A ROYAL Navy sailor based at Plymouth Naval Base has been presented with an award for excellent exam scores in maritime surveying.

Able Seaman Ben Hardie, 27, has topped the class with his results in the Hydrographic and Meteorological (HM) training course.

He was rewarded with the presentation of the coveted Hambone Trophy and certificate by Captain David Robertson, hydrographer of the Navy, and Ronald Skrivers, Warrant Officer Survey Recorder.

AB Hardie, who attended Thomas Lord Audley School in Colchester, completed the course and exams that covered all aspects of hydrographics, including; underwater, beach and land surveying, along with training on the state-of-the-art equipment used. He will now serve on board the ocean survey ship HMS Enterprise which is based in Devonport.

Capt Robertson said: “AB Hardie established himself as a mature and hardworking student, always a good example to his fellow students.

"If Hardie continues to show this level of commitment and enthusiasm to his work, he will make a valuable member of the survey department on board HMS Enterprise.’’

Ben said: “Although my professional training was tough, in the end the hard work paid off and I’m pleased to have won the Hambone Trophy. I’m now looking forward to being deployed on the HMS Enterprise and developing my skills as a hydrographic surveyor.”

Ben joins HMS Enterprise which is deployed in Oman. The information he collects whilst onboard will be used by mariners around the world to update charts and to ensure their navigational safety.