Sustainment: Submarine support and training | ADM Sept 2009
Katherine Ziesing | Canberra
Australian owned and operated H.I. Fraser Group has had a win recently with a contract to upgrade the Submarine Escape and Rescue - Hyperbaric facilities in WA's HMAS Stirling.
"We have taken possession of the majority of the ‘hyperbaric suite' of the SERS at a large, secure premises that was leased specifically for this project, near our O'Connor WA office," said Mike Handcock, H.I. Fraser's Manager - Engineering Consulting and Project Manager on this contract.
"The equipment includes the two containerised Deck Decompression Chambers (DDC's) and the Transfer-Under-Pressure (TUP) Chamber.
"The scope of the project includes the design, supply, fabrication, factory acceptance testing, certification, installation, commissioning and final acceptance testing of Environmental Control Systems for the DDC's; Safety Interlocks for the Medical Locks on the DDC's; Protective covers for the Acrylic windows on the DDC's; Fire protection insulation to the bases of the containers housing the DDC's and TUP; Air quality monitoring system for the DDC's and a Seawater Ballast Pumping System for the Remora Rescue Vehicle."
Facilities and support for the Submarine Escape Training Facility (SETF) came under fire earlier this year when the previous contract was not renewed by the Commonwealth which saw escape training carried out in Canada.
As reported earlier in ADM, the reason for the Canadian training, it emerged, was a breakdown in contractual negotiations between the DMO and ASC, the preferred tenderer to manage the SETF, which had resulted in the pressurised escape component of the SETF being closed since the middle of last year.
The DMO's five-year SETF and submarine rescue management contract with CalDive expired in June 2008 and ASC, the previous incumbent, was named preferred tenderer.
However, following the delays in recertifying the Remora, the DMO decided to separate the submarine rescue service from the SETF contract but, according to RADM Robinson, "the preferred tenderer did not adjust the price in the way that we thought he should have."
SETF set
Only last month did Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, announce that submariners in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will benefit from pressurised submarine escape training being reinstated following the signing of a contract with The Underwater Centre Fremantle (TUCF).
"This contract will enable pressurised escape training to recommence at the SETF at HMAS Stirling," Mr Combet said.
"The contract represents an important step in regaining local training capacity and will allow submariners to gain and maintain their qualifications quicker, in alignment with Navy's submarine sustainability strategy."
The SETF simulates the escape from a Collins Class submarine including the effects of water pressure.
Provision of pressurised submarine escape training is a critical component in the submariner training continuum where new submariners are required to learn the techniques and experienced submariners coming in for refresher courses every 2-3 years.
Under the $4.32 million fixed price contract, TUCF will provide instructors to supply SETF services, including in-water submarine escape simulation for an initial two year period.
"TUCF has been accredited under the Australian Diver Accreditation System, which demonstrates that it has the professional, diving, training, assessment and business competence to deliver diver training to a standard that is recognised internationally and as industry best practice," Combet said when making the announcement.
Submarine escape pressurised training for RAN submariners is expected to recommence in Australia late in 2009, following mandatory diver competency training and assessment of TUCF staff by the RAN.
The SETF has also gone through upgrades and maintenance during this downtime.
H.I. Fraser recently managed the repair to protective coatings on the recompression chambers at the SETF.
In July, they conducted functional test and maintenance audits on the SETF recompression chambers and the hyperbaric systems on the 30 metre deep, Submarine Escape Training pool.
They will also be amending the functional test documentation following completion of the audits.
"Maintenance issues on hyperbaric systems raised during the audit are also being investigated further and rectification work has already commenced," said Handcock.
H.I. Fraser has developed a solid, open and co-operative relationship with COLSPO and look forward to partnering with them to address the various capability, configuration, maintenance and certification issues that have arisen in regard to SETF and the SERS.
Remora rescue
Meanwhile, the LR5 submarine rescue system arrived in Australia early on 2 June, announced Defence Materiel Organisation's Head of Maritime Systems Rear Admiral Boyd Robinson.
While having the LR5 submarine rescue system on call in the UK technically met the RAN's requirements for responding to submarine emergencies, the relocation improves response times considerably and allows the RAN to exercise the capability with Collins Class Submarines.
"Resumption of the Navy's annual submarine escape and rescue exercise Black Carillon, presently planned for late 2009, will allow Navy to exercise its submarine rescue capability," Rear Admiral Robinson said.
The suite has been at 12 hours notice to deploy in the event of a disabled submarine throughout the transport period from the UK to Australia.
The current RAN support vessels have already been modified to deploy the LR5 rescue system.
The LR5 has mated safely on many occasions with submarines fitted with the standard NATO rescue seat, which is fitted to most submarines, including Collins Class.
The vehicle is being leased through UK based company James Fisher Defence Projects.
How long this contract will be in play however is open to speculation.
Details of the lease program were outlined by a Defence spokesperson.
"The LR5 is likely to be in Australia until the RAN organic system is returned to service.
"This is as yet uncertain and dependent on the recertification of the LARS after modification by the OEM.
"The contract was originally for six months, with three six-month extensions.
"The Commonwealth has leased the suite for "emergency use only" although DMO is currently renegotiating to use the suite in exercises with RAN submarines, to demonstrate the capability."
A Defence spokesperson told ADM on 20 February that Remora had been restored and certified for operation to January 2018 and was awaiting commencement of deep water Sea Acceptance Tests to conclude DNV recertification.
However, responding to further questions two days after the Senate standing committee hearing on 25 February,
Defence acknowledged that DNV required modifications to the launch and recovery system (LARS) to reduce impact loads on the structure, to meet Class Society rules.
DMO is currently working with the OEM examining proposals to achieve DNV certification.
Future options
When seeking an update on how the Remora project was faring, ADM was told by a Defence spokesperson that "Remora (the vehicle) has been restored, but full DNV certification of the system requires completion of sea trials of the entire rescue suite.
This requires the operation of the LARS.
Concept designs to meet contemporary DNV requirements have been developed with the OEM, assessed and endorsed by the Class Society.
A detail design study is currently being commissioned through the OEM to modify LARS."
There was no timeline given for this process but "there are no plans to replace the Remora or LARS in the
immediate future," said a Defence spokesperson.
"However, replacement options for LARS and Remora may need to be considered in the near term, but only after all options to modify the LARS have been fully explored.
"Project SEA 1354 (Submarine Escape Rescue and Abandonment System (SERAS)) has been established with the intent of delivering a replacement Escape and Rescue System over the period 2015 to 2017.
"A decision regarding the LARS capability is not expected until late 2009, and is dependant on the feasibility of the OEM's modified design and approval by DNV."