope off,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32they'd have been putting themselves in danger.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34So it's just better to let it part.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41It was pretty lively out there. But everyone knows their job, you know?
0:39:41 > 0:39:43It's just another day at the office.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48The towing job has to wait until the tide dies down.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56This is probably the most problematic lightvessel I've had
0:39:56 > 0:39:58in all the time I've worked here.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00And that's, what, 18 years now.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04After eight days at the mercy of the rough seas, things are looking up.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06The weather is on our side,
0:40:06 > 0:40:08it's veered round to the north-west, the wind,
0:40:08 > 0:40:11so it's not coming round Dover any more. So that's good.
0:40:11 > 0:40:12We can carry on with the operation
0:40:12 > 0:40:15and, hopefully, get the lightvessel into tow back to Harwich.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Today is the last push, the big, final hurrah!
0:40:19 > 0:40:23So, we'll get on board, and connect the tow.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28We've got the tow wire out now for when we're in position.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31We'll have the motor boat in the water.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33We'll pass a messenger rope down to the boat.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36That will be taken across to the lightvessel.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38They can then start heaving that in.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40And, then, once that's all set up,
0:40:40 > 0:40:43the lightvessel can heave in the final part of the anchor,
0:40:43 > 0:40:46there's about 100 metres left in the water.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50So, once she's up and out of the way, we can start the tow.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Trinity House's rapid intervention vessel, Alert,
0:40:57 > 0:41:00is bringing out a replacement lightvessel.
0:41:01 > 0:41:02As the Alert arrives,
0:41:02 > 0:41:06so there's a lightvessel on station for the maximum possible time.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10A seamless changeover, if you like.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15With the lightvessel now perfectly positioned behind the Galatea,
0:41:15 > 0:41:19the motorboat can take a rope over to connect the towing cable.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25This attaches to the towing links here now.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28And then, obviously, when they've got it on board,
0:41:28 > 0:41:29they'll put it on their capstan
0:41:29 > 0:41:33and they'll take the weight and we'll feed out the wire to them.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53They can now raise the lightvessel's anchor.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10Finally, the lightvessel is under tow.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14And Bob and the team can afford to relax a little.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23OK, happy days. We got it under tow at last.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35It is a relief to get that over and done with now.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39Yeah, a good team effort all round. And we've done it safely.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44And now it's handed over to the captain to take it back to Harwich.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45Job done.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Never had a lightvessel experience like that
0:42:48 > 0:42:50and I've been here ten years now.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53So, I'm going to have a wash,
0:42:53 > 0:42:54something to eat,
0:42:54 > 0:42:56a little siesta in my armchair.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03With their vital maintenance operation complete,
0:43:03 > 0:43:05this area is safe once again
0:43:05 > 0:43:09for the many ships that pass through the Channel.