Introduction to Cambridge URNU

"To broaden Naval understanding and develop undergraduates who show potential to become the leaders of tomorrow, through maritime experience and exposure to the values and ethos of the Royal Navy": that is the aim of the University Royal Naval Units (URNUs), which offer members a mix of shore-based and sea-borne training focusing on professional subjects including navigation, seamanship and ship handling but which also cover general leadership and public speaking skills among others.

The URNU Vision is to provide: The best training and naval education for selected university students.

This is the unofficial CURNU website. For the official CURNU website, visit: royalnavy.mod.uk

Cambridge URNU was established in 1994 and is based at Town Headquarters (THQ) in a large building just outside the centre of Cambridge and is the shore based hub of the unit, with ship's office, galley, classrooms, gun-room and wardroom and a bar for relaxing and socialising after an evening of classroom instruction. Shore-based training is centred here on Thursday evenings during term time with drill-nights, after which we retire as a unit to the bar.

Sea-borne training is conducted on board our own super-charged fast patrol craft, HMS TRUMPETER, (based in Ipswich), with weekend trips and 12-14 day deployments to UK and European ports during Easter and Summer vacations.

Unit members can qualify for the award of RYA qualifications during their time in the URNU. During the term there are visits to RN and RM Ships and Establishments also there are opportunities available to pursue other activities such as adventurous training, sailing and sport; there is also the chance to attend flying training with at least 12 hours air time at one of the Fleet Air Arm Bases.

The unit has an active and varied social programme that includes formal service dinners and a cocktail party as well as many informal mess functions.