Other titles:ROUTES OCEANES... VOIES VITALES (French title) [Alternative Title]
DE VITALE ZEEROUTE (Dutch title) [Alternative Title]
DEN STORE ALLFARVEIEN (Norwegian title) [Alternative Title]
NATO DOCUMENTARIES [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: A North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) film looking at how the NATO nations depend on the freedom of the seas for trade and how they group their resources to protect vital shipping lanes from potential Soviet aggression. STANAVFORNLANT, vital to the protection of the seas, is profiled as an important multi-national deterrence.
Description: A brief historic overview of trade and shipping, from 19th century sailing vessels to giant oil-tankers. Followed by an explanation of how the oceans vital shipping lanes connect civilisations by trade.
The film looks at the enormous amount of trade that is carried via the oceans in the 1960s. A giant oil tanker is profiled to provide a sense of scale. The capacity of the oceans to carry such large volumes of trade is nonetheless potential security risk. This reliance is demonstrated by a graphic, leading to an explanation of why it is important to protect against potential aggressors.
NATO are shown to be vital in maintaining the security of oceans, especially in regard to the threat posed by the Soviet Union. A brief presentation demonstrates the size and strategic manoeuvrability of the Soviet fleet. Further analysis covers: Soviet Delta-class submarines, helicopter carriers, aircraft carriers, destroyers and various support vessels.
Admiral of the Fleet Sir Peter Hill-Norton gives a brief explanation of why NATO efforts to protect against the threat of the Soviet Union are proportionate and reaffirms that NATO are up to the task. A detailed look at the NATO vessels and aircraft used to protect the oceans and how the various NATO nations contribute. A Dutch observation aircraft is profiled in more detail. Followed by an American cruiser, the USS South Carolina, and the “vital” aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines also used in the fleet.
The film examines STANAVFORNLANT, a permanent peacetime naval force of eight nations under NATO command. A profile of the vessels that make-up this force show how its capacity to both monitor and attack a potential enemy targets helps to ensure the security of the oceans through deterrence. This includes a simulated attack on an enemy submarine.
Alternative Title:ROUTES OCEANES... VOIES VITALES (French title) [Alternative Title]
DE VITALE ZEEROUTE (Dutch title) [Alternative Title]
DEN STORE ALLFARVEIEN (Norwegian title) [Alternative Title]
NATO DOCUMENTARIES [Allocated Series Title]
Colour:Colour
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:NAT 2066
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM NATO
Featured Period:
Production Date:1976
Production Country:
Production Details: NATO INFORMATION SERVICE (Production company)
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Production sponsor)
Guild Sound and Vision (Distributor)
Sandoz, Henry ()
Flammang, Jean-Pierre ()
Athos Film Productions ()
De Cock, Jos ()
Fronteau, René ()
