Role
The principal role of HMS Tyne is to enforce fishery regulations in UK waters, working on behalf of the Marine Management Organisation to make sure fishing vessels stick to quotas and rules.
HMS Tyne (P281)
HMS Tyne typically operates in the UK and NE European waters carrying out Maritime Security tasks, protecting the UK’s interests and remaining ready to carry out marine enforcement operations.
Capability
The first of the Royal Navy’s original generation of River Class ships, HMS Tyne has been serving the nation since the summer of 2003.
Working for the Fishery Protection Squadron - the oldest formation in the Royal Navy - and, more recently, the Offshore Patrol Squadron, HMS Tyne is one of the busiest ships in the Fleet, typically at sea around 190 days every year.
She is affiliated with the borough of North Tyneside.
Crew
Led by Lieutenant Commander Alex Knight, HMS Tyne rotates her crew roughly every fortnight and is almost constantly at sea in home waters, making her ideal as the eyes and ears of the Navy around the UK.
Meeting the public at events across the UK – more UK ports are open to River Class ships than their larger cousins the T23 or T45 - HMS Tyne regularly flies the flag in these less well-visited areas.
Providing a training platform for navigation courses, the crew of HMS Tyne was directly responsible for facilitating the training and assessment of 27 newly qualified RN Navigators in 2017 alone.
Unit history
1814
The First Tyne
The first HMS Tyne was a 28-gun 6th rate launched at Topsham. In 1823, her boats captured the pirate schooner Zaragozana in the Bahamas. She was sold in 1825.
1826
The Second Tyne
This 8-gun 6th rate saw service in North American waters, then transferred to the South America station, sailing more than 82,000 miles.
1826
Crimean War
Her last three commissions were spent in the Mediterranean. In 1854-55 she earned her first battle honour for the Crimean War.
1867
A short-lived ship!
36-gun fifth rate HMS Active was renamed HMS Tyne (the third) but became HMS Durham in November.
1909
The Fourth Tyne
The Moss Line Merchant ship SS Mariotis was purchased for completion as a troopship and store carrier, though sadly sank in 1920.
1938
The Fifth HMS Tyne
Laid down in 1938 as a destroyer depot ship. She launched in 1940.
1944
Flagship
She became the flagship of Rear Admiral (Destroyers), Home Fleet until 1944, when she left Scapa for her first refit since commissioning.
1945
British Pacific Fleet
After a work-up at Scapa, HMS Tyne sailed for Ceylon and arrived at Trincomalee in December.
1950
Flying the flag in the Med
After a refit at Devonport, she returned to service in 1950, joining the Mediterranean Fleet as the flagship of Flag Officer Flotillas.
1954
Flagship of the Commander-in-Chief
In 1954 she was refitted and converted for use as the flagship of the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet.
1961
HMS Tyne finally paid off
Placed in operational reserve and employed as a harbour accommodation ship. She was eventually sold for recyling in 1972.
2013
HMS Tyne 10-year anniversary
She underwent a major refit to become our most up-to-date RCOPV – the Ship’s Company commissioned a portrait to celebrate!
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