Armed Forces Day - Hani Morsi, CEUK, Ardeer

In celebration of Armed Forces Day in the UK on 26 June, we spoke to Hani Morsi, a veteran, now working at Chemring, to find out more about his experiences in the military and life as a civilian. 


Hani Morsi is a Health & Safety Coordinator at Chemring Energetics UK (CEUK) in Ardeer, Scotland. Before joining Chemring, Hani served with the Royal Navy Submarine Service for seven years. Here Hani gives us an insight into what it takes to become a submariner. 

What attracted you to join the Royal Navy?

“From a young age I wanted to get involved with the military, either the Army or the Navy. I applied for both and passed the tests. I had the choice to either become a helicopter engineer in the Army or join the submarine service. I’d always wanted to travel and had this feeling of wanting to give something back and contribute to society by doing my bit. 

I also looked into the Royal Marines but there was a two-year waiting list at the time, so I decided on the submarine service. I joined at 18 years old, leaving my current job as an apprentice joiner, and started my training to become a Sonar Submariner (SSM) at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall.

I did 10 weeks of basic training, then 20 weeks of training to learn my role as a sonar operator. After that, I completed a further 10 weeks of dry training, which focuses on learning all of the ship’s systems and what can go wrong. The big difference when you choose the submarine service over other types of service is that you don’t just need to know how to do your job. You also need to know how every bit of the boat works.

Finally, I did wet training (which means training out at sea) on HMS Talent for a further six weeks. Once you are a qualified Submariner, you earn your “Dolphins” which you have to catch with your teeth from a tot of rum – I got to get my dolphins in Gibraltar. Finally you start your rating training, which is basically being a trainee sonar operator.  All in all, it took about two years to complete my training.”

What did your role as a sonar operator entail?

“Well, sonar is the eyes and ears of a submarine. All the information about your immediate surroundings when you are underwater comes from sonar. Sonar equipment is used to detect, classify and track contacts ranging from inshore fishing vessels and merchant ships to warships and other submarines. I was based on a fleet submarine, where we can be out at sea for up to 5 months at a time. We then get to stay in hotels when we’re on land and experience other countries. I was fortunate enough to visit a lot of Europe during my service.”

What did you most enjoy about the submarine service?

“I’m glad I chose to be a submariner as it’s definitely a bit different to other branches of the military. I loved the banter with all the crew and the travelling. It’s a vastly different way of life underwater and when you’re on an operation, it’s a really exciting time.”

What did you find most challenging?

“The lack of structure is hard as you can be away for months at a time and you’re never quite sure when you’ll be back home to visit friends and family, and when you are, you could be away again two to three days/weeks later. While operations are exciting with lots going on, the training can feel long in comparison. I left at 25 years old, as it’s an age where you either decide to stay in for life or you leave with enough time to retrain for a different career. Having a girlfriend also meant that the times away got more difficult and I was ready to put down some roots.”

How did you find out about Chemring?

“I’d taken some time out to travel with my girlfriend when I left the Royal Navy. We came back home just before Covid hit and so it was a difficult time to look for a new job. I saw the Chemring health and safety role advertised on a recruitment website and applied. Luckily, I got the job and am really enjoying the role. 

As a health and safety advisor, one of my main responsibilities is to investigate reported near misses. I enjoy the responsibility it brings, and I’d already done health and safety training with the Navy. It’s a fast-paced environment with lots of new challenges and it’s a role that is always evolving.”

Do you think Chemring is a good fit for Veterans?

“Definitely. Being linked to the military and the Ministry of Defence makes you feel that you haven’t completely left that world behind. It’s also interesting to see the products Chemring produces. Most military personnel know about countermeasures or flares but don’t really think about how they’re made. I’ve found it beneficial to understand the process. 

The MOD's Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) promotes lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. I used the scheme to gain my National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) qualification, I am now studying the National Compliance and Risk Qualification (NCRQ) Level 6 Diploma in Applied Health and Safety – also through ELC funding. It’s a great way to transition from military life and gain some new skills for the commercial world.”