NEWS


UK Defence Secretary welcomes vote to maintain Trident


On 14 March, Members of Parliament voted to endorse a Government White Paper which proposes to renew the UK’s Nuclear deterrent. Defence Secretary Des Browne said: ‘I welcome the House of Commons vote which endorses the position set out by the Government in the recent White Paper, ‘The Future of the UK’s Nuclear Deterrent’. ‘I recognise that this is a difficult issue for


some and respect the views expressed by MPs and members of the public. Today’s Parliamentary debate followed an extensive period of debate and discussion which we believe gave everyone the opportunity to consider the issues and express their views. In the end it is the Government’s duty to protect its citizens in an uncertain world. We believe we need to take a decision now, and we need to be clear what this decision means – it is a firm commitment to maintaining our deterrent for the security of future generations.’ ‘The White Paper indicates that further


decisions will be required on the precise design of the submarines, and whether to renew or replace the warhead. It is for future parliaments to find the most appropriate form of scrutiny for these later decisions. ‘I am sure debate will continue – that, like today’s vote, is part of a healthy democracy,’ said Mr Browne.


Planning, and future modules will address the other seven identified SAR competence areas (SAR Mission Co-ordinator, On Scene Co- ordinator, Chart Work, Navigation, General Maritime, SAR Administration and Organisation, and GMDSS Coast Station Operations). The programme also features IAMSAR


best practice and IMO model course material, and offers refresher training to help ensure competence is kept at the highest level over time. The sessions are delivered by SAR operations


experts who have been trained to the UK National Training standard, and are designed to help trainees understand the concepts behind search planning methodology, rather than simply an education in SAR systems. BMT will help enable students to assume


greater responsibility over their choice of SARIS input data in order to properly understand the processes involved in Search and Rescue missions. BMT proposes to undertake two courses


each year in the UK and is currently exploring the possibility of joining forces with colleges overseas to implement regional training initiatives internationally. The date of the next course is yet to be confirmed, but is likely to be in September or October of this year. Tim Parker, head of marine systems business


development at BMT Cordah says: ‘Changes in the industry as a result of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and international security concerns mean that organisations have a responsibility to ensure their search and rescue procedures are fully adept to respond


4 WARSHIP TECHNOLOGY MAY 2007


efficiently to any SAR situation. BMT Cordah has the expertise to identify and promote SAR best practice and help businesses enhance their capabilities in this field whilst maintaining their regulatory obligations.’ BMT has already had success with its SAR


campaign in the United Arab Emirates, winning a contract to advise and support the Abu Dhabi Emergency Support Organisation (ADESCO). BMT will also provide ADESCO with a plan,


outlining guidelines for offshore oil and gas companies, for use in the event of a SAR incident. The plan, due to have been delivered by the end of February, assesses the local organisational culture and make up of the SAR process, and compares the company’s existing procedure against international and UK practices.


Joining ceremony for the first Malaysian Scorpene submarine


The chief of staff of the Malaysian Navy, Admiral Ramlan, and the chief of staff of the French Navy, Admiral Oudot de Dainville, were present at a recent ceremony commemorating the joining of the fore- and aft-sections of the first Scorpene submarine being built for the Malaysian Navy. Also in attendance were the chief executive officer of DCN, Jean-Marie Poimboeuf, along with representatives of DCN, Armaris, and Navantia. The contract was originally signed in June 2002


between the Malaysian government, DCN, and the Spanish shipbuilder, Navantia, and covers construction of two Scorpene-class submarines, and a contract for training Malaysian crews in submarine handling and operations. The hulls of the two submarines were each


built in two sections by DCN in Cherbourg (thus four sections overall for the two vessels). This concept allowed for modular, parallel construction. While Navantia undertook the manufacturing and installation of vital equipment and furnishings in the two aft-sections of the


vessels in Cartagena, Spain, DCN Cherbourg did the same on the two fore-sections, which included, among other things, the combat system. The finished aft-section of the first submarine


was recently transferred from Cartagena to Cherbourg for the joining of the two sections; later the aft-section of the second submarine will be transferred from Cherbourg to Cartagena for its final assembly. Armaris, a joint venture of DCN and Thales,


is the overall prime contractor for the Malaysian submarine programme. DCN shares industrial prime contracting and design responsibilities of the Scorpene-class submarine with its Spanish partner, Navantia. Capable of operating in both brown and blue


waters, the Scorpene is armed with Blackshark wire- guided torpedoes and Exocet SM 39 sub-launched, anti-surface-ship missiles. It can undertake a wide range of missions: dissuasion, superiority on the high seas, naval blockades, information-gathering, landing, or retrieval of Special Forces. It can operate alone or in combination with air and sea forces. Ten Scorpene submarines have been sold around the world: Chile (two vessels), Malaysia (two vessels), and India (six vessels).


Talent returns to the fold


HMS Talent has officially returned to the fleet, following her Long Overhaul Period (Refuel) [LOP(R)] by DML at Devonport Royal Dockyard in the UK, which included significant capability enhancements, as well as reactor refuelling and the overhaul and refurbishment of all the submarine systems. Official fleet acceptance took place this month,


with certified completion of DML’s contract (including a formal assessment of the submarine’s material state), sea clearances (involving confirmation of the vessel’s completion in all respects, and safety for operation to the fullest extent), and the formal handing back of the submarine from the DLO to the fleet.


HMS Talent has returned to service following her Long Overhaul Period (Refuel) by DML at Devonport Royal Dockyard in the UK.


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