Training the next generation of submariners

Opportunity

HM Naval Base Clyde, located at Faslane on the Gare Loch, western Scotland, is home to the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear submarines. As part of a 10-year, £1.3bn programme of work to extend and modernise the base, it was decided to provide a centre of specialisation for the Royal Navy Submarine Service (RNSS) that could consolidate submarine training into one location for the first time. This would consist of three distinct projects: Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment and Survival facility (SMERAS) which provides underwater experiential training; Submarine Training Facility (SMTF), a five-storey submariner’s school featuring classrooms, workshops, laboratories, experiential learning equipment and welfare facilities; and Training Facility Extension (TFE), a specialised training facility offering a mix of classroom and experiential workshops to support the new class of submarine entering service.

Solution

Mott MacDonald was employed directly by the UK Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) via their Principal Support Provider UK framework. Using the requirements provided by the training programme developers, we carried out initial assessment studies for each facility, and a commercial review to identify budgets and schedules. We identified the most suitable locations for the facilities, and then developed multidisciplinary concept designs for SMTF and SMERAS and full technical detailed designs for TFE. In addition, we assessed and developed a plan for construction that took account of all site constraints. We also provided commercial support, project controls, quantity surveying and project and programme management services across all the RIBA work stages; and supported DIO Commercial with procurement, contract management and site supervision for the construction phase.

Outcome

The training facilities provide modern and highly realistic training in bespoke classrooms and through use of simulators, which will establish HMNB Clyde as the main training destination for the Navy’s submariners. Each of the three facilities achieved their Local Authority planning approvals with minimal numbers of conditions, enabling procurement and construction to proceed without difficulty. The first enabling works contract was in place in early 2017; SMERAS was handed over in July 2020; and the final facility is due for handover in spring 2024.

Captain Iain Breckenridge, Captain of submarine training with the Royal Navy’s Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) organisation at HMNB Clyde, said: “These are exciting times for all submariners. With training delivery being reshaped to provide modern and highly realistic training in classrooms, simulators, by virtual and synthetic means, as well as online, it means submariners no longer have to travel to different locations to train. Everything will be delivered at HMNB Clyde helping to improve their career and domestic balance. The creation of the SMERAS has already placed the Submarine Service at the leading-edge of escape training and the creation of the submarine training facility will place us at the forefront of all submarine training.”

These are exciting times for all submariners. With training delivery being reshaped to provide modern and highly realistic training in classrooms, simulators, by virtual and synthetic means, as well as online, it means submariners no longer have to travel to different locations to train. Everything will be delivered at HMNB Clyde helping to improve their career and domestic balance. The creation of the SMERAS has already placed the Submarine Service at the leading-edge of escape training and the creation of the submarine training facility will place us at the forefront of all submarine training.

Captain Iain Breckenridge

Captain of submarine training with the Royal Navy’s Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) organisation