HMS Protector a perfect training platform for boarding ops on multinational exercise

HMS Protector has provided the perfect training platform during Exercise Unitas, the world's longest-running multinational maritime exercise

Teams from the UK, US, Chile, Mexico and Colombia used the Royal Navy's ice patrol ship for practising boarding ops, where personnel move between vessels. 

After being used as the backdrop at the opening ceremony in Chile, Protector went on to facilitate crucial training during Unitas, an exercise which takes place annually in Atlantic and Pacific waters around Central and South America to enhance security cooperation and improve coalition operations.

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Boarding ops include approach – where boarding teams use small, fast boats to get close to vessels – ramps or gangways, which allow them to walk directly onto the ship, and tethering, where they use lines or grappling hooks to physically attach their vessel to the target.

Another boarding op is helicopter fast-roping – this is when a helicopter hovers over a target vessel and the boarding personnel descends by rope onto the deck of the ship.

Ex Unitas aims to enhance security and improve coalition operations. 

It is also a way for the countries to strengthen their relationships – this year's host Chile said co-operation in defence with the UK goes from strength to strength.

HMS Protector is the Royal Navy's only ice patrol ship and she calls the freezing waters of Antarctica and the Southern Hemisphere home. She is affectionately referred to as the Royal Navy's 'Swiss army knife' – because she's red, versatile, and always there when you need her!

Earlier this year she completed her first northern mission in two years, carrying out two weeks of ice-breaking operations in northern polar waters in Canada.