Replenishing At Sea
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REPLENISHING AT SEA (RAS)

To remain operational for long periods at sea it was essential that HMS Ambuscade was able to replenish fuel, stores, ammunition and people whilst on the move. Some of the methods are shown below. The crew was drilled in an Emergency Breakaway procedure if it came under attack.


Light jackstay (for transferring personnel)

Light Jackstay Avenger '83     Light Jackstay Avenger '83
Light Jackstay (Personnel) transfer with HMS Avenger 1983 photos © S Griffin



RAS-L (Liquids) QRC
Usually carried out with a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship or other NATO supply ship. The Fuel probe had a Quick Release Coupling which speeded up the process.

RAS Animation

RAS-L

QRC RAS Fuel photo © David Marchant 1979
click to enlarge RAS PROBE QRC

RAS-L (Liquids) Stern

The tanker trails the hose and a marker float astern which is picked up by the receiving ship. this method was usually used when refuelling from civilian tankers .
Stern RAS
Stern RAS (Fuel) in Med with British Esk 1983photo © S Griffin

RAS-S (Stores) Heavy Jackstay

A Stump Mast was erected in the middle of the flight deck providing a high-point, the Rope (Jackstay) was tensioned and stores and ammunition was then transferred between the delivering and receiving ship.
            Click to enlarge                      Heavy Jackstay RAS

                                     click to enlarge

                                 Stump mast Type21 amazon

                             Ras Stores


"Erecting the stump mast at sea could be a tricky and dangerous operation. I have personal experience when one of the two tackles on the hanger roof gave way during this operation and if it had not been pulled to one side by one of the heavy stays whilst falling, my two oppos and i who were pushing it up would not be here to tell the tale"
Sadly, a Petty Officer on sister ship HMS Arrow was not so lucky and was killed
Steve griffin
RAS

Refuelling at Sea in heavy sea HMS Ambuscade RFA Olwen and HMS Alacrity 1979
photo supplied by Michael Gretton (Capt 1978-1980)


VERTREP (vertical Replenishment)
A quick method of replenishing light stores and mail was using helicoptors

Sea King and Wasp
Sea King Vertrep San Falklands war 1982  Wasp VertRep
photos ©Mark Haynes and Dave marchant

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