NO Allied ship comes closer to the shores of Iraq than HMS Chatham.

Days ago, she was already in position as little as 10 miles from the southern tip of Saddam Hussein's domain. The 485-foot frigate was poised for immediate action.

The Chatham nicknamed the 'up and at 'em' is loaded with missiles and torpedoes, and boasts a powerful gun which could be used to bombard targets miles inland.

And unlike most of the allied fleet, the crew already has extensive experience in negotiating the wrecks and sandbanks which can lurk less than 30 feet beneath the surface.

The detachment of Royal Marines on board repeatedly confronted potentially hostile foreign ships in recent weeks in the search for oil smuggled out of Iraq.

Marine Sergeant Simon Dack, 29, said his team were well used to wielding weapons within missile range of Saddam Hussein.

Sgt Dack said: "We've done more than 90 boardings since December. We go out in two rigid inflatable boats, Sealion and Dolphin, and can be away from the ship for seven hours."

Now war has been declared on Iraq, the policing activities of the Marines will cease, but Sgt Dack and his colleagues are likely to be take on an even more hazardous role.

Marine Richard Davison, 30, said: "We already face danger every time we go out on the water, and we're ready to do whatever they want us to do."

At the helm of the Chatham is Captain Michael Cochrane, 44, whose ancestors were commanding Royal Navy ships in Napoleonic times.

The Navy, he said, could play a uniquely adaptable role in the conflict.

Capt Cochrane said: "We can lean over the fence or pull back while diplomacy is going on. It's why ministers know maritime power is so useful.

"Ships can move hundreds of miles in a day, and stay there."

The Chatham, of course, would only take a matter of minutes to position itself for attack on Iraq.

Capt Cochrane added: "Chatham is a key ship in this area. We're extremely well equipped with sensors, and our beady eye can stretch a very long way to see who's where and who's doing what.

"We're at the sharp end here and we're ready for the lot."