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0:00:31 > 0:00:37- Most of us associate the port of - Holyhead with crossing to Ireland...
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- ..on large ferries - bound for Dublin or Dun Laoghaire.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53- But merchant vessels - and pleasure boats use the port too.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- The Coastguards - have their headquarters here.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03- They're responsible for safety - along the north and west coasts.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09- Emergency calls to lifeboats - are sent from this control room.
0:01:10 > 0:01:15- When we get a message - that someone's in danger...
0:01:15 > 0:01:20- ..we ask the caller - what they've seen, where and when.
0:01:22 > 0:01:28- Someone will then phone the lifeboat - secretary with all the details.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- He tells us - to page the lifeboat crew.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- They then take the boat out - on the rescue.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- Holyhead Coastguard. You're allowed - to clear channel zero.
0:01:46 > 0:01:52- Coastguards have no authority over - lifeboats, as the RNLI is a charity.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- Holyhead must make - a formal request...
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- ..for the 'Hetty Rampton' - to be launched.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- As a matter of courtesy, - the crew notify the Coastguards...
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- ..when they're - on training exercises.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17- It's midsummer at Porthdinllaen, - and the beach is busy.
0:02:26 > 0:02:32- Jetskis are roaring around swimmers - - there's an obvious danger.
0:02:35 > 0:02:41- An auxiliary Coastguard officer - keeps on eye on things...
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- ..as he carries out his duties - around Nefyn.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- When the lifeboat goes out...
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- ..either we go or the Llandwrog - Coastguard goes too.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- It depends on where the call is.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- We often deal with sailing boats...
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- ..that haven't returned - when they were due.
0:03:04 > 0:03:10- They may have stopped somewhere - on the way without telling anyone.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16- Most calls involve pleasure boats, - wind surfers or jetskis.
0:03:16 > 0:03:22- We rarely see a local fishing boat - getting into difficulties...
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- ..they're familiar with the sea - and the weather.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- It's outsiders - who usually get into trouble.
0:03:32 > 0:03:38- There's one full-time Coastguard - in this area, based in Criccieth.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- He deals mostly with paperwork.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- Auxiliary work - involves cliff rescue...
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- ..and looking out for people - who may be in danger.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- We have binoculars, - including ones for use at night...
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- ..and pyrotechnics, - parachute flares and so on.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- We have ropes for cliff rescues.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- We help to direct the lifeboat.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- If a boat's in serious trouble, - a helicopter is called out.
0:04:14 > 0:04:20- We all work as a team, although - we're not based in the same place.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- When the Porthdinllaen lifeboat - is called out...
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- ..they are directed - by the Coastguards.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36- The lifeboat has a crew of 17 - but only six are needed at one time.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41- The coxswain, Robert or Pete, - chooses the crew.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- They try to ensure - that everyone gains experience.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- Huw Williams - is the youngest crewman.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57- Today, Gareth and Dylan - accompany him on an exercise.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- Robert - tests the navigation equipment.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- Pete and Mike Dean are steering.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- Robert has been visiting this - boat yard on the Isle of Wight.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- Lifeboats are built here in Cowes.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- The aim is to upgrade the fleet - regularly.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- RNLI specialists design the boats...
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- ..in consultation - with lifeboat crews.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35- It's the crews who get to know the - boats' strengths and weaknesses...
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- ..in real working conditions.
0:05:38 > 0:05:45- Not all lifeboats are the same. - Stations have various requirements.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- In a few weeks, - this shell will look like this.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- This is a Severn class boat.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- It's the largest type, - costing about 1.5 million.
0:05:58 > 0:06:04- Its size means it must be - permanently moored on the water.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- This boat is going to Ireland.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Robert had a chance - to take a look at it...
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- ..and admire its design - and technology.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- I'm sitting in the helmsman's - or coxswain's seat.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- That's a VHF direction finder.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- It tells you - where a signal's coming from.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- There are cameras in the engine room - and in the stern.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- This boat has a bow thruster, - a small propeller in the hull.
0:06:42 > 0:06:49- It's used to move the boat sideways, - because it's so large and heavy.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- There's a radar set, - electronic charts and a plotter.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- The differential GPS - works off a satellite.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- It's accurate to within a few feet.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- We only had a radar set - on the old boat...
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- ..and it wasn't very good.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- Today we have all kinds - of electronic gadgets.
0:07:15 > 0:07:21- We have regular training, - so the crew know how to use them.
0:07:21 > 0:07:27- They make the work easier. It's - a matter of getting used to them.
0:07:32 > 0:07:38- Crews receive thorough training - at the RNLI headquarters in Poole...
0:07:38 > 0:07:45- ..before they use a new boat. This - includes training with a helicopter.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- This is the most exciting part - of training.
0:07:53 > 0:07:59- The crew also learn how to use the - new technology on board the boat.
0:08:06 > 0:08:12- In a few days' time, the crew - will sail the boat to Ballyglass...
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- ..on the west coast of Ireland.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- The RNLI operates - around the Irish coast as well.
0:08:23 > 0:08:29- The 'Bryan and Gordon' may well - deal with calls like this.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34- A small sailing boat, the 'Pelican' - has capsized off Lleyn.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- It has lost its mast.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Another boat has picked up - the two on board...
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- ..and they're heading back - to the harbour.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- Although no lives are at risk...
0:08:53 > 0:08:58- ..the Coastguards have asked - the Porthdinllaen lifeboat...
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- ..to escort the two boats.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- So far this year...
0:09:11 > 0:09:17- ..lifeboats have helped nearly - 4,500 people to reach dry land.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- In 1,200 cases, - their lives were at risk.
0:09:21 > 0:09:27- Most of the calls, over 3,000 - of them, are similar to this one...
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- ..a pleasure boat in difficulty - but no lives at risk.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- This is child's play - for the 'Hetty Rampton'.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- Calls like this - don't warrant such a powerful boat.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- But they must prepare for the worst.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- The Porthdinllaen lifeboat - has had some serious calls.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10- The next call could really test - each crew member's skills...
0:10:10 > 0:10:16- ..and the lifeboat's resources. - That's the reality for the RNLI.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24-
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- There hasn't been a call - for two weeks...
0:10:31 > 0:10:37- ..so RNLI regulations require them - to hold a training exercise...
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- ..to make sure the boat and - the equipment work satisfactorily.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- It's a chance - to get used to the new technology.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52- Each crewman has had training - in all aspects of their work.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- The coxswain, Peter Jones, - knows his crew's strengths.
0:11:07 > 0:11:13- A lot of the training takes place - in RNLI House in Morfa Nefyn.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- Tonight is a big night - for one crew member.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18- The recovery position.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- The recovery position. - - Fine. We'll move the casualty - out of the way.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- She can't go into recovery position!
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- Emyr Williams - is sitting a first aid exam.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- He feels rather apprehensive.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- I'm quite nervous.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- I'd done another RNLI course - but this one's different.
0:11:41 > 0:11:47- You're dealing with people in this - course. You have to be on the ball.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- The other course was a radio course. - It was quite easy.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- This course is very different.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00- That's fine. - Once I'm in the recovery position...
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- ..what else can you do?
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- Not going to go out for a cigarette, - are you?
0:12:10 > 0:12:11- Can't remember!
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- The airway?
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- The RNLI has different levels - of first aid qualifications.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- Regular progress - is expected of the crew members.
0:12:26 > 0:12:32- The training is geared towards - situations which could arise at sea.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Pretend that's my mouth.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- Push it in like that...
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- ..then turn it round - and push it in.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47- Good. Airway's now in. - What other equipment could help?
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Good. Airway's now in. - What other equipment could help? - - Oxygen.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- Well done. That's very good.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- I thought it would be - more difficult.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- I hope I've been successful.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- I just hope I've passed.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- After his exam success...
0:13:14 > 0:13:20- ..Emyr can relax with the rest - of the crew and their families.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- This is a fundraising evening.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- They hope to make a decent profit.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- There's great excitement - in Morfa Nefyn!
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- Some try to cheat but the little - horses are a great success!
0:13:43 > 0:13:49- Steering a lifeboat is easier than - steering these in a straight line!
0:13:49 > 0:13:54- No fortunes were won or lost - - not tonight, anyway.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10- The raffle and other activities - have raised about 2,000.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- The people of Morfa Nefyn - are very resourceful.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47- Tonight, there's yet another - fundraising event for the lifeboat.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- It's a big event - in the Porthdinllaen calendar.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- Administration officer Tom Morris - has high hopes.
0:14:59 > 0:14:59- Ready for tonight?
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Ready for tonight? - - Yes. Dewi's - supposed to prepare everything.
0:15:05 > 0:15:06- The boat's alright?
0:15:06 > 0:15:07- The boat's alright? - - Yes, it is.
0:15:07 > 0:15:08- Fishing lines ready?
0:15:08 > 0:15:09- Fishing lines ready? - - Yes.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11- And a lifejacket?
0:15:11 > 0:15:12- And a lifejacket? - - Of course.
0:15:12 > 0:15:13- And a lifejacket? - - Of course. - - Good.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- Let's hope the weather stays fine.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- Let's hope the weather stays fine. - - See you this evening!
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Mike Dean and his family - are setting off early.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Mike needs to find a partner.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- Here's the attraction - - the annual mackerel race.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Nia has finished her shift - at the shop.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- Did you get everything ready?
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- Did you get everything ready? - - Yes, except a reel.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48- Dewi has organised a boat, - so the family can compete.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- Mike's here early - because he wants to find a boat.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- Nia and Dewi are going - on a friend's boat.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- Caryl's really looking forward - to the trip and the fishing.
0:16:09 > 0:16:15- Mike settles his family first. - The girls prefer to catch crabs.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Mike is still hoping for a boat.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- They're enjoying themselves.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- There are plenty of boats here.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- Peter collects - the competitors' fees.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- He will be starting the race.
0:16:43 > 0:16:49- The race is on to catch the most - mackerel in the next two hours.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- We have 33 boats out there today.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- Each competitor pays a pound...
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- ..so we've made about 150 already.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- When they return, - we count the mackerel.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- The one who catches the most - gets a prize.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- Then we sell the mackerel. - A big crowd comes to watch.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- Mike is happy to take part.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40- But there aren't many mackerel - about, for some reason.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- It's the same for Dewi and Nia - - no luck so far.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- Someone gets a bite - it's - Robert Jones, the second coxswain.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- Filling these boxes - will be quite a job.
0:18:07 > 0:18:13- At last, Dewi's caught something - but it's not a mackerel.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- Finding the mackerel is difficult.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- But once you find a large shoal, - you can catch a lot.
0:18:29 > 0:18:35- Today, those who go out three - or four miles have the best chance.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- The weather has been stormy - this week.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Storms scatter - the mackerel shoals...
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- ..making them harder to catch.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- After two hours, - it's time to call everyone back.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- No-one's done very well this year.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Very poor this evening. - We got about 50.
0:19:30 > 0:19:31- Very poor.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- We should have caught a lot more.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- How many have you got?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- That's not bad, considering - there aren't many around.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- That's not bad, considering - there aren't many around. - - We did well, I think.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48- This is Michael Massarelli, - a partner of Mike Dean's.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- It looks promising. They seem to be - among the most successful.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- They hope to be - in the frame somewhere.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04- How did it go, Mike?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- How did it go, Mike? - - Champion! We got 45.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- But the fishing was poor, - I don't know why.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- How was it out there?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- How was it out there? - - Not bad, but the wind's - getting up now.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- Are you satisfied?
0:20:19 > 0:20:20- Are you satisfied? - - Yes, on the whole.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21- Will you win?
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Will you win? - - I hope so!
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- Nia and Dewi seem satisfied too.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- How did they do?
0:20:34 > 0:20:35- How did it go, Nia?
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- We got about 40, I think - and one gurnard and one cod.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42- Not bad!
0:20:42 > 0:20:43- Not bad! - - Pleased?
0:20:43 > 0:20:44- Not bad! - - Pleased? - - Yes.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- At first, - I thought we wouldn't get any.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- But we went further out - and we caught a few.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- But we went further out - and we caught a few. - - How many did you catch, Caryl?
0:20:55 > 0:20:55- Not one!
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Not one! - - None!
0:21:00 > 0:21:01- Did it get better?
0:21:01 > 0:21:02- Did it get better? - - Yes, it did.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05- How many are there?
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- How many are there? - - About 40, I think. - It got better towards the end.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- We got one good cod.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- It was disappointing - compared to last year...
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- ..with mackerel in short supply.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- There's usually more than enough - for everyone...
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- ..but no-one's caught more than 50 - tonight, which is unusual.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- But the number of mackerel - isn't really important.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- It's the money raised that counts.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56- A large crowd had gathered - by the time the boats returned.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Many were visitors...
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- ..who were happy to support - the Porthdinllaen lifeboat.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09- There were 33 boats this year - - that's a record.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- But they didn't catch - as many mackerel as usual.
0:22:15 > 0:22:21- Such events make the lifeboat - an important part of social life.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- There's no lack of support - because people enjoy these events.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- The winners were given - an enthusiastic reception.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Mike Dean and his partners - came second...
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- ..with a fairly respectable haul. - They had caught 48 mackerel.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Michael Massarelli - is quite satisfied.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- Who could improve on that?
0:22:58 > 0:23:03- In first place this year, - one of the crew of the lifeboat...
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- ..Dewi Parry Thomas - and his wife, Nia...
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- ..with 49 mackerel.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- We did count them very carefully!
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- No-one asked for a recount, - the adjudication was accepted!
0:23:28 > 0:23:33- The few spare mackerel - were sold quickly to visitors.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Everyone enjoyed themselves...
0:23:37 > 0:23:42- ..and more funds were raised - for the Porthdinllaen lifeboat.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- Subtitles- by- Nia Melville, Elidir