Behind the Scenes
Working at Sea: What Filmmakers Need to Know
Working at Sea: What Filmmakers Need to Know
Filming at sea is entirely different to filming on land. It requires more planning, maritime awareness and the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Below, we’ve given our top tips for staying safe whilst filming at sea and explained what to look for when choosing a maritime filming crew.
Filming at sea is entirely different to filming on land. It requires more planning, maritime awareness and the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Below, we’ve given our top tips for staying safe whilst filming at sea and explained what to look for when choosing a maritime filming crew.
Know the Risks
The sea can be dangerous, and it’s important to be fully aware of what could go wrong and take steps to mitigate this. Safety should always be the number one concern.
We recommend that at least one member of the film crew has relevant safety training or experience working at sea. Everyone onboard should attend the vessel’s safety briefing, understand the emergency procedures and respect the authority of the skipper and crew.
Lifejackets and other personal protective equipment should be worn in accordance with the risk assessment, the vessel’s procedures and the skipper’s instructions. Conditions can change quickly, so everyone must understand where they can safely work and how their movement could affect other operations onboard.
Communication, Risk Assessment and Insurance
Clear communication with the skipper is essential. They must be aware that filming is taking place onboard, what the crew intends to capture and what equipment will be used.
Before filming begins, everyone should agree on what operations will take place, where they will happen and how they will be carried out safely. A risk assessment should be submitted to the skipper and any other relevant persons onboard for approval.
You will also need to make sure you’re cleared by your insurance provider to work at sea. Your cover should reflect the environment, equipment and activities involved in the production.
Tides, weather, vessels and coastal operations are all in a constant state of movement. Filming points and timings should be planned in advance, while leaving enough flexibility to respond safely if conditions change.
Drone Operation and Preparing Your Kit
If operating a drone, relevant harbour authorities must be made aware where required. You may also need permission to film within certain airspace.
A risk assessment should be carried out with the client and vessel crew, clearly explaining what safety procedures will be followed. Flying a drone at sea can result in a significant financial loss when done wrong, so it’s important to have an experienced pilot who knows when it’s safe to operate and when it’s not.
Take-off and landing can be particularly challenging from a moving vessel. Wind, sea state, obstacles, other aircraft and the movement of people onboard must all be considered before a flight begins.
Always check over your kit before filming and ensure all batteries are fully charged. Working at sea means you may only have a limited window for filming, so your equipment should be in optimal condition before you begin. This is especially important when operating a drone. It’s never worth the risk of flying on a half-used battery.
Equipment should also be prepared for saltwater, spray and changing weather. Even when a camera is suitable for challenging environments, the crew must understand its limitations and have a safe system for handling, protecting and storing it onboard.
Why Choose Us for Maritime Filming?
The safety of our crew and clients is our number one priority. Our organisational standard is that at least one member of the film crew must hold relevant experience or qualifications to ensure everyone is safe.
Our founder, Drew Graves, has survival at sea training and an RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification. He also has over three years of experience working at sea and understands the language, procedures and expectations of maritime environments.
Drew’s experience includes filming sea trials, defence and marine autonomy projects, research operations, sailing, documentaries, interviews, submarines and subsurface activity. This has included work involving Plymouth Marine Laboratory, MSubs and the National Marine Aquarium. The Hundred Hands has also worked independently with the Royal Naval Sailing Association.
Our crew holds its own lifejackets and all-weather gear, attends all relevant safety briefings and respects the authority of those operating the vessel. Our lead drone operator is also in the final stage of completing the General VLOS Certificate, expanding our ability to undertake more complex commercial drone operations once certification is confirmed.
Not only do we have state-of-the-art gear, our crew knows how to capture dynamic marine-based content. From cinematic aerial shots showing the depth and expanse of the ocean to the finer details of its texture and movement, we understand how to create immersive footage that places audiences within the environment and gives credibility to any marketing campaign.
We know how to conduct interviews at sea, capture movement from a working vessel and adapt our approach around the conditions. Our drone is capable of operating from vessels when the weather, location and permissions allow. We also have an underwater 360 camera and a specialist suction mount that can be attached to submerged vessel hulls with the skipper’s approval.
When choosing a team to carry out marine-based filming, you should look beyond impressive shots. A good videography team should have a thorough understanding of the safety and planning requirements necessary for filming at sea, as well as a full understanding of how the environment shapes your specific content.
Based in Plymouth, The Hundred Hands provides maritime filming across Devon and Cornwall. Please get in touch to discuss your next maritime filming project.
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Get fresh design insights, articles, and resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Behind the Scenes
Working at Sea: What Filmmakers Need to Know
Working at Sea: What Filmmakers Need to Know
Filming at sea is entirely different to filming on land. It requires more planning, maritime awareness and the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Below, we’ve given our top tips for staying safe whilst filming at sea and explained what to look for when choosing a maritime filming crew.
Filming at sea is entirely different to filming on land. It requires more planning, maritime awareness and the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Below, we’ve given our top tips for staying safe whilst filming at sea and explained what to look for when choosing a maritime filming crew.
Know the Risks
The sea can be dangerous, and it’s important to be fully aware of what could go wrong and take steps to mitigate this. Safety should always be the number one concern.
We recommend that at least one member of the film crew has relevant safety training or experience working at sea. Everyone onboard should attend the vessel’s safety briefing, understand the emergency procedures and respect the authority of the skipper and crew.
Lifejackets and other personal protective equipment should be worn in accordance with the risk assessment, the vessel’s procedures and the skipper’s instructions. Conditions can change quickly, so everyone must understand where they can safely work and how their movement could affect other operations onboard.
Communication, Risk Assessment and Insurance
Clear communication with the skipper is essential. They must be aware that filming is taking place onboard, what the crew intends to capture and what equipment will be used.
Before filming begins, everyone should agree on what operations will take place, where they will happen and how they will be carried out safely. A risk assessment should be submitted to the skipper and any other relevant persons onboard for approval.
You will also need to make sure you’re cleared by your insurance provider to work at sea. Your cover should reflect the environment, equipment and activities involved in the production.
Tides, weather, vessels and coastal operations are all in a constant state of movement. Filming points and timings should be planned in advance, while leaving enough flexibility to respond safely if conditions change.
Drone Operation and Preparing Your Kit
If operating a drone, relevant harbour authorities must be made aware where required. You may also need permission to film within certain airspace.
A risk assessment should be carried out with the client and vessel crew, clearly explaining what safety procedures will be followed. Flying a drone at sea can result in a significant financial loss when done wrong, so it’s important to have an experienced pilot who knows when it’s safe to operate and when it’s not.
Take-off and landing can be particularly challenging from a moving vessel. Wind, sea state, obstacles, other aircraft and the movement of people onboard must all be considered before a flight begins.
Always check over your kit before filming and ensure all batteries are fully charged. Working at sea means you may only have a limited window for filming, so your equipment should be in optimal condition before you begin. This is especially important when operating a drone. It’s never worth the risk of flying on a half-used battery.
Equipment should also be prepared for saltwater, spray and changing weather. Even when a camera is suitable for challenging environments, the crew must understand its limitations and have a safe system for handling, protecting and storing it onboard.
Why Choose Us for Maritime Filming?
The safety of our crew and clients is our number one priority. Our organisational standard is that at least one member of the film crew must hold relevant experience or qualifications to ensure everyone is safe.
Our founder, Drew Graves, has survival at sea training and an RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification. He also has over three years of experience working at sea and understands the language, procedures and expectations of maritime environments.
Drew’s experience includes filming sea trials, defence and marine autonomy projects, research operations, sailing, documentaries, interviews, submarines and subsurface activity. This has included work involving Plymouth Marine Laboratory, MSubs and the National Marine Aquarium. The Hundred Hands has also worked independently with the Royal Naval Sailing Association.
Our crew holds its own lifejackets and all-weather gear, attends all relevant safety briefings and respects the authority of those operating the vessel. Our lead drone operator is also in the final stage of completing the General VLOS Certificate, expanding our ability to undertake more complex commercial drone operations once certification is confirmed.
Not only do we have state-of-the-art gear, our crew knows how to capture dynamic marine-based content. From cinematic aerial shots showing the depth and expanse of the ocean to the finer details of its texture and movement, we understand how to create immersive footage that places audiences within the environment and gives credibility to any marketing campaign.
We know how to conduct interviews at sea, capture movement from a working vessel and adapt our approach around the conditions. Our drone is capable of operating from vessels when the weather, location and permissions allow. We also have an underwater 360 camera and a specialist suction mount that can be attached to submerged vessel hulls with the skipper’s approval.
When choosing a team to carry out marine-based filming, you should look beyond impressive shots. A good videography team should have a thorough understanding of the safety and planning requirements necessary for filming at sea, as well as a full understanding of how the environment shapes your specific content.
Based in Plymouth, The Hundred Hands provides maritime filming across Devon and Cornwall. Please get in touch to discuss your next maritime filming project.
Stay Inspired
Get fresh design insights, articles, and resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Latest Blogs
Stay Inspired
Get fresh design insights, articles, and resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Behind the Scenes
Working at Sea: What Filmmakers Need to Know
Working at Sea: What Filmmakers Need to Know
Filming at sea is entirely different to filming on land. It requires more planning, maritime awareness and the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Below, we’ve given our top tips for staying safe whilst filming at sea and explained what to look for when choosing a maritime filming crew.
Filming at sea is entirely different to filming on land. It requires more planning, maritime awareness and the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Below, we’ve given our top tips for staying safe whilst filming at sea and explained what to look for when choosing a maritime filming crew.
Know the Risks
The sea can be dangerous, and it’s important to be fully aware of what could go wrong and take steps to mitigate this. Safety should always be the number one concern.
We recommend that at least one member of the film crew has relevant safety training or experience working at sea. Everyone onboard should attend the vessel’s safety briefing, understand the emergency procedures and respect the authority of the skipper and crew.
Lifejackets and other personal protective equipment should be worn in accordance with the risk assessment, the vessel’s procedures and the skipper’s instructions. Conditions can change quickly, so everyone must understand where they can safely work and how their movement could affect other operations onboard.
Communication, Risk Assessment and Insurance
Clear communication with the skipper is essential. They must be aware that filming is taking place onboard, what the crew intends to capture and what equipment will be used.
Before filming begins, everyone should agree on what operations will take place, where they will happen and how they will be carried out safely. A risk assessment should be submitted to the skipper and any other relevant persons onboard for approval.
You will also need to make sure you’re cleared by your insurance provider to work at sea. Your cover should reflect the environment, equipment and activities involved in the production.
Tides, weather, vessels and coastal operations are all in a constant state of movement. Filming points and timings should be planned in advance, while leaving enough flexibility to respond safely if conditions change.
Drone Operation and Preparing Your Kit
If operating a drone, relevant harbour authorities must be made aware where required. You may also need permission to film within certain airspace.
A risk assessment should be carried out with the client and vessel crew, clearly explaining what safety procedures will be followed. Flying a drone at sea can result in a significant financial loss when done wrong, so it’s important to have an experienced pilot who knows when it’s safe to operate and when it’s not.
Take-off and landing can be particularly challenging from a moving vessel. Wind, sea state, obstacles, other aircraft and the movement of people onboard must all be considered before a flight begins.
Always check over your kit before filming and ensure all batteries are fully charged. Working at sea means you may only have a limited window for filming, so your equipment should be in optimal condition before you begin. This is especially important when operating a drone. It’s never worth the risk of flying on a half-used battery.
Equipment should also be prepared for saltwater, spray and changing weather. Even when a camera is suitable for challenging environments, the crew must understand its limitations and have a safe system for handling, protecting and storing it onboard.
Why Choose Us for Maritime Filming?
The safety of our crew and clients is our number one priority. Our organisational standard is that at least one member of the film crew must hold relevant experience or qualifications to ensure everyone is safe.
Our founder, Drew Graves, has survival at sea training and an RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification. He also has over three years of experience working at sea and understands the language, procedures and expectations of maritime environments.
Drew’s experience includes filming sea trials, defence and marine autonomy projects, research operations, sailing, documentaries, interviews, submarines and subsurface activity. This has included work involving Plymouth Marine Laboratory, MSubs and the National Marine Aquarium. The Hundred Hands has also worked independently with the Royal Naval Sailing Association.
Our crew holds its own lifejackets and all-weather gear, attends all relevant safety briefings and respects the authority of those operating the vessel. Our lead drone operator is also in the final stage of completing the General VLOS Certificate, expanding our ability to undertake more complex commercial drone operations once certification is confirmed.
Not only do we have state-of-the-art gear, our crew knows how to capture dynamic marine-based content. From cinematic aerial shots showing the depth and expanse of the ocean to the finer details of its texture and movement, we understand how to create immersive footage that places audiences within the environment and gives credibility to any marketing campaign.
We know how to conduct interviews at sea, capture movement from a working vessel and adapt our approach around the conditions. Our drone is capable of operating from vessels when the weather, location and permissions allow. We also have an underwater 360 camera and a specialist suction mount that can be attached to submerged vessel hulls with the skipper’s approval.
When choosing a team to carry out marine-based filming, you should look beyond impressive shots. A good videography team should have a thorough understanding of the safety and planning requirements necessary for filming at sea, as well as a full understanding of how the environment shapes your specific content.
Based in Plymouth, The Hundred Hands provides maritime filming across Devon and Cornwall. Please get in touch to discuss your next maritime filming project.
Stay Inspired
Get fresh design insights, articles, and resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Latest Blogs
Stay Inspired
Get fresh design insights, articles, and resources delivered straight to your inbox.