Series 4 wraps filming on Tuesday 16th of February 2010, Hal and Di have answered some quick questions in the lead up to the new series – sounds like we’re in for some surprises… Read on…

1 ) So the question everyone is asking – when will series 4 air?

Not sure, that’s a Network decision and they haven’t told us. We’re guessing the first half of 2010. But we don’t deliver the first episode, complete with music etc., until the beginning of April. The editing and sound takes 8 weeks for each episode.

2 ) You’ve seen the new guys in action, looking at them from a fans perspective, do you think we’ll be happy with them?

They’ll love them. Everyone will love them because they’re both fine actors and nice with it. So they fitted in fast and had a lot of fun doing so.

3 ) Does series 4 continue to raise the bar you’re setting for the production?

Yes it does. More exotic locations, more action, bigger action, more romance too. And of course 16 episodes this time.

4 ) What can we expect this series? Any surprises? Anything to look out for?

Romance with a Capital ‘R’! And someone’s gonna go!

5 ) Now that you only have 9 central characters, will this make it easier to show more character focused storylines?

Even with 9 characters it’s always a juggle scene to scene, episode to episode, to get the balance between the characters right, then in turn the balance between character stories and the action sequences. But we’re getting better – and more comedy is emerging.

6 ) Now that there are more episodes and no continuous storyline, will we be seeing any shore based episodes dealing with the characters personal lives?

Yes, there’s more shore based stories and insights into the characters personal lives but as we said above, you have to maintain the right balance. A lot of our audience love the action and we don’t want to disappoint by becoming too soapy. And the show really is ‘a day in the life of HMAS Hamersley and its crew’.

7 ) In the first few series there were some concerns from some fans that navy regulations were being ignored with the romantic storylines. Are you going to continue to maintain the non fraternisation rule? ( The recent ads seem to imply otherwise.)

Actually the Navy regulations as regards non fraternisation between people serving on the same ship are important rules that we respect and have used to keep our characters at arm’s length (so to speak) where others may have had them jumping into bed together. So we’ve been careful to avoid that. Stay tuned for Series 4, because we think our handling of the issue is just right.

8 ) You’ve been with the show for a fair few years now (research, writing, production etc)? Has the show lived up to your expectations? Are you proud of where it’s gone? Has it taken you places you never thought you would go?

Oh yes. We love it like it’s our own baby. We’re very proud of it and it’s been a joy to see it grow, change and mature. One of the exciting things about making a show like Sea Patrol is it develops a momentum of its own and it takes you on a surprising journey that you (we) could only barely imagine way back when. But just like a baby growing up, it’s a wonderful and satisfying journey, particularly when fans respond so positively. Thanks everyone. Hope you enjoy Series 4.