The 85-metre vessel, launched in 1981, will berth at Dockyard alongside the Cable and Wireless ship Sir Eric Sharp this afternoon for a planned week-long stay at the Island.

In the evening the Governor Thorold Masefield will attend a reception at the former HMS Malabar after an afternoon visit by its captain.

Over the weekend a security sweep of the area was made, including a check of the water for any obstructions.

It is understood the only find by divers was an abandoned Police car in the dock. The car is used for training by the police and is not in the way of the submarine.

Security will be tight for the visit.

The visit by HMS Trafalgar , which has a complement of 97 crew, including 12 officers, is believed to be the first by a British nuclear submarine since HMS Torbay had a three week stopover in December 1995.