I’ve never done that whenever I’ve used it. I do however attach the booking form to my Camp application as a matter of course.
Can anybody tell me whether or not bedding is provided for both cadets and staff on board?
Yes they do, you are specifically forbidden from bringing sleeping bags in the ships orders. If you contact Jim he will send them to you .
Thanks
This sounds really interesting, but I know nothing about it. Can anyone summarise what HMS Bristol is and has available, and maybe explain a bit more about the booking process here rather than PM?
HMS Bristol is a Type 82 Destroyer. Built to escort a class of Aircraft carriers that never materialized.
She is permanently moored on the quay at HMS Excellent (a shore establishment on Whale Island, Portsmouth and home of Naval HQ).
The Royal Navy use her as a training ship but for our purposes she is basically just accommodation.
If you’ve got a visit or course going on in Portsmouth you can book space onboard.
They offer mess deck accommodation for the cadets - bunk rooms with 3 bunks to a tier; and cabins for the staff. Or if it’s very full on board, SNCO Staff also get Senior Rates mess decks.
There is a small senior rates mess bar and Wardroom for the officers.
Meals can be taken in the mess ashore.
There are a whole load of training classrooms and cinema aboard and I dare say one may be able to book these too.
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NB the Wardroom doesn’t have a bar - you share the same bar with the Senior Rates. Or bring your own (we did…)
And (quite rightly) it has a large notice reminding you that alcohol and duty of care for cadets don’t mix - standard ACO rules though, i.e. you need sober duty staff but the rest of you can be off duty and drink.
Yes, I’ve always thought it slightly concerning that they’ve had cause to point that out…
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Sorry to dredge this up again, but can someone send me the details I need to book (and any other things you think may be useful).
Pretty please with a cherry on top…
Same here please. Looks to be a very useful asset
Me to, look like Bristol will be busy.
This is the joining information booklet which might contain useful information! You get given a copy when you book in on board, but some of it might be good to know in advance.
As I’m SCC, we use the Bristol regularly and I’ve run Unit camps using her for accommodation for the last couple of years.
Any questions and I’ll do my best to help.
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That’s amazing thanks!
I’ve used HMS Bristol a few times mainly just as accommodation while we do cultural stuff. Would be interesting to hear what activities are available for cadets down that way, especially if you have any Navy contacts that could get us into things like the Damage control/flooding compartment that they have down there?
Hi I realise this post is old. Has anyone got any up to date contact details for hms Bristol?
Tia
Only if you are taking more than 30 cdts
Now, I’ll grant that I’ve never taken more than 30 cadets on board, but since everything should be going through SMS for approval I’d be surprised if there’s a particular need to submit a specific form to RHQ.
Apparently not the case in my region. This trip turned into an absolute administrative nightmare in the end.
RHQ were not happy we were travelling so far when there were similar facilities and activities nearby. 
Do they have an HMS Victory near you as well then 