Flag Officer Sea Training North

FOST(N), based at HMNB Clyde, provides Operational Sea Training (OST) for the vessels ported at Faslane, with training delivered as and when required throughout a unit’s life. FOST also supports both individual and collective training ashore for submarines.

Tier One training focuses on the unit level – where vessels have tailored programmes to suit their individual operational needs.

At HMNB Clyde extensive sea and shore training is conducted for all classes of submarines, including the Trident force. Like their surface counterparts, submarines undergo a demanding training regime which includes both safety and operational training. This ensures that submarines can operated safely, both at sea and in harbour. The Submarine Command Course is better known as ‘The Perisher’ and is also part of the FOST remit.

Also based at HMNB Clyde is FOST MPV who is responsible for training the Mine Clearance, Patrol and coastal survey vessels of the Royal Navy.

Tier Two training focuses on Joint training courses, working alongside the RAF and Army, and takes place three times a year.

The Joint Maritime Course (JMC) is conducted off the North West of Scotland with many of the participants berthing at HMNB Clyde.

The first week of the JMC usually sees vessels work-up a serialised programme, overlaid by a scenario featuring increasing tension, operational preparations and Rules of Engagement.

The second week develops that scenario and has extensive free play, with more challenging, multi-threat exercises and a greater requirement of planning and decision making by the commanders at sea.

The JMC can include up to 50 ships, five submarines and well over 100 aircrafts making it one of the largest NATO exercises.