"Training people in hydrography, meteorology and oceanography...ready to fight and win"

The Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic Training Group (HMTG) is located within HMS Drake, part of Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) in Devonport, Plymouth. It was opened in April 2003 by the then Commander in Chief Fleet,  Admiral Sir Jonathon Band when the former "Droggy" and "Met" schools were collocated.

HMTG trains specialist Officers and Ratings of the Royal Navy's Warfare Branch to provide a thorough understanding of the complex physical environment in which the ships, aircraft, submarines and people of the Royal and Royal Marines operate.

Training School (HMS Drake) HMTG delivers internationally renowned training for RN personnel as well as students sponsored by foreign governments and have recently hosted students from as far afield as Australia, Denmark, The Netherlands and New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, The Seychelles and The United States. Courses inevitably contain a good measure of theory and science but major upon the practical skills and experience that prepare personnel for duties in sea-going and shore based jobs observing, recording, analysing and forecasting conditions from the seabed to the outer limits of the atmosphere.

The advent of multi-beam echo sounders, digital side-scan sonar, underwater unmanned vehicles, "on-screen" met analysis and satellite remote sensing are a few examples of to name but a few examples of technological developments that continue to revolutionise the HM business. Students use with the latest equipment and techniques throughout each course to ensure that they are fully prepared to work in all manner of roles in platforms that vary from the smallest to the largest in the Fleet.

Courses are nationally and internationally certified with accreditation provided by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), The University of Plymouth, the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Council and the Institute of Marine Engineers, Scientists and Technicians (IMarEST).

Small Motor Boat In the drive towards excellence, the Maritime Warfare School and HMTG are recognised by the government sponsored Investors In People (IIP) scheme whereby strict quality assurance and training standards are followed with regular reviews being carried out by an independent assessor.

Details of courses may be found on the International Defence Training website.

Through its partnering arrangement with Flagship Training Ltd, HMTG is able to offer bespoke courses to commercial and other government organisations. To discuss possibilities please contact the School's Business Development Manager on (01752) 556046.

Hydrographic and Coastal Survey Vessels