Loreto pupils inspired on an educational visit around HMS SCOTT.
Thursday 17th November, year 6 pupils were on-board HMS Scott whilst it is docked in Gibraltar as part of its routine operations. HMS Scott is an ocean survey vessel and is the third Royal Navy ship to carry the name. She is the only vessel of her class and can remain at sea for up to 300 days a year, thanks to her novel crew rotation system. Not only is she the largest vessel in the Royal Navy’s Hydrographic Squadron, and the fourth largest in the entire fleet, but she is also the largest survey vessel in Western Europe.
Lieutenant George Alldridge greeted the pupils on shore, a briefing was given about the ship and its operations and then on board the pupils went. Walking up the steep gantry, group at a time the pupils went off in different directions – this involved a climb up nine stories to the Bridge, down to the stern and three decks to the Engine Room or to the bow and one to the general stores. The pupils definitely had a well-planned and action packed tour of the ship arranged for them. On the bridge the pupils were amazed that it only takes two crew to operate the ship’s movements whilst at sea. Pupils were shown how the ship is navigated and controlled along with the ships main function of scanning the sea bed. The pupils were able to experience sitting in the captains and chief navigators chairs to take on board the views of Gibraltar from the bridge. Even though HMS Scott is a survey ship, the pupils were shown that the crew are still require to defend the ship. They were shown the personal combat clothing that is worn along with an SA-80 weapon, all of which the pupils wore and held. Pupils were then given a demonstration of the ships barrel gun, this fires 3000 round per minute and also saw the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).
One deck below, in the stern of the ship is the General Stores, even a spare propeller blade is stored, just in case! Pupils were given a talk about the ships logistics and stores contents. Pupils were also shown the fire fighting equipment that all the ship’s crew are trained to use. Pupils were again able to try on the protective equipment and see what it would be like to communicate through the wireless communications built-in to the helmets. With a walk around the ships main deck, and in the fresh air, pupils saw our newly built Kusuma Sports Hall in the distance. The machinery Control Room was 2 decks below, here the ship’s crew can control and maintain all the electrical and mechanical systems. With a fully functioning Engineers workshop, which consisted of a welding bay, horizontal band saw, milling machine, lathe amongst other equipment, this department is at the heart of keeping the ship running at all times. One deck below and the pupils were shown the two enormous nine cylinder engines. These typically use 30 cubic square litres (CSL) of fuel a day, with the ship carrying when full 1000 CSL and have 152 rotations per minute, at the maximum producing over 18 knots. Also in the engine room were all the water purifications systems to produce and pump fresh drinkable water, and heat hot water. They also have an on board sewage treatment process which converts and breaks down waste through chemical processing, leaving clean water which is pumped overboard.
The pupils asked some wonderful and inquisitive questions during their tour of HMS Scott and found out some excellent facts, included above. All the pupils and accompanying staff wish to thank Lieutenant George Alldridge and the team of Lieutenants and ship’s crew who gave the tours and spoke so professionally to our pupils. We wish you safe travels on your next venture.
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