§ Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for defence whether he will describe the nature and duration of the courses relating to nuclear reactor technology and operations given to Royal Navy personnel selected to operate and supervise pressurised-water reactor type nuclear reactors in Her Majesty's submarines; and whether a reactor is used in such training.
§ Mr. FreemanThe courses are as follows: 689W
Title Duration Nature Nuclear Reactor Course 26 weeks To provide students with the necessary knowledge to operate and supervise naval nuclear propulsion plants Officers' Nuclear Operator Course 10 weeks To provide students with detailed knowledge of the submarine propulsion plant and experience in operating a plan simulator under normal and emergency conditions Nuclear Propulsion Short Course 11 weeks To ensure that Marine Engineering Artificers have a general understanding of reactor principles, and an adequate knowledge of systems and major equipment of a submarine plant. Nuclear Propulsion Long Course 26 weeks To ensure that senior technical ratings are fully aware of the principles underlying the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the pressurised water reactor and associated propulsion plant, and auxiliary machinery fitted in nuclear submarines. Reactors are not used in these courses, although students may be shown a reactor during their training.