What does "SD" mean?

[Boreades]

e.g. "SD Victoria", currently moored in Devonport. Is it Survey Department or something like that?

Looks like a nice new boat.

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/showallphotos.aspx?mmsi=235068802#top_photo

 

[awol]

Serco Denholm - the owners

 

[pvb]

Serco Denholm took over operation under contract of ships formerly operated by the now-obsolete Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service.

 

[Boreades]

Ah, now I understand.

What was the RMAS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Maritime_Auxiliary_Service

is now Serco Denholm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serco_Denholm

Thanks, I've been looking at those tugs for two years and not noticed the name change. Doh!

But SD Victoria looks like an especially big tug. Why so big I wonder?

 

[pvb]

It's a training and support ship - not a tug.

Edit: Supposedly, Victoria took over the role of SD Newton, which was allegedly used for training and support of Special Forces.

 

[sarabande]

she was doing practice boarding a week or so ago, with those black RIBs from Jupiter Point. We could hear the instructions and see the routines. I would prefer not to be boarded in earnest

 

[RUSSH]

Check out

http://www.damen.nl/index.aspx?mId=8573&rId=396

for full details. She is designated a "Worldwide Support Ship."

 

[Twister_Ken]

Bugly Ugger, innnit?