Indian Defense Advisor to Australia, Captain Chetan Chandegave, recently visited the Royal Australian Navy’s Submarine Escape and Rescue Centre at HMAS Stirling, in Western Australia.
The aim of the visit was to provide him with a better understanding of Australian submarine escape and rescue facilities and training procedures.
Commander Ken Marr, Submarine Escape and Rescue Manager, said interoperability and familiarity with others nations’ rescue systems were key components in the event of a submarine emergency.
“We were very happy Captain Chandegave was able to see our facilities and review our training up close as these activities are a very important part of being a submariner,” he said.
According to the Royal Australian Navy, the center is the largest submarine escape training system in the southern hemisphere and one of only a handful operational worldwide.
New submarine trainees are required to complete a five-day course culminating in performing a successful escape before they can be posted to a submarine. Submariners must requalify every three years.
“He was able to observe the exciting and intense head-in-water ascent training. This technique involves trainees breathing out into the water during their ascent,” Commander Marr said.
The Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy help promote cooperation on submarine rescue through participation in the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Organisation.