In an exercise dubbed as BLACK CARILLON 2013, members of Navy's Submarine Force simulated under the sea evacuation from HMAS Farncomb. The simulation was made from 112 metres deep of water inside the James Fisher Rescue Service LR5 submersible.

James Fisher Rescue Service LR5 submersible weighs 21.5 tonne. During the simulation, it was lifted onto the deck through a rescue vessel. The "passengers" were then transferred to decompression chambers without being exposed to the outside air pressure.

"Submariners are an important part of naval capability. Should the unthinkable happen, it is essential that we have established and well practiced procedures in place to rescue personnel," Commander Submarine Force, Captain Mark Potter, RAN, said.

"During BLACK CARILLON, Navy worked closely with defence partners and contractor James Fisher Defence to mobilise and test the equipment on the east coast. It was also the first time that ADV Ocean Shield was used as the mother ship. Her size and ability to dynamically position proved to be an invaluable capability during the rescue operation. Navy's underwater medical specialists also played a vital part in the exercise. Type B decompression chambers were tested and life-saving medical techniques aimed at preventing and responding to decompression sickness were simulated," said Captain Potter.By routinely testing our procedures, we provide confidence to our submarine workforce," as explained by Captain Potter.

The simulation was part of a three-week submarine escape-and-rescue exercise held off the east coast of Australia.

The LR5 submersible is carefully piloted along HMAS Farncomb's outer casing to conduct a transfer of personnel from the sea floor in the East Australian Exercise Area during Exercise Black Carillon 2013.
Chief Petty Officer Marine Technician Submariner Tim Cummins opens the outer casing hatch of HMAS Farncomb as he looks up into the skirt of the LR5 submersible during Exercise Black Carillon 2013.
The LR5 submersible is launched from the side of ADV Ocean Shield, as it prepares for another dive in the East Australian Exercise Area during Exercise Black Carillon 2013.

As a member of the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Organisation, Australia is tasked to provide international support should an Australian submarine be disabled.

Meanwhile, Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) announced that they have signed a multi-million dollar contract with ASC Pty Ltd to update the control management and monitoring system for the Royal Australian Navy's Collins Class submarines.

"Work under the $57 million contract will focus on updating electronic components and porting the software to operate on the new system. The current Ship Control Management and Monitoring System has performed effectively and reliably since the Collins class entered service in the 1990s. However, it is essential to upgrade the current system to ensure the system can be maintained for the remaining service life of the Collins Class fleet," Mr Johnston said.