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HMS Explorer (P164)

HMS Explorer provides hands-on experience for students from Leeds, Sheffield and Hull – she’s the sea training vessel for Yorkshire Universities Royal Naval Unit.

Facts & figures

Facts & figures

70 years

Combined experience of Ship's Company

550+ miles

Endurance at 22 knots

54 tonnes

Total displacement

Our skills

Our skills

Explorer plays a unique and valued role engaging the public, inspiring the next generation and getting involved in Baltic operations.

  • Young people who are interested in the Royal Navy learn about leadership and fraternity as they gain practical skills.
  • Though just 21 metres long, Explorer has deployed as far as the Baltic.
  • She also plays an important role representing the Royal Navy in smaller ports where larger ships in the fleet are unable to visit.
  • The Ship’s Company are skilled outside of their core roles – Engineers handle lines while working Part of Ship, and Warfare Ratings cook meals for everyone.

Our operations

Current operation

University Training

United Kingdom

Broadening the understanding of the Royal Navy among university students by offering them a taste of life at sea.

Our base

Our base

HMNB Portsmouth

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Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Owen Long

All about HMS Explorer

HMS Explorer has a busy, diverse role which spans training students, getting out there and engaging with the public in smaller ports where large vessels won’t fit, and deploying to the Baltic to work with NATO Allies.

Undergraduates from universities all over Yorkshire join the team to learn more about the Royal Navy. They’re a diverse bunch – studying degree programmes from art to engineering – though they share a positive attitude to embrace new challenges, and the potential to become the leaders of tomorrow.

The Yorkshire Universities Royal Naval Unit welcomes new recruits in September each year. There’s no liability for call up, and you can expect a friendly welcoming atmosphere, alongside adventures and experiences you won’t forget.

Unit history

Royal Navy careers

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