Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) are in the middle of a programme to build and deliver 38 SEA Class workboats used in various roles by RN. In this photo and video essay, we take a look at the Officer Training variant.
7 of the 8 new Officer Training Boats (OTB) have been delivered to Britannia Royal Naval College since November 2020. The final boat of the class was on show as DSEI in London and will be delivered to Dartmouth shortly. The new craft are a step-change from their predecessors, replacing the sedate picket boats of a bye-gone era. At the time of writing, the new OTBs are not yet being used for training at BRNC while new operating procedures and training manuals are still being developed to exploit the full potential of these very different vessels.
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OTB-8 alongside and on display at Royal Victoria Dock, 17 Sept 2021. (Photos: Navy Lookout) -
The training pelorus is the main feature of the small quarterdeck. From this angle, it is clear how the removable classroom module is fitted into the main boat behind the cabin forward. -
The original specification called for a top speed of 24 knots fully loaded. This requirement has been considerably exceeded and they can reach 28 knots. At higher speeds, the stern digs in considerably as the bows raise. -
The steerable waterjets make the boats extremely manoeuvrable, they minimise noise and vibration and the boat is safer to operate in shallow water without rudders or propellers extending below the hull. -
The catamaran hull form allows for greater beam and better stability compared to a monohull of similar displacement. -
The OTBs will replace the classic P1000 picket boats at Dartmouth, based on the Nelson-45 commercial cruiser – a design dating from the 1960s.
OTBs will mainly be used during the Maritime Leadership (MARL) phase of officer training where cadets learn the basics of seamanship, boat handling, navigation, planning and conduct simulated exercises. The new boats have greater range, speed and improved accommodation compared with the picket boats, potentially enabling much longer training cruises. The modern navigational equipment fit is much closer to what cadets will find on the bridge of ships in the fleet and the boats will provide a better preparation for trainees.
The OTB is based on the 15m SEA class but the main classroom area is a separate module that is bolted to a common hull used by all types of boat. Although there is some equipment the needs to be connected up, in theory, the road-transportable modules can be removed and changed over, allowing the boats re-roled within around 48 hours if required. There is also commonality of components across the class using the same Hamilton waterjets, diesel engines, steering and controls, seating and navigation. This makes for simplified logistic support and familiarity for users across the fleet. The SEA class represents an example of a sensible, value-for-money procurement and is another success story for UK marine industrial manufacturing.
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The main cabin area has seats for up to 12 cadets. Upfront there is a 42-inch flat-screen, a small chart table, and compass pelorus used for teaching purposes. Behind the seats, there is a small ‘break out area’ with communal seating and a folding table to port. -
The helm position is on the port side with a simple wheel and twin throttle controls. -
Beside the helmsman, there are a further three seats, primarily for use by the instructing staff as well as screens for the navigational radar and Warship Electronic Chart Display and Information System (WECDIS) used throughout the RN fleet. -
All the SEA class boats feature shock-mitigation seats. Because the boats are capable of very high speeds, hard turns and rapid stopping, seatbelts and shock seats are important for safety and comfort. Galley facilities (right) are limited to a microwave, hot water urn and a small sink. -
There are two small 2-person cabins, port and starboard in the bows, each with a compact en-suite shower/toilet (left). This arrangement allows female cadets to be accommodated separately to male cadets. -
There is a 6-person bunk space on the port aft side of the boat. -
There are a further 3 bunks on the starboard side adjacent to the exit door. -
This is the visualisation of the proposed OTB layout from the 2017 Project VAHANA plan. There most significant subsequent modifications are the deletion of three of the bunks on the starboard side and the main bunk space being in a fore and aft arrangement instead of athwartships.
So far AEUK has delivered the majority of the SEA class workboats, are about to complete the Passenger Transfer Boats for the aircraft carriers and HNMB Hebe is already in service as an autonomous mine warfare platform. With the completion of OTB deliveries, the company is now manufacturing the diving support boats and they will be followed by the survey boats.
All looking very ship shape, so congrats to Atlas UK.
At one point weren’t these (and the Gib patrol replacements) expected to be built by Safehaven? Was that just rumour or did something happen?
Sounds like a really good bit of procurement.
It’s easy to look at the 75 or so commissioned vessels in the Royal Navy and bemoan how it’s shrunk but it’s always worth taking into account that lots of other navies count everything that floats whereas the UK has the RFA, these workboats and the sizeable Serco operated auxiliary service all of which remain separate!
And all the Royal Marines craft, must be hundreds. We should include the marines gun/atack boats and landing craft into the figures.
What do people think about the RM losing their hovercraft? Surely very handy and we Should keep them, no/yes??..
Yes. Considering the moves being made for the RM it was a surprise.
Fantastic company. Super boats.
We just need a sailing vessel now………..
I don’t think they look that great, I’m sure function is great though but I wish they looked a bit more badass.
Oh.
HMS Cutlass, Gibraltar Squadron’s new patrol boat, undergoes sea trials (chronicle.gi)
Also on 1SL twitter with a video.
First Sea Lord on Twitter: “Impressive to see HMS Cutlass, which will soon join the @RNGibSqn, going through her paces achieving 41 kts in #Liverpool. ?? @RoyalNavy @MODGibraltar @VAdmCGardner @CdrePWaterhouse https://t.co/IpJl7RILgU” / Twitter
Nice. Thanks for those links.
I see Cutlass is FFBNW a .50 cal, whereas the Archers are FFBNW a 20mm HMG. Do you think we should be worried that the new craft don’t have smaller guns than the P2000s don’t have? ?
To the best of my recollection none of the Archers have had a 20mm fitted despite being designed to take one so I wouldn’t say it’s a problem.
GPMG’s and a .50 cal are perfectly suitable for day to day Gibraltar Squadron tasks.
No CIWS and sea ceptor!!!!
Cutlas has gpmg, 50 not fitted
Same as P2000s and Archers – I don’t think they were ever armed with anything heavier.
Are these named?, And we should add them to the total number of RN boats/ships, even if to just make our navy look that bit bigger and more threatening on paper , other navys include these kind of boats in their figures.
Some of the workboats are, but unlike Magpie they aren’t commissioned
The PTBs for QE are named Swordfish, Buccaneer, Sea Vixen and Sea Harrier.
The first PTBs for PoW is named Walrus and there was a suggestion that the other two might be Ganet and Sea Hawk. I think these were SEA Class built under sub-contract.
Not sure about the OTBs
Presumably these are for inshore / sheltered water training with their blunt bows and flat bottoms?
Yes. Paddling around Dartmouth and the south Devon coast.
Perfect for that, thanks.
The pickets they are replacing are riverine these days (although some in the past have been taken cross channel). They’re changing the training regime to take advantage of the enhanced coastal capabilities of these new boats.
https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/december/07/201207-brnc-boats
Is there an Admirals barge version?