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The Navy has completed submarine search and rescue exercises alongside Indo-Pacific partners.
The Royal Australian Navy’s submarine abandonment, escape and rescue system was put to the test as part of Exercise Black Carillon 21 — an annual training exercise aimed at ensuring personnel are equipped to respond to emergency scenarios.
The submarine search and rescue team operates within the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office, with member nations called upon to respond to incidents around the world.
This year, the RAN was joined by counterparts from Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, who earned ‘Commander Rescue Forces’ qualifications.
The training activities, held from 17 October to 10 November 2021, involved the deployment of a system based around a submersible vehicle, provided by Perth-based firm JFD Australia.
The system, which can be transported by sea, land or air, is designed to locate a disabled submarine and rescue its crew.
“While a submarine incident at sea is unlikely, Royal Australian Navy submariners are trained and equipped to deal with all possible eventualities,” Royal Australian Navy Commander Submarine Force, Captain Doug Theobald, said.
“As part of Exercise Black Carillon we have demonstrated the capability to perform search and rescue for our own submarines as well as other nations.
“As a member of the global submarine search and rescue network, I am particularly pleased that members of our partner navies in Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam also had the chance to participate this year and I look forward to enhanced engagement with regional partners in the future.”
