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New submariners welcomed into Service
29 March 2016
Two newly qualified submariners were welcomed into the Submarine Service on 11 March 2016.
Able Seamen (Logistics)(Submarines) Michael Davis and Jake Findlater have successfully completed the Submarine Qualification Procedures (SMQ) course and acquired the expertise and knowledge at sea required to become fully qualified submariners.
Both men completed the traditional submariner ceremony of receiving their dolphin badges in a glass of rum, which they drink while catching their badges between their teeth.
"Becoming vital members of the small, and very proud band of elite submariners is a terrific reward for all of Davis and Findlater's hard work," said Captain of the Submarine Flotilla, Captain Scott Bower RN.
Becoming vital members of the small, and very proud band of elite submariners is a terrific reward for all of Davis and Findlater's hard work.
The SMQ is designed to instil the required standards of absolute professionalism demanded by the Service's ethos. They are required to demonstrate an intimate and instinctive knowledge of more than the 30 complex engineering systems which operate their nuclear submarine and keep its crew safe.
Their knowledge of each individual system is tested by departmental Senior Rates before each candidate is allowed to attempt their Submarine Qualification Board, presided over by a Submarine Qualified Officer and Warrant Officer.
Captain Bower presented the two with their dolphin badges – which marks then out as qualified submariners – on Trafalgar Class boat HMS Talent. The pair had completed the sea time element of their training on HMS Triumph.
The presentation took place in front of the Ship’s Company of the submarine which is currently undergoing a maintenance package in the Submarine Refit Complex in Devonport Dockyard.