In the second episode of our behind-the-scenes documentary we see the coastguard helicopter crew at Stornoway work to their very limits trying to rescue an adventurer in the north Atlantic. MCA Surveyor Chris carries out an inspection of a bulk carrier in Teesside. Over in Cornwall, teams carry out a rope rescue in a perilous blowhole, while in Wales a stranded dog sparks a search for its missing owner.
• Wear suitable shoes and clothing, and take food and water.
• Keep your dog securely on a lead, particularly near cliff edges.
• Take your mobile phone and make sure it’s charged.
• Be aware: dogs are easily distracted by sounds and smells and may dash into danger.
• If your pet gets into trouble, don’t go after them – call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
They are behind-the-scenes lifesavers whose professionalism keeps maritime workers and passengers safe at sea.
Surveyors at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have the job of ensuring the safety of UK flagged vessels and others operating in UK waters.
They have a range of powers and, if necessary, can detain a ship until the issues are resolved and it is safe to sail.
Principal Surveyors, like Chris Bates, are among the MCA's most experienced members of the Survey and Inspection team.
In Episode 2 we follow Chris onto a bulk carrier in Teesside that faces being detained if serious safety issues are not resolved.
Chris said of those he has helped in his job: “Overall, it must be in the tens of thousands: from ships crews, to passengers, to families waiting back at home for their people to return.
“The main people I like to think I have helped are the UK taxpayers. I don’t like to see their money being spent on cleaning up a mess created by a ship or shipping company."
Chris’s expertise stems from his 16 years in the role. Previously he spent some time in the nuclear industry, so safety is second nature.
He studied nautical science at a maritime school before going to sea for 30 years, serving on a range of vessels.
Chris (60), from Birmingham, is also a volunteer blood biker carrying medicines, organs, blood, medical records and medicine wherever it is needed.
Find out more about working as a surveyor and the job opportunities available.
The HM Coastguard helicopter from Stornoway works at the very edge of its range to successfully rescue adventurer Cam Cameron who is at risk of being swept away by waves during his record-breaking attempt to stay on Rockall, an isolated islet in the north Atlantic.
Cam said: “I did not think I was going to come off Rockall alive. I thought I was going to die – and then I could hear the helicopter, I could hear the blades and I saw it come into the distance and was ready to go. Within two minutes of arriving on scene I was inside the cabin.
“They deal with this every day and they are utterly professional, but they literally put themselves in harm’s way, and they did that so that I could come back and see my family. And I will never forget that as long as I live. I want to thank them for saving my life. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”
Did you know that coastguard rescue teams can be sent to all types of incidents, such as people trapped on cliffs, stuck in the mud, in need of help in the water, or to carry out missing person searches.
In an emergency at the coast, it’s really important that we get the right help to you as quickly as possible. So, remember call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
If you missed any episodes of Coastguard, don’t worry - you can always catch up on My5.
Find out more about job vacancies at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Find out more about becoming a volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officer.
Coastguard airs on Sundays at 8pm on Channel 5. Find out more about each episode so far.
