UK: RN Submarine School Recognised as ‘Approved Centre’

Trainee submariners passing through their dedicated school at HMS Raleigh now earn a qualification recognised by industry should they leave the Silent Service. The RN Submarine School has become the first Armed Forces training school to be recognised as an ‘approved centre’ for the instruction it delivers.

Training provided to new ‘deeps’ at the RN Submarine School at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint is now accredited, giving the recruits a qualification recognised by employers in the UK Submarine Enterprise – the alliance of industry and the military which helps to sustain critical skills necessary to support the UK’s nuclear submarine programme.

That accreditation comes courtesy of the ‘approved centre’ title given to the Submarine School by the Defence Awarding Organisation, an awarding body authorised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation Ofqual.

During 14 weeks training, fledgling submariners learn how to operate radar, electronic listening and advanced combat systems which uses information obtained from onboard sensors, including sonar and periscopes, to calculate a tactical picture that enables a boat’s command to keep the submarine safe, undetected and – allow them to make tactical decisions.

Successfully completing their stint at Raleigh, the students can progress to their submarine qualification course, which will teach them how to operate beneath the waves.

“Becoming the first Armed Forces school to become an approved centre by the Defence Awarding Organisation and have the ability to issue certificates autonomously is a positive step for the school and for our students,” explained the submarine school’s Lt Cdr Paul Hardacre.

“It provides them with documentary evidence of the competences they have gained during training and acknowledges their personal development.

“The qualification will be recognisable to civilian employers and help our submariners pursue a second career when their time comes to leave the Service.

“We have plans to expand and accredit the other Warfare based courses provided at the school to leading hands and petty officers. We are also investigating opportunities to accredit officer training.”

Flag Officer Sea Training, Rear Admiral Clive Johnstone, presented the school with its plaque of recognition. He also presented certificates to students who became the first to complete an accredited course.

At a separate event Chief Strategic System Executive, Rear Admiral Steve Lloyd, opened the Trident Engineering Support Trainer (TEST) in Faslane, a centre which will help train MOD and industry partners, assuring continued support to the UK/US capability and development of the ‘Submarine Centre of Specialisation’ on the Clyde.

The TEST facility is under the command of FOST North and will help train people, giving them the skills necessary to sustain the UK’s round-the-clock deterrent programme.

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Naval Today Staff, July 10, 2012; Image: Royal Navy