HMS Scott record-breaking summer

The Navy’s largest survey vessel has collected reams of information over an area of ocean covering 80,000 square kilometres – about the size of Austria.

The Plymouth-based vessel typically spends the summer in the North Atlantic and winters in cooler climes, hoovering up data about the oceans which will assist naval operations and seafarers in general through updating charts used to safely guide ships the world over.

The Covid pandemic scuppered any plans to operate along the Eastern Seaboard from ports in Canada and the USA.

Instead, using Falmouth and Plymouth as her bases, the ship has concentrated her efforts around the UK, including one six-week patrol where she collected more data than in any previous stint at sea during her 23-year career.

“Whilst HMS Scott has been surveying the North Atlantic for much of her 23 year life, there are still large areas which have not been surveyed in any detail and, with just 18 months left before decommissioning, the UK Hydrographic Office and Ministry of Defence have given us a very long ‘to do’ list,” said Commander James Baker, the ship’s Commanding Officer.

“The significantly longer periods at sea have been tiring and required both physical and mental stamina, especially as the weather has been unseasonably rough at times, but I’m pleased to say we have made excellent progress and are on track to tick off all of this summer’s list.”