Royal Navy’s 39 junior submariners have recently completed their Submarine Qualifying Course (SMQ) at HM Naval Base Clyde.
There to witness the occasion was Rear Admiral John Weale, Rear Admiral Submarines (RASM), and Gillian and Jamie Molyneux, the wife and son of submariner and George Medal recipient Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux.
The Submarine Qualifying Course provides future submariners with the knowledge essential for joining their first Royal Navy submarine.
The course instills the absolute professionalism demanded by the Submarine Service with trainees required to demonstrate an intimate understanding of more than 30 complex engineering systems which operate the nuclear submarine and keep the crew safe.
The event also featured the presentation of the Molyneux Prize, the annual award presented to the best trainee in SMQ across three classes of submarine – Vanguard class, Astute class and Trafalgar class vessels.
Prospective submariners join SMQ (North) at HM Naval Base Clyde for the “dry phase” of their training – the part conducted on shore in both classroom teaching and instruction on board vessels alongside.
Before passing-out, the students have to complete a final exam, oral board and walk-rounds. If successful, the “wet phase” of their training begins where the students complete their SMQ training at sea on board a Royal Navy submarine.
It is only after completing both phases that students become fully fledged submariners entitled to wear the dolphins badge.