RFA Wave Ruler gives Bristol reservists an insight into life at sea

Bristol reservists were given an insight into the ships which keep the RN going around the world when they joined RFA Wave Ruler in Portland.

Six RNR recruits from HMS Flying Fox, along with their Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Paul Andrews and their instructor, clambered aboard the 31,000-tonne vessel as she took a brief break from providing fuel for British and Allied warships going through Operational Sea Training off Plymouth.

This was the recruits first ever visit to a Royal Fleet Auxiliary with the sole aim of getting a feel for life onboard a ship in general is all about.

After an initial safety brief and despite the rather chilly weather they were given an upper deck tour by 4/O(X) Lee Blair and CDT(X) David Turner who took them to explain the arts of anchoring and mooring.

On the bridge the reservists learned about navigational aids available to the crew and the duties of the Officer of the Watch.

Cdt Turner provided details of what Wave Ruler's can do - a ship's capability brief which included how fast the ship can go, how much fuel Wave Ruler can hold and how it supplies the fuel to other ships whilst at sea.

A quick tour of the accommodation areas, flight deck and hospital was squeezed in before it was time for some traditional RFA weekend fare of bangers, beans and mash.

"The RNR is an integral part of the UKs maritime defence and the RFA works very closely with them," said Wave Ruler's Executive Officer Martin Jones.

"Many RNR personnel are assigned to RFA's during their period of service and it is always a pleasure to provide that little snapshot of life at sea to the recruits."