Nuclear submarines
I was most interested to read Tim Gibbs’ letter (SM, May). Back in 1964 my interest in ship design led me to decide to apply to join the British Admiralty’s design body, the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors (RCNC). To enter this one had to pass an initial interview, gain the highest A and S level results, and attend a final selection interview. I attended that first interview in front of four gentlemen.
During this I was asked one somewhat off-putting question: ‘How did I think the radioactive waste from our nuclear submarines might be disposed of?’ As an 18-year-old, I had no idea but suggested passing it to the Atomic Energy Authority, which seemed to satisfy the board, as I passed that initial hurdle.
However, I did