Sea City

At the Royal Marines School of music in Portsmouth candidates battle it out for a career in the Royal Marines Band Service, one of the finest bands in the world.

For centuries it's been Tyneside's industrial heart. So how is life changing on the river?

How new challenges and old skills make Plymouth one of Britain's most vibrant and exciting maritime cities.

It's one of the most famous views in the world - and one of the UK's busiest ports. This is a rare chance to meet the people who work behind the scenes along the waterfront, and see over a million people turn out to watch a choreographed 'River Dance' by the ships in a memorable display that rekindles Liverpool's pride in its shipping heritage. The Mersey is also the backdrop for an annual charity swim - the rainy weather, tides, cold water and even jellyfish conspire against the brave souls raising cash for their favourite causes.

Dock workers in Hull deal with a rare cruise ship visit in a hectic ten-hour turnaround of passengers and baggage. Two best friends become rivals in the powerboat racing grand prix of the sea. And we go behind the scenes with the teams keeping the treacherous waters of the Humber open for shipping.