School of Maritime Survival Training Activities

DAMAGE CONTROL

Imagine being on a simulator which rocks between 0-20 degrees from side to side. With the lights off up to 200 tons of water pours in through holes in the deck, sides and ceilings. The team onboard must plug the holes with wooden wedges and stop the ship from sinking.

It may sound daunting and even dangerous, but the unit is designed to be as safe as possible and can be emptied in just 30 seconds.

FIREFIGHTING

Similar to a domestic gas appliance fires within the fire fighting training units can be switched on at the touch of button and the flame increased to provide more heat, thus providing a realistic but safe training environment.

Temperatures in the units can reach 300 degrees and smoke can be added to test the individual's knowledge and courage.

The units can simulate anything from a fire in a bunk in the living areas to a blaze to a chip pan in the galley or the most serious, a fire in the engine room.

FIRST AID

Facilities at the First Aid School include a mock-up of a ship and a decommissioned helicopter, both of which can be used to simulate an incident.

Fake blood and other props are used to make-up the casualties and provide realism to the training.

By the end of the course students administer immediate and effective first aid both in peace time and in operations.

CHEMICAL TRAINING

The Royal Navy needs to be able to work in any environment so all personnel are trained and must be fully competent in what to do in the event of a chemical attack.

Sailors are issued with a gas respirator during initial training and then put in a chamber topped up with CS gas to ensure it is the correct fit.

Respirators need to be kept in date so the school provides a one shop stop where respirators can be checked and reissued as required.