0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:01 > 0:00:04- Porthdinllaen - is on Lleyn's northern coast.
0:00:04 > 0:00:10- It has been an RNLI lifeboat station - for almost 150 years.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- It's the focal point - of the Morfa Nefyn area.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- Porthdinllaen - is a Welsh-speaking station.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- I'm proud of that.
0:00:23 > 0:00:28- I'd had numerous invitations - to join, and then I became hooked!
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- Builders, carpenters, - a postman and even a milkman.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- The volunteers - put their lives at risk...
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- ..when the call comes.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- They jump out of bed at 3am - for no pay.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- They'll go out - whatever the weather.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- You need guts to do that - - a lot of guts.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- It's been an exciting year - of changes...
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- ..a new home and a new boat.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05- This is the first time...
0:01:06 > 0:01:12- ..that a milestone for the RNLI - Porthdinllaen is chronicled.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- We only live once.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- I've had the chance - to be a member of the lifeboat crew.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- Nobody can take that away from me.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- It's very, very special.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27- Subtitles
0:01:40 > 0:01:45- It's mid-September, and - the Porthdinllaen lifeboat crew...
0:01:45 > 0:01:51- ..prepare for an exercise on - the new lifeboat, the John D Spicer.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- Caryl, do you want to change?
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- And Ems?
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- The local men and women - are RNLI volunteers.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- The new boat is too big - for the old station.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- It's anchored in the bay - for the time being.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- A new boathouse - will be in operation in early 2014.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- We've moored the new boat.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27- We reach her on a little boat.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- It's an added logistical problem.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- It's not as easy jumping on - and going down the slipway.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- There are minor issues to overcome.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- It's not a big problem.
0:02:43 > 0:02:49- Second coxswain Robat Jones, - from Morfa Nefyn, is in charge.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- I've been on the crew - for 28 years...
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- ..and the second coxswain - for 20 years.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- I wouldn't swap places - with anyone in the world.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- I'm responsible for taking her out - when the coxswain is off.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- When Mike is the coxswain - he chooses his crew.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16- When Mike is off, I run the - deck after he's told us what to do.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22- Everything has to be learnt - from scratch on the John D Spicer.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28- We have to forget the old methods - and start anew.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- Everybody has done well.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- The second engineer - is Gareth Williams.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- He's been a member for 29 years.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- Born and bred in Morfa Nefyn, - he's an engineer by trade.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- I left Pwllheli school - before the fifth form.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- I joined the HMS Indefatigable - in Menai Bridge.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- I wanted to be - a marine electronic engineer.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- I turned down an offer - to go on a submarine.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- I chose this side of the work.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- It's been in the blood for years and - I'm happy with the choice I made.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- I make sure - everything is in working order.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- I watch the engine display panels.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24- If there's a problem, - they look at me and say, "Fix it."
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- The new boat runs on SIMS, - a central computer system.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- Some of the seats have a computer - screen to control navigation...
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- ..the radar and machines, - as well as powering the boat.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- We use a bridle...
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- ..to tow a yacht - that hasn't got a bollard.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54- Regular exercises are imperative - to keep up with the new technology.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- OK?
0:04:59 > 0:05:04- It's dangerous - to become too relaxed.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- We have to treat - every day as the first day.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- Everybody enjoys - one exercise in particular.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- We drop the stern of the Tamar - to get the inflatable boat out.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- Only two are needed to push it out.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- Once it's closed, we switch on - the engine and put it in reverse.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- The lifeboat carries a smaller boat.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- This allows the crew - to get closer to the coast...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- ..or to a place where - the large lifeboat can't reach.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- The conditions are favourable.
0:05:47 > 0:05:53- When we returned, - I made sure the angle was right...
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- ..to bring her in.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57- Did you enjoy that?
0:05:57 > 0:05:58- Did you enjoy that?- - Yes.
0:05:58 > 0:05:59- Why?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- Why?- - I'm bringing her in.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- The exercise ends, - but the lesson isn't over.
0:06:10 > 0:06:16- We learn something new - every time we're out.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- We'll be training for a year - to get it right.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- Every call is different.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- I always think, "Why didn't - I do it that way or that way?"
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- That's how we learn.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- Nobody knows - when the calls will come.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- They were called out - later that night.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- The John D Spicer - was called out at 4.40am.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- The Lady K fishing boat...
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- ..ran into trouble ten miles - off Lleyn's north west coast.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- At 32 foot, she's - a fairly big scallop fishing boat.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- It's an iron boat.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- She lost diesel from her tanks - into the bilges.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- We towed her back - into Porthdinllaen.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- When boats break down, - things can go from bad to worse.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- We try to help people - who have broken down.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27- There's no way out if they're - stuck in rough seas, ten miles out.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- In stormy weather, we put - a heaving line on the towing rope.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- This lighter rope can be - thrown closer to the casualty.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- The Lady K situation was tricky.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- We attached a heaving line - to the towing rope...
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- ..and he caught the heaving line.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- He pulled it on his boat.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- There's a bollard or a stanchion - on large fishing boats.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- They can hook it on that.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06- In stormy weather...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- ..we extend more rope to take - the spring out of the rope.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- The distance - of the rope is important...
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- ..to prevent it from jerking.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- When we tow, one or two - crewmen act as look out.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- We can respond if something happens.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- If the towed boat sinks - we have to cut the rope.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- There's an axe on board the - John D Spicer to chop the rope...
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- ..if there was ever need to do so.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- The RNLI Porthdinllaen...
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- ..is mostly called out - to tow broken down boats.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- In Britian, the purpose of the RNLI - is saving lives at sea.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Since it was established in 1824...
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- ..the RNLI has saved - more than 140,000 lives.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- Training is all-important.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- The RNLI headquarters is in Poole...
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- ..on England's south coast.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- There is also a training college.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- Caryl and Mali from Porthdinllaen...
0:09:34 > 0:09:39- ..are attending a course - every lifeboat member must complete.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Today, we'll do - the fire side of the course.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- There were 18 of us.
0:09:46 > 0:09:52- Some have come - from Ireland and Scotland.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- We all belong, in a way. - We're members of a lifeboat crew.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- It's nice to compare notes.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- There are more than 4,000 lifeboat - crew members.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- They attend - the training course every year.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- You don't think - of a fire on a lifeboat.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- It's more important to save lives - than extinguish a fire.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- We are not firemen.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- We're members of a lifeboat crew.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- It's a chance - to do something more practical.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- Keep yourself nice and low.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Hold it further up, there you go.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43- Aim for the fire. Do you see - that blanket starting to foam?
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- I'd never used a fire extinguisher.
0:10:46 > 0:10:52- I've seen them all over the place - but I've never actually used one.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- I wasn't sure how powerful it was.
0:10:57 > 0:11:03- We learnt various aspects, such as - what fire extinguisher to use.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05- When am I going to use this?
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- When am I going to use this?- - When you're in distress.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13- I have used flares in the past. - It wasn't new to me.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- He mentioned situations - when flares are used.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- It was hands-on.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28- Perhaps some of us - hadn't used a flare before.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- It was great that we all had a go.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- Mali clearly enjoyed the course.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- The day ended with a trip - out to sea on the training boat.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- It's been a brilliant course, - so far. I've learnt a lot.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- At the end of the day, - we will be saving lives at sea.
0:11:52 > 0:11:58- We're training to help us cope - with different scenarios.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- It will help us - in a real life situation.
0:12:03 > 0:12:03- .
0:12:16 > 0:12:16- Subtitles
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- In Nefyn's Nanhoron Hotel...
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- ..they've gathered - to pay tribute to the Hetty Rampton.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- The lifeboat served - the RNLI Porthdinllaen for 25 years.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- She's embarking on her final voyage.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- Many of the crew, - past and present, are here.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- They've given years of service - to the RNLI.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- It's a family affair.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- The father was on the boat.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- The son wants to go.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- And today, - the girl wants to go, too.
0:13:07 > 0:13:13- Taid, Dad and Dad's brother - were members of the lifeboat crew.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- It runs in the family.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- We only live once. I've - been a member of lifeboat crew.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- Nobody can take that away from me.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- It's very, very special.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- Someone could be in danger - and need our help.
0:13:31 > 0:13:37- That's why I wanted to volunteer.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Volunteers or not...
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- ..every new lifeboat crewman - needs to be trained.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- Back in the college in Poole...
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- ..the girls learn what to do...
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- ..if the D-class lifeboat capsized.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- It's taking place - in a swimming pool.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- The wind and wave machine simulates - the conditions at sea.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- The first step - is turning the boat around.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Caryl and her crew - manage effortlessly.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- Mali and her crew get into trouble.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- It's not as easy as it looks.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- They finally succeed.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- If this really happened...
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- ..they would swim under the boat - to get the flares and VHF radio.
0:15:03 > 0:15:09- The kit was extremely heavy. - It was tough to pull myself down.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15- The lifejackets kept us up. - The helmet got stuck in everything.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- The next step - was turning the boat back up.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- But once again, - it wasn't easy for Mali's crew.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- I don't know what was going wrong. - I'd straightened my arms and body.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- When one slipped off, - the rest followed like dominos.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- We tried it about six times.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- Finally, the instructor came up.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- We turned the boat over eventually.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- We've learnt - it's quite a dangerous job.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16- It has underlined the sea's power - and how important our work is.
0:16:16 > 0:16:22- Our lives are just as important - as the people we will be saving.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- I'm knackered after that.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- It was a terrific experience.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- It was a bit scary at times.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- I couldn't see and it was hot.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- I'm weak. It was good, mind.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- We've never done - this in Porthdinllaen.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- I'm looking forward to a hot shower.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- While the girls - warmed up with a cuppa...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- ..bigger lifeboats - were being turned over.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- They were put back - with the help of airbags.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- Apart from the D-class boats...
0:17:09 > 0:17:15- ..every lifeboat can turn back up - if it ever capsized.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- Porthdinllaen's new lifeboat, - the John D Spicer...
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- ..has already proved this.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- Once the doors are closed...
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- ..it acts like a huge airbag.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- The lifeboat can turn around...
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- ..despite weighing 32 tons.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- But the new boat's arrival...
0:17:47 > 0:17:52- ..signalled that it was time - to say goodbye to an old friend.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58- I was lucky to take Hetty Rampton - away for the last time.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- It was a stormy day.
0:18:01 > 0:18:07- Peter Jones, the former coxswain, - served on her from the start.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Glynne was the second coxswain...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- ...and the third coxswain, Harry.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- After I'd launched the lifeboat, - I handed them the wheel.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- It was in their hands - for the last run.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- In the old days, - we only had a radar and compass!
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- The old lifeboat could - only manage seven to eight knots.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- That's where I learnt - about navigation.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- Then the Hetty Rampton arrived - and she can reach 17 knots!
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- We had to double - the navigation speed.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- I was slow enough on the other one!
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- The Hetty Rampton came to - Porthdinllaen in April, 1987.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- During her lifetime, - she was launched 315 times.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- She saved almost 400 lives in seas - off the north west coast of Wales.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- Remember when we first had a GPS?
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- We were out on an exercise.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- "Have you got faith in this?" - you asked me.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- "I don't know," I said. - You went to the top deck.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- I watched the radar - and played with the GPS.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- We couldn't see a thing. - But it was spot-on.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- We didn't understand it.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- The lifeboat's journey - from Porthdinllaen to Caernarfon...
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- ..through the Menai Straits - and to Conway marina...
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- ..is almost 40 miles.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- It was quite rough in Caernarfon.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- After that, we had the shelter - of land along the Menai...
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- ..and under the bridges.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- We navigated around Puffin Island - and into Conway.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- That took three hours.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- She was taken to Conway - to be kept as a reserve boat...
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- ..for the West Division of the RNLI.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- I've been on three lifeboats.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- I was on the wooden Kathleen Mary - for two years...
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- ..then the Hetty Rampton...
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- ..and now John D Spicer.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54- I've been lucky to have experienced - three boats in Porthdinllaen.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- But at times, even the best crew - need to call for the lifeboat.
0:21:04 > 0:21:10- I remember bringing my second - fishing boat here from St Ives.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- I hadn't had a chance - to get a proper mooring.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- There was a fierce gale - and she began to drag the mooring.
0:21:22 > 0:21:28- I went to her and she capsized.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- I heard maroons going off!
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- We were in News of the World. - "Lifeboat Rescues Its Own Crew."
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- At last, - Hetty reaches the journey's end.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- It was quiet when we arrived - in Conway.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- There was a stillness there.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- It was sad to leave her - in Conway for the last time.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- I'd ran to the lifeboat station - so often, day and night...
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- ..and gone out in horrendous storms.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- It was strange - to see her on the quay.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- It was quite emotional.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- A chapter ends.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- A new and challenging chapter begins - for the RNLI Porthdinllaen crew.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:07 > 0:23:07- .