Page 75 - North Atlantic and Nordic Defense

North European and North Atlantic Defense: The Challenges Return

This is also the first time we have flown the equipment between Prestwick and Bogen, says Commander
Ian Duncan, project manager for the submarine rescue system.

350 tonnes of material has been transported from its location in Faslane, Scotland by road to Prestwick
airport and flown to Evenes with the help of 7 C-17, 2 Antonov 124 and 2 A300M aircrafts. From here
it was fitted to the Norwegian coast guard vessel KV Sortland, from where the equipment is being
operated during the exercise.

We have two sets of rescue systems.

One of them is an intervention system that includes a Remotely Operated Vehicle. This can survey the
submarine and use its arms to cut through ropes and other items blocking the submarine hatches.

The other part of the rescue system include a submarine rescue vehicle that is attached to the
submarine through the escape hatch so that the survivors can climb on board as well as a set of
hyperbaric chambers for treating the rescuees if needed, says Duncan.

Can Save 150 Persons

NATO Submarine Rescue System has the capacity to rescue up to 150 personnel from a disabled
submarine 600 meters under the surface.

During the exercise the participating Norwegian submarine will dive down to about 100-150 meters
below the surface.

During the exercise we are testing the submarine rescue vehicle system and the hyperbaric pressure
system.

Divers and medical teams from Norway, France and the UK are participating.

The goal is to demonstrate that the system works in Arctic waters.

For the personnel on the Norwegian coast guard ship it is common to operate in Arctic waters, but the
personnel operating the rescue system and the equipment itself are not used to the low temperatures,
Duncan says.

Every year two exercises are carried out in each of the three countries to test out the procedures.

Ensures Safety

The submarine rescue exercise Northern Sun is a very important arena for training to ensure the safety
of the Norwegian submarine crews. Under normal circumstances where we have submarines present in
Northern Norway, it is natural that the rescue system is tested in the same area and under the same
circumstances in which the submarines operates, says Christian Berg-Jensen, who is working with
submarine operations at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.

Our expectations for the exercise are that we get to train the rescue personnel, test the vessels and
train the organisation and the concept in new surroundings and conditions, making sure that operating
the rescue system under winter conditions in Northern Norway becomes the least possible challenge the
day it really matters, says Berg-Jensen.

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