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0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Porthdinllaen - is on Lleyn's northern coast.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11- It has been a RNLI lifeboat - station for almost 150 years.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16- It's a focal point - of the Morfa Nefyn area.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25- Builders, carpenters, - a postman and even a milkman.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30- The volunteers are ready to risk - their lives when the call comes.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40- It's been an exciting year of - changes, a new home and a new boat.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- This is the first time...
0:00:47 > 0:00:52- ..that a milestone for the RNLI - Porthdinllaen is chronicled.
0:01:08 > 0:01:09- It's May.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14- The women of the Porthdinllaen - crew, Caryl Jones, Caryl Thomas...
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- ..Mali and Lisa, home - from college for two weeks...
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- ..have come to Pwllheli Marina.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- But they're not going out to sea.
0:01:29 > 0:01:35- A reporter from a national women's - magazine is waiting to meet them.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- A woman from The Lady magazine - has come to talk with the girls.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51- They found out there are - four women on the crew.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56- They wanted to hear - about their work on the lifeboat.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- I like having women on the boat.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- There's good banter - and they do the job.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- Especially the navigation - and writing...
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- ..their tidy handwriting is great!
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- My name is Caryl and I'm eighteen.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- I'm in college at the moment, - studying childcare.
0:02:20 > 0:02:21- Right.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- I hope to go on cruise ships - to work with children.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- From one boat to another!
0:02:27 > 0:02:32- I didn't feel nervous. - The woman made me feel calm.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- It's important to show - the magazine readers...
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- ..how important it is - to have women on the lifeboat...
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- ..that there is equal opportunity.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- And you have another job?
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- And you have another job?- - I'm a cadet in the merchant navy.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- Another one!
0:02:55 > 0:03:00- Lisa has been a student at Fleetwood - Nautical College for almost a year.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- She travels round the world - as a Trainee Deck Officer.
0:03:06 > 0:03:12- But even on holiday, she's still - a member of the lifeboat crew.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- It's a help, to see women's faces.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- I knew that you'd joined - when I joined.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- Times are changing.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- I must admit I always thought...
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- ..that it was a man's world.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- As a child, I saw Dad going out. - I wanted to go too.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- I've wanted to join - the lifeboat crew since I was young.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- When I signed the papers to join...
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- ..one question was, "Can you - swim 50 metres in your clothes?"
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- I couldn't swim at all!
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- LAUGHTER
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- I said I could!
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- Mali was the last to be interviewed.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Have you got any family connections?
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- I'm engaged to the second coxswain!
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- Now it comes out!
0:04:09 > 0:04:14- I'm engaged to Robat, - the second coxswain.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- I've known Robat for many years. - Robat is a Morfa Nefyn lad.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- He has his own building business.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- He works in the village mostly...
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- ..with Emyr, another crew - member, who is a labourer.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35- They're lucky to have work - in the Morfa Nefyn area.
0:04:35 > 0:04:41- They're crew members - who can respond to calls...
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- ..between nine and five.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- Not everyone works - nearby during the day.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- We've been out together - on shouts a few times.
0:04:57 > 0:05:03- When he's on call and Mike is away, - he's in charge of the boat.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05- I remember one shout in the night.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- The pager went off - and I was dressed and ready to go...
0:05:10 > 0:05:16- ..while Robat was tying his laces - slowly, not rushing at all.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- I said, "Come on, hurry!"
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- It's good to share an interest.
0:05:23 > 0:05:30- On paper, as second coxswain, he's - the boss when we're on the boat.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- But I like to think - I'm really the boss!
0:05:36 > 0:05:42- One fine summer morning, - children from Ysgol Edern...
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- ..are going to learn - about the new boathouse.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- They've come to Porthdinllaen - to meet some of the crew.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Alan has a pager and so do I.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- When it bleeps...
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- ...the lads come here, get in the - boat which goes down the slipway.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- But they can't do that now. - There's no slipway or boathouse.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- Early next year, the new - boathouse will be finished.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- You can see pictures - when we go down there.
0:06:13 > 0:06:19- If you return next year, - you can go on the boat.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20- Ooh!
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- You can walk around it.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- The RNLI and the building company...
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- ..are keen for the community - to feel part of the process.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- They encourage people to come - to see how the work is progressing.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- Look under the window, on the wall.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- That's how the new - boathouse will look.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- Mike keeps a watchful - eye on the site
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- This will be - the back of the boathouse.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- The road stays as it is.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- The first floor will be - where those men are.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- Doors will lead - to a viewing gallery.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- Those men are standing - where the big boat will be.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- The front and the doors - will be where the blue bucket is.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- That shows the size - of the boat in the boathouse.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- It's huge.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- That green part is Alan's workshop.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- That's the ground floor.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- On the second floor, above it...
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- ..that's the crew room.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- There will be viewing - platforms all around.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- It's quite big.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- A very unusual boat - has reached the site.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- This is a jack-up barge.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- The legs go down to the sea bed.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- There are hydraulic - rams on each leg.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- They can use them like jacks.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- They could jack them - right to the top.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- It's just above the sea, - so it's level.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- It'll be here for three - or four months.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- It might be less, if all goes well.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- If not, it might - be here a bit longer.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- It's an exciting time for us. - We've been waiting for years.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- Then we heard we'd get - a new boat and boathouse too.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- That's what we want now, - to see the lifeboat in here.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- I can't wait.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- In the meantime, the crew from - Ysgol Edern enjoy a picnic lunch.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- Do they know - the colour of a lifeboat?
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- Orange.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01- Is there another colour?
0:09:01 > 0:09:02- Is there another colour?- - Blue.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- What job would you do on a lifeboat?
0:09:05 > 0:09:06- Drive.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07- Drive.- - Drive.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09- Go fast.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- And if no-one is watching...
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- ..I'd go up to a hundred.
0:09:14 > 0:09:21- I'd like to save people - who have been hurt in the water.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- Then I'd climb out of the boat...
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- ..with a ladder.
0:09:28 > 0:09:34- I'd get a rope and throw it - to them and tow them back.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42- The future of the Porthdinllaen - lifeboat crew is in safe hands.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- For the present crew, - the work continues.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- Calls can come at any time...
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- ..even at very inconvenient times.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- I just had lunch and sat down...
0:09:56 > 0:10:01- ..to watch the most exciting part - of the Grand Prix, the start.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- My pager went off.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- When I got to the top, - Mike was here.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- He said that Pod's boat - had broken down.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- It was good to hear - that's what it was...
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- ..rather than having to look for - someone who had fallen overboard.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Eight miles north - of Porthdinllaen...
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- ..the Ronan Orla, a local fishing - boat, with owner Gareth Pod Jones...
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- ..was in trouble.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- I went out in the morning, as usual.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- When I was lifting the last pots, - the engine stopped.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- I went down to look at it.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- Diesel was flowing - out of the injector pump.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- I tried to repair it, - in order to get home.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- The light was on in the engine room.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- I used up the battery - with the light.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- I didn't have a VHF - or anything to call anyone.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- I had to use my mobile - to phone the coastguard.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- Local fishermen are quite good - when someone breaks down.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- They tow each other in.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- It was a bit too choppy that day.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- Gareth has a big boat.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- The others would have - struggled to tow him in.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- As the afternoon went on, - the wind rose.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- They said it might - go up to Force Six or Seven.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- When we arrived, it was easily - a Force Six. It was quite choppy.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- Mike and the crew were still - learning to use the new boat.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- They had to use - a different technique...
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- ..not the technique - they used on the old boat.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- This was the first time we had - some swell to really test it.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- To be honest, I missed Hetty.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- With Hetty, I could have - gone under the bow...
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- ..and given the bloke the rope.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- But the new boat is very heavy, - with a lot of windage.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- You have to bring - the bow round all the time.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- I had to really focus - or I'd be on top of him.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- Despite this, the boat was - attached and towed back safely...
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- ..to its anchorage in Porthdinllaen.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- That's what we're here for. - I'm glad they call us out.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- That's our job.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- There's no need to feel ashamed.
0:12:30 > 0:12:36- The next day, the boat had been - repaired and Pod was back at work.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- This is my first year. - It's been quite good.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- I've had problems.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- That's to be expected - in the first year.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- It's like every job. - There's risk in everything.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- It happens to everyone in turn.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- Every fisherman here - has been towed in on occasion.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- A lot of the men don't like - having their noses rubbed in it.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- You have to be realistic.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- If you break down, that's that.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- You have to put your hands up - and accept it, I'm afraid!
0:13:11 > 0:13:11- .
0:13:20 > 0:13:20- Subtitles
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- In Pwllheli Marina, - Mike the coxswain...
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- ..and Alan the chief mechanic - are cleaning the lifeboat.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- Because the boat's new, we get - four inspections in the first year.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- It's to make sure - we look after it properly...
0:13:49 > 0:13:54- ..that we work well together - and are settling down.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- The boat's on the mooring, - so it's harder to keep clean.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- We come to Pwllheli - because it's easier to clean here.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- Regular RNLI inspections - are essential...
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- ..to maintain high standards for - crews and boats all around Britain.
0:14:12 > 0:14:19- But there is more pressure on Mike, - Alan and the crew with the new boat.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- I am nervous.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- If you're not nervous...
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- ..you'll miss something.
0:14:27 > 0:14:28- I take it seriously.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- I don't want them to see - a dirty boat or any problem.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38- The boat should always be 100%. - I want that code every time.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- There is no second best.
0:14:40 > 0:14:46- I set out like that eleven years - ago. That's how I want to continue.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- A clean ship is a happy ship.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- RNLI Porthdinllaen - is close to the community.
0:14:57 > 0:15:03- Every year, locals and visitors - give generously to the charity.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- With all the changes - in the coming year...
0:15:09 > 0:15:14- ..the crew needs support - from the area and further afield.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21- The boathouse and boat cost - a lot of money for the RNLI.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26- They asked us to try - to raise part of the money.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- We're hoping to raise 100,000.
0:15:29 > 0:15:35- We're launching the appeal - this evening with a hog roast...
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- ..to set the ball rolling.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- In a few weeks time...
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- ..we've organized a bike ride - from St Davids to Porthdinllaen.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- More than 30 cyclists - will take part.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- Builders from the BAM - Nuttall company...
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- ..a few crew members - and Mike the coxswain...
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- ..Morgan Jones - and some of his friends.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- I think there are 32 in all.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- It's the first fundraising - event in the coming year...
0:16:12 > 0:16:18- ..as the crew and locals - aim to raise 100,000.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- It's good to get - together to raise money.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- People feel - they've helped the station.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- There has been support, - but not like this.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- The boathouse was - here for a century.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- There was no need to raise money.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38- This is unique.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- It will only happen - once in our lifetime.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Stuffing, meat, crackling. - It's great here.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49- Now for some beer!
0:16:56 > 0:16:57- It's inspection day.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59- In the temporary site...
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- ..the crew are preparing - to go to sea with the inspector.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- Check the lifejackets...
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- ..especially what's on which side.
0:17:19 > 0:17:25- The inspector, Colin Williams, is - the RNLI Western Division Manager.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31- I'd like Mali, Caryl and Lisa - to undertake the anchoring drill.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- There's a lot of pressure - on the crew.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- It's an opportunity - to prove to Colin...
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- ..that all the training - with the new boat has paid off.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Yes.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- But Lisa has been away - at sea since September.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- She has to familiarize - herself with a few things.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- For the anchor chain, pull this.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- This goes out.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- Is it easier to lift?
0:18:07 > 0:18:08- Is it easier to lift?- - Yes.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- Colin assesses the crew - on many aspects of the boat...
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- ..including the SIMS - computer system.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- They expect a high standard. - There's no second best.
0:18:24 > 0:18:25- It must be spot on.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- There's no reason for it - to be anything but that.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- They just make sure - we do the job properly.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38- Caryl, Lisa and Mali's first - task is to drop anchor.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- RNLI lifeboats - use Delta anchors now...
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- ..which are different - from the traditional anchors.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Because of their shape...
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- ..they're better at anchoring - on rocks and sand on the seabed.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56- Anchors aweigh.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57- Go!
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- You can free yourself now.
0:19:04 > 0:19:05- Go up to the first mark.
0:19:07 > 0:19:13- Colin has worked as an RNLI - inspector for almost thirty years.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- He's busy learning Welsh.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- Put some tension on it. - Hold it for a while.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24- Is it holding?
0:19:24 > 0:19:25- Yes.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- Yes.- - Well done.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- There's no time to relax.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- Colin gives Lewis - and Robat the next task.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- They have to search - the coast in the Y Boat.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41- Lewis!
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- I'll open the door.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- Just hold it there.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- I've asked them to go to investigate - for a casualty over there.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- The Y Boat allows the crew - to get closer to the shore...
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- ..where the lifeboat can't reach.
0:20:09 > 0:20:10- They're coming back.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- But when the crew - and Y Boat return...
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- ..an emergency awaits them.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- ALARM
0:20:24 > 0:20:25- What?
0:20:25 > 0:20:26- Fire? OK.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- Have you phoned the coastguard?
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- There's a fire in the computer room.
0:20:38 > 0:20:44- As well as fire extinguishers, - the lifeboat has a pump, if needed.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- It pumps water - directly from the sea.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- But Caryl has trouble - starting the engine.
0:20:55 > 0:20:56- Pull.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- This is my last go.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- After all the effort and - perspiration, Alan finally succeeds.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14- ENGINE STARTS
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- Yes!
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- You almost did it, Caryl.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- Caryl wants another go. Now it's - warmed up, she wants another go.
0:21:24 > 0:21:25- ENGINE STARTS
0:21:26 > 0:21:27- APPLAUSE
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- Success for Caryl and the crew, - as the inspection ends.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- We've got to bear in mind that - these individuals on the crew...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- ..are all volunteers.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- They're not here every day.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- So therefore, given that, - their skill levels are fantastic.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- Colin is very pleased. - But what about the coxswain?
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- It was fantastic this evening, - with the three women.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- They work well together.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- I won't be able to sleep tonight.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- I don't sleep well - after every inspection.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- The day I think it'll be easy - is the day I give it up.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- You don't do that.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- That's when you'll be caught out.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Tell Alan I'm going - to open up for a bit.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22- Oh, yes!
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- So it was a successful evening.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- But some of the crew - had to pay the price.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- I've got a blood blister.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- And Lisa. Show your hand.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- It went OK. We can improve - on a lot of things.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- But I think everyone's happy.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47- Hopefully!
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- Everyone is content.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- There's a chance to relax - on the way back to Porthdinllaen.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- It's the best feeling in the world.
0:22:59 > 0:23:00- Wow!
0:23:09 > 0:23:15- The RNLI holds more than - 470 inspections annually...
0:23:15 > 0:23:21- ..to ensure that lifeboat crews - like the one in Porthdinllaen...
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- ..are always ready - to keep the seas safe.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:55 > 0:23:55- .