Fears Royal Navy could run out of captains after record low numbers passed their ships’ ‘driving tests’

4 comments 4 Next THE Royal Navy could run out of captains after record low numbers passed their ships’ “driving tests”. Not a single submarine commander passed the legendary Perisher course last year. The Royal Navy faces a shortage of captains after record low numbers passed tests to command ships Credit: Royal Navy Not a single submarine commander passed the legendary Perisher course last year Credit: Getty Advertisement Only three were selected to attempt it, with two failing at the simulator stage. Surface ships fared little better with less than ten officers passing the command qualification known as CQ2. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. The Navy needs 35 passes a year to sustain its sea commands. Sources say the only reason the shortage has not affected operations is because so many ships have been scrapped or stuck in port for repairs. READ MORE ON ROYAL NAVY 'MADNESS' Fury as 3 MORE warships face axe under Labour despite 'chasing Russians daily' 'SPY' PROBE Sailor, 24, charged with 'spying for Russia' after 'stealing secret material' Labour have axed nine warships since coming to power in 2024, with three more facing the chop. Only three Navy officers have qualified to command submarines since 2024 — all on foreign courses. Sources claimed the low pass rate was down to “chronic lack of sea time” and low morale. Former Perisher instructor Ryan Ramsey said: “You can do what you want in a simulator and no one is going to die.” Advertisement Most read in The Sun BEACH HORROR Brit tourist 'seriously injured' after 32ft plunge from cliff at popular beach night shift Reason why it is so dark this morning explained SMASH TRAGEDY Beloved high school student, 15, killed in crash as three fight for life 'RAPE' HORROR Woman 'raped' in car park near airport in early hours - as man arrested A source added: “Sea command is less appealing than it was. Thirty years ago you’d get your destroyer, it would be working, and you’d be off doing cool stuff. Now, a lot of the time the ship is alongside.” The Navy said: “We continue to generate the high-quality leaders we need for operational commitments.” 4 comments 4