Covered Floating Submarine Loading Jetty (RNAD Coulport)

 military, navy, berth, nuclear submarine

Used by SSBNs (Strategic Submarine Ballistic Nuclear) boats to load and unload Trident Nuclear Missiles before processing to, and after leaving, HMNB Clyde at Faslane Bay in the neighbouring Gare Loch. Also for loading or unloading of other specialist secondary munitions such as cruise missile, nuclear torpedos etc.

"A Z-berth is a berth designated for occasional operational or recreational visits by nuclear-powered warships. Its safety arrangements will include a public safety scheme prepared after discussion with the local authorities and civil emergency services, which will provide for a Royal Naval incident commander and a naval emergency monitoring team in the area to stand by throughout any such visit to respond to an emergency. The monitoring team has access to a supply of potassium iodate tablets, and carries out monitoring during the visit."

Mr. Archie Hamilton
Hansard, Written Answers, May 5, 1989:

www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/Z-Berth