submarines

[DFB]

[ QUOTE ]
William if you were ever in UK and I was able to take you on one of our submarines, you would change your mind. I cannot comment on the antics of young pilots doing stupid things, but I do know that the training environment in UK is heavily controlled, and the professionalism of those who drive our subs is second to none.

I speak from first hand knowledge and observation and have served under several submarine commanding officers who are also yachtsmen.

[/ QUOTE ]

Exactly. Having served over 20 years in boats, and having done countless work-ups, exercises etc, I know that nothing is left to chance. The Commanding Officers of these vessels spend years at sea learning every aspect of 'The Trade' and then take the Perisher or COQC (Commanding Officers Qualifying Course) You either pass or perish. It's very demanding and requires a high degree of ability and competence. The XO (second in command) has also completed the COQC. Mistakes do get made as submariners are only human. Bear in mind however that a vessel that is not under way and without the engine on is extremely diffcult to pick up on passive sonar.

 

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
Mistakes do get made as submariners are only human.

[/ QUOTE ]Exactly. So we would be obliged if they would carry out their exercises leaving a sensible safety zone in case of 'mistakes'. It is a big ocean, surely that is not unreasonable?

 

[guernseyman]

A few years ago on night passage to Brittany, somewhere SW of the Roches Douvres we saw a lone yellow light. When we were close enough it became clear there was no boat there. Thinking it might be a drifting buoy, I altered course to get closer until we saw there was not even enough structure for that. Suddenly it dawned on me there could be a submarine hull below us and I turned away as quickly as possible.
I'd be interested to know if there might be some other explanation.

 

[DFB]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Mistakes do get made as submariners are only human.

[/ QUOTE ]Exactly. So we would be obliged if they would carry out their exercises leaving a sensible safety zone in case of 'mistakes'. It is a big ocean, surely that is not unreasonable?

[/ QUOTE ]

They do. The current requirement is 4,000 yards. Believe you me, they can't get away from you fast enough. You are trouble with a capital T. Remember we all have to use the sea/ocean. The idea is to make your passage without incident.

 

[William_H]

Hi John I thought I might get a rise and I am sorry to offend you. Yes I am sure the training is vigorous it has to be just to survive. My comments came from a background of Civil Aviation Safety Regulation where to try to get an absolutely perfect safety record you have to be more than meticulous you have to be highly disciplined to follow the plan in a way that is far different to military where flexibility and reaction to circumstances is a priority.
Thanks John I look you up next time in UK. olewill