International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office
Last update 10 Dec 2009
Italian SMEREX
The Italian Navy conducted a search, escape and rescue exercise named IT SMEREX, in the waters of the Taranto Gulf, during the period of 7-18 September 2009. The following assets were involved: the ITS Prini and ITS Pelosi (Sauro Class 3rd batch), the ITS Todaro (U212 Class), the ITS Anteo (ARS-Rescue ship), the ITS Tremiti (MTC in Log support role), and the IT SPAG, heli-released by two EH-101 helicopters.
The search exercise included DISSUB localization via the live activation of a SEPIRB buoy and the COSPAS-SARSAT chain; the escape was performed by three ITS Pelosi operators who were assisted once on the surface by the SPAG team. The team, alarmed by the IT SSRA immediately after the receipt of the alarm buoy signal, flew all the way from La Spezia (Luni heliport) to the area of operation, and was released in the water right next to the escapees.
The team, self sufficient in terms of rubber boats, medical gear (oxygen urgent treatment), satellite and underwater comms, set up a safe haven for the escapees, simulated basic medical treatment, and, finally transferred them aboard the ITS Anteo.
The ITS Anteo also performed Intervention activities such as ventilation, survey, and debris removal, carried out either by divers or ADS (coordinated tandem of two).
The rescue exercises were performed by both the SRV-300 and by the Mc Cann Bell.
During the whole SMEREX, the recently acquired prototype MAMIS was used.
This system allows internal atmosphere data monitoring via an acoustic/digital system and proved to be reliable and very accurate.
All the IT SMEREX planned events were carried out successfully and were observed from foreign navies from countries such as Greece, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, India, Egypt, and ISMERLO.
On another note, ISMERLO wishes fair winds and following seas to Cdr Paolo Spina, our close SMERWG Community member and friend, who just took Command of ITS Anteo.
Pictures are courtesy of CDR Antonio Tulliani
9thAsian Pacific Submarine Conference
The 9th Asian Pacific Submarine Conference convened in Singapore
in June 2009. The venue has been outstandingly hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy.
16 nations were present to share information on submarine rescue systems. Three nations presented newly commissioned rescue systems :
Singapore's DSAR-6 system on board M/S Swift rescue, a visit to the ship was offered to the attendees. The DSAR-6 and its support ship, the Swift Rescue, are rescue ready and present the peculiarity of being the first submarine rescue system to be held and operated by private companies.
The Republic of Korea DSAR-5 is now commissioned and rescue ready. Similar to the DSAR-6 of the Singapore Navy, it has been delivered by James Fisher Defense.
The People's Liberation Army Navy system, LR-7, has been delivered by Perry Slingsby System in the late 2008. It has now completed a deep-dive trial to more than 500 meters and conducted matings with PLA Navy submarines. It is now rescue ready and Chinese rescue team is looking forward for further training.
Finally, all nations interested in the Asia-Pacific Area shared their view on submarine rescue in this region of the world. With the new systems coming in line, they agreed that East and South-East Asia waters were very well covered and that sharing information on national search and rescue capabilities will greatly improve the Submarine Rescue ability of each.
SMER Working Group 2009
The Submarine Escape and Rescue Working Group (SMERWG) met in Cape Town,
South Africa, from 25th to 29th of May 2009. The group's focus is global
submarine rescue cooperation. This annual meeting has once again brought
together 24 nations from around the world operating submarines with the same
eager concern in safety for their crewmen. Welcomed by the South African
Chief of Naval Operations, the 95 delegates listened with pleasure and
interest his speech about safety and submarines.
The week has allowed submariners from the six continents to build on the
cooperative experiences and exercises. Building new procedures and providing
overview of new rescue equipment. This year new rescue systems will be
delivered to China and Singapore. The gathering and sharing of exercise
experiences and material enables every nation to participate and improve its
ability to save lives in the unforgiving deep ocean environment.
BOLD MINOTAUR 09
NATO instigated a Submarine Escape and Rescue Exercise, know as Exercise BOLD MINOTAUR, Tuesday 5 May when a UK fictitious submarine 'HMS TALISMAN' failed to report in to COMSUBNORTH, the NATO Northern region SUBOPAUTH. In the unlikely event of such a submarine incident, a worldwide coordination effort occurs. This effort is coordinated using the NATO sponsored, funded and manned International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO), out of Allied Submarine Command (ASC), Norfolk, Virginia. Through this website www.ismerlo.org, nations can offer assistance and the Submarine Rescue Authority (SSRA) can chose and coordinate the suitable assets to assist. BOLD MINOTAUR was conducted off the UK south coast and the SSRA used the UK Submarine Parachute Assistance Group (SPAG), with 6 Italians embedded, to parachute from a C-130 onto the datum and offer assistance to the 'survivors'. A UK support vessel, MV SLAMOOR acted as safety vessel and a UK Frigate, HMS ARGYLL was despatched with Escape First Reaction Stores, including medical staff, to recover the survivors and offer further medical attention.
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| SPAG from the sky... | To the sea... |
 To rescue submariners. |
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