HMS Archer (P264)

HMS "Archer" (P264) is the lead ship of the "Archer"-class. As the lead ship she was one of the few of her class to be completed (in 1985) by Watercraft Marine, the original shipbuilders - most of the remaining vessels were completed or built by Vosper Thornycroft.

She is currently attached to Aberdeen Universities' Royal Naval Unit (URNU) and based in Aberdeen Harbour. As such, "Archer" is the most northerly homeported Royal Navy ship.

Early service

URNU service

"Archer" became the training ship of Aberdeen URNU in 1991, succeeding "Chaser"Fact|date=November 2007. The role of a training ship within each URNU is to provide opportunities for students to receive practical training and gain experience afloat. "Archer"'s current programme can be divided into 2 durations of training - a weekend or the longer deployments that take place during the university Easter and summer holidays.

Weekend's training usually take place in the vicinity of Aberdeen, sometimes with visits to nearby ports such as Buckie, Peterhead or Montrose. Activities onboard include navigation and seamanship training, breakdown or man overboard exercises and visits from local dignitaries or senior RN officers.

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Crew composition

"Archer" is permanently crewed by 5 Royal Navy personnel, captained by a Lieutenant. Chief Petty Officers fill the roles of Executive Officer and Marine Engineering Officer, and the yeoman and Weapons Engineering Officer are junior rates of the appropriate service branches.

With students embarked (up to a maximum of 12), a training officer is usually present who is typically an RNR Lieutenant or Sub-Lieutenant.

External links

* [http://www.aurnu.co.uk Aberdeen Universities Royal Naval Unit]
* [http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.2959 HMS Archer (Aberdeen)]