ANNEX B TO RNTM 291/05

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERSONNEL ATTENDING PJT/REQUALIFICATION COURSES AT THE SUBMARINE ESCAPE TRAINING TANK FORT BLOCKHOUSE.

Sponsor: OICSETT, FORT BLOCKHOUSE, Tel 9380 65108

References: A. FPN 018 (6401) – Submarine Escape Training and Requalification (Change 13).

B. BR1750A – Handbook of Royal Naval Medical Standards, Chapter 7 & 8.

Introduction

1. This RNTM details administrative details for all personnel attending courses at the Submarine Escape Training Tank (SETT), Fort Blockhouse, Gosport. The first section promulgates general information pertinent to all those attending SETT. Those personnel attending PJT/Requalification for ‘Pressurised’ training will, in addition, require to complete the additional medical requirements, detailed at Ref B and are outlined in Appendices 1 and 2, and heed the warnings prior to attending SETT. There are no medical pre-requisites for personnel attending for unpressurized training.

2. After completion of initial submarine escape training (SE001IPQ) valid for 3 years, all submariners are required to complete a further three pressurised requalification courses (SE002CPR), which are valid for 3.5 years. Thereafter all requalification courses will be un-pressurised (SE003AUR) in accordance with Ref A. Personnel who have any doubt about which course they are due to complete should contact the SETT Bookings co-ordinator to confirm. Failure to complete a pressurised re-qualification when due for any reason, will result in a one year un-pressurised qualification (SETT 1YR) being awarded. Courses dates are included in Appendix 3.

Contact telephone numbers for confirmation of bookings and queries are:

a. Military: 9380 65308

b. BT: 02392 765308

c. Fax: Military 9380 65393 or BT 02392 765393

Location

3. Fort Blockhouse is located in Haslar Road, Gosport and is best accessed by road from the M27 (J9 Fareham West or J11 Fareham Central). Follow signs for ‘GOSPORT’ and ‘Royal Hospital Haslar’ which is adjacent to the Fort Blockhouse site.

Transport

4. Road: A C30 (return) should be obtained from your parent unit. Personnel using their own transport are to allow sufficient time for passes to be issued on arrival. Hired cars are to be deposited at RH HASLAR Car Park, giving keys to the MGS staff, to await collection by hire car companies. Those with hire cars booked by parent units for return journeys will find the car, keys, and documentation available from the Main Gate. Personnel are reminded of the RN requirement to refuel hire cars prior to the end of the hire.

5. Rail: Portsmouth Harbour is the nearest railway station. Personnel are advised to use the Gosport ferry. Repayment of receipted taxi fares will only be made when public and service transport is not available.

Accommodation

6. Unless booked by parent unit, accommodation is not routinely booked for personnel joining for courses at the SETT. All personnel who require accommodation are to contact the Accommodation Office on Mil 9380 65807 BT 02392 765807. Accommodation is in very short supply and early booking is essential. DO NOT ARRIVE WITHOUT A BOOKING. Past experience has shown that personnel who arrive without pre-booking accommodation will need to make alternative arrangements elsewhere. As the courses are physically demanding, there are good health and safety reasons why travellers should join the evening before a course starts.

7. Officers should contact the Officers Mess Hall Porter on arrival. Warrant Officers and Senior Rates should report directly to the Hall Porter who will allocate accommodation, it should be noted that

Mess Incidental Expense charge is payable. Junior Rates are to report to the accommodation office. All accommodation is to be kept neat and tidy at all times and is subject to regular inspection.

Joining

8. Personnel are to report to SETT not later than 0800 on the first day of their course. Junior Ratings taking weekend leave or onward movements following a course are to bring warrants and leave passes from their parent establishment. Individual course programs determine timings for the “working day”, the requalification training program is full and on occasion may require working until 1700 on day one. Onward travel on completion of training should be arranged on the assumption that training will not be completed before 1630.

Dress

9. A high standard of dress is expected of all service personnel, both in and out of working hours. No 3 Dress is to be worn on the first day and thereafter the rig will be promulgated by the course Instructor. All courses require swimwear, towel, and suitable poolside footwear. Please note that hard contact lenses are not to be worn during ‘Wet’ modules. Suitable civilian attire is required for Dinning Hall/Messes.

Courses

10. Requalifiers and personnel attending the SETT for PJT, who have already completed 3 pressurised requalification courses after their initial pressurised course, will only be attending the unpressurized requalification course. All remaining personnel will be expected to undergo pressurised training and should read paragraphs 11 and 12 for their medical requirements and Warnings. Anyone in doubt to what training package applies should liaise with the Main Office on 9380 65308.

Additional Medical Information for Pressurised SETT Requalifiers

11. Pressurised submarine escape training is potentially hazardous. The following requirements must be met in accordance with Ref B, and failure to do so will result in you being unable to undergo training thus requiring repeat attendance. All medical queries should be a forwarded to the SETT Sick bay on 9380 65109.

a. You are to arrange, via your Sickbay, a full plate inspiration chest x-ray. The x-ray is valid for 12 months. At least 21 days should be allowed for the x-ray to be read and the result returned to your parent establishment for inclusion with the FMed SETT 1.

b. You should complete Section A of the FMed SETT 1, Appendix 1, and arrange a medical examination. Advice on completion the FMed SETT 1 is at Appendix 2. Sections A to C are to be completed not earlier than 14 days before attending SETT. The completed FMed SETT 1 and correctly annotated Vitalograph trace are to be brought with you.

c. If, following your medical examination, you develop any illness (including a simple cold) you must report this fact to your Sickbay to ensure your fitness for SETT is not affected.

General Information and Warnings for Pressurised SETT Requalifiers

12. Due to the potential hazards associated with pressurised submarine escape training the following warnings must be adhered to:

1. a. Alcohol is not to be consumed in the 24 hours prior to commencing any pressurised training (normally Day 2 of a PJT/Requalifying course, advance notice will be given if pressurised training will be carried out on day 1).

b. No blood is to be given during the 7 days prior to training.

c. Due to the potential risk of decompression illness (The Bends), flying is not allowed for 4 hours after completion of pressurised training – this should be borne in mind when arranging travel on completion of training.

d. You must not partake in any arduous or contact sports (e.g. marathon running, rugby etc.) for 24 hours before and after SETT training.

e. Ship’s or sports divers are not to conduct any diving in the 24 hours before and after SETT training.

Appendices:

1. Form FMed SETT 1.

2. Instructions to Medical Officers for completing FMED SETT 1.

3. Submarine Escape Training Tank – PJT / Requalifying courses.

APPENDIX 1 TO ANNEX B TO RNTM 291/05

YOU MUST BRING THIS FORM AND YOUR VITALOGRAPH BOTH CORRECTLY COMPLETED WITH YOU, WHEN YOU ATTEND THE SETT FOR REQUALIFICATION. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN YOU NOT BEING ALLOWED TO UNDERGO TRAINING. DO NOT FORWARD BY POST.

Name and Initials	Rank/Rate	Official No	D.O.B.	Age	Unit	SETT Date
Section A. – To be completed by trainee.
1. Did you have any difficulty with previous SETT training?					YES	NO
If “YES” then indicate (√) the type of problem below.
Bruised or burst eardrums
Difficulty in clearing ears
Painful sinuses
Dizziness or fainting
Other problem (describe)
2. Since you last qualified “Wet” SETT, have you suffered from any of the following problems?					YES	NO
Asthma, bronchitis, chest wheeze or frequent chesty colds
Pneumonia or chest infection
Collapsed lung
Tuberculosis or “TB”
Injury to, or operation on your chest
Head injury or Knocked unconscious
Fits, epilepsy, convulsions, fainting or dizzy spells
Migraines or severe headaches
Hay fever
Ear, nose or throat problems
Stomach ulcers or dyspepsia
Psychiatric or emotional illness
Asthma, bronchitis, chest wheeze or frequent chesty colds
Pneumonia or chest infection
3. Are you currently in good health? If “NO” please describe your medical problem below					YES	NO

4. Are you currently taking any medicines or pills?	YES	NO
If “YES” please name them below.

5. Smoking
			YES	NO
Are you a Non –smoker?
Are you an Ex-smoker?
Are you a Light smoker (under 10 cigarettes per day)?
Are you a Heavy smoker (more than 10 cigarettes per day)?
6. Sign and date this form in the spaces below.
Signature			Date
Section B. – To be completed by DO/COXN/UPO.
1. Service Fitness Test.
Has the trainee satisfactorily completed Royal Navy Fitness Test within the last 12 months?			YES	NO
Signature	Name	Rank/Rate	Unit	Date

Section C. – To be completed by medical branch rating.

1. PULHHEEMS Profile.

P

U

L

H

H

E

E

M

S

DATE

2. Preliminary examination.

Height (without shoes)

Cm

Weight

Kg

Pulse rate

Bpm

Blood pressure

MmHg

3. Chest X-Ray.

Date

Place

Reported normal

No

Yes

4. Spirometry – Attach “Vitalograph” trace.

FEV 1

FVC

BPM

%

FVC MUST EXCEED REFERENCE VALUE IN BR1750A APPENDIX III.

Brookes Petheridge Minimum (BPM) is the alternate name we use for these values. If below the reference value, PFT investigations prior to SETT attendance must be undertaken.

5. Audiometry – level in decibels

Right ear

Frequency

Left ear

8.000KHz

Sum HF

6.000KHz

Sum HF

4.000KHz

3.000KHz

Sum LF

2.000KHz

Sum LF

1.000KHz

500KHz

Section D. – To be completed by Unit Medical Officer.

1. Please comment on the information given in sections A and B. If you have nothing to add then write “No comment”, in the box below.

2. If the trainee’s FMed 4 contains any medical history that would not allow him to undertake pressurised submarine escape training please elaborate. If no, please write “No” in the box below.

3. Clinical examination
Cardiovascular system	Pulse rate normal?	Pulse character normal?	Heart sounds normal?
	YES/NO	YES/NO	YES/NO
Comments
Respiratory system	Air entry equal?	Breath sounds normal?	Added sounds?
	YES/NO	YES/NO	YES/NO
Comments
Central nervous system	Cranial nerves normal?	Limb reflexes normal?	Pupil reflexes normal?
	YES/NO	YES/NO	YES/NO
Comments
ENT system	Nasal airway patent?	Tym. Membrane intact?	Valsalva positive?
	YES/NO	YES/NO	YES/NO
Comments

4. Any further comment on this trainee?
YES		NO
5. Are you satisfied that the student is FIT IN ALL RESPECTS to undergo pressurised submarine escape training?
YES	NO
6. If you have any questions then contact PMO SETT or DPMO SETT at The Submarine Escape Training Tank, Fort Blockhouse, Gosport.
Telephone: Mil 9380 65109 PSTN: 02392 765991
Signature			Name	Rank	Unit	Date

Section E. – Comments of PMO SETT / DPMO SETT.

Date PMO SETT / DPMO SETT

APPENDIX 2 TO ANNEX B TO RNTM 291/05

INSTRUCTIONS TO MEDICAL OFFICERS FOR COMPLETING FMED SETT1

References: A. BR 1750A (Art. 0604)

B. BR 1750A (Art. 0409)

1. It is essential that the FMed SETT 1 is completed correctly. Failure to do so will undoubtedly result in the Requalifiers being returned to his ship/submarine/establishment untrained, resulting in a wasted place and unnecessary budgetary expenditure.

2. Requalifiers should be fit in accordance with Reference A. Each Requalifier should meet this standard and the following requirements:

a. Chest X-Ray: The x-ray is valid for 12 months and is to be taken in full inspiration. The x-ray must then be read by an RN Consultant Radiologist: currently at MDHU Derriford for Plymouth Command and RN Haslar for all other Commands. At least 21 days are required to ensure that they are read and the reports sent back to the parent establishment. The results and the x-ray reference numbers must be recorded on the FMed SETT 1. Do not send the X-Rays to the SETT.

b. Medical Examination: A complete medical examination should be conducted not more than 14 days prior to attending the SETT course.

c. Spirometry: The examination must include a lung function test using the Vitalograph in accordance with Reference A. The results of the Vitalograph are to be recorded on the FMed SETT 1. The Minimum FVC value, as predicted from age and height, should be read from the Brooks/Pethybridge tables (BR1750A appendix III) and entered into the appropriate box in Section B of the FMed SETT 1. The Vitalograph trace must be attached to the completed FMed SETT I and given to the Requalifier to take with him to the SETT.

d. The Requalifier must complete Section A of the FMed SETT 1 as instructed.

e. Weight: Although a more lenient view is now taken of those ‘overweight’ in accordance with Reference B, the details of those personnel not complying with the laid down regulations should be discussed with MOSETT before the man travels. MOSETT may be contacted on Mil 9380 65991 (023 9276 5991).

f. PULHHEEMS: The Requalifiers must be “in-date” for PULHHEEMS and the date of his last PULHHEEMS recorded in Section B of the FMed SETT 1 where indicated. The reason for any Requalifier to be downgraded from P2, but who remains fit for pressurised training must be shown in Section C of the FMed SETT1.

APPENDIX 3 TO ANNEX B TO RNTM 291/05

SUBMARINE ESCAPE TRAINING TANK - PJT/REQUALIFYING COURSES

SETT POINTS OF CONTACT
Title	Military	Civilian	e-mail
Bookings co-ordinator	9380 - 65308	02392 - 765308	SETT-Bookings
Chief Instructor	9380 - 65925	02392 - 765925	SETT-Chief Instructor
SETT Sick bay	9380 - 65109	02392 - 765109	SETT Sick Bay POMA

Course Title	NMMIS Code	Duration	Start Dates
Pressurised Unpressurized 03/06 04/06 05/06 07/06 09/06 11/06 12/06 13/06 17/06 19/06 20/06 21/06 24/06 25/06 27/06 29/06 30/06 31/06 36/06 38/06 39/06 42/06 43/06 44/06 46/06 48/06 49/06 51/06 03/07 04/07 05/07 08/07 09/07 11/07 13/07 17/07 18/07 20/07 21/07 22/07 25/07 26/07 28/07 30/07 31/07 36/07 37/07 39/07 40/07 41/07 44/07 45/07	SE002CPR SE003AUR	2 Days 2 Days	17/18 JAN 24/25 JAN 31JAN/01 FEB 14/15 FEB 28 FEB/01 MAR 14/15 MAR 21/22 MAR 28/29 MAR 25/26 APR 09/10 MAY 16/17 MAY 23/24 MAY 13/14 JUN 20/21 JUN 04/05 JUL 18/19 JUL 25/26 JUL 01/02 AUG 05/06 SEP 19/20 SEP 26/27 SEP 17/18 OCT 24/25 OCT 31 OCT/01 NOV 14/15 NOV 28/29 NOV 05/06 DEC 19/20 DEC 16/17 JAN 23/24 JAN 30/31 JAN 20/21 FEB 27/28 FEB 13/14 MAR 27/28 MAR 24/25 APR 01/02 MAY 15/16 MAY 22/23 MAY 29/30 MAY 19/20 JUN 26/27 JUN 10/11 JUL 24/25 JUL 31 JUL/1 AUG 04/05 SEP 11/12 SEP 25/26 SEP 02/03 OCT 09/10 OCT 30/31 OCT 06/07 NOV