This has opened new avenues for training collaboration between the Indian Navy and the South African Navy
In a first, an eight-member Indian Navy team undertook Operational Sea Training and Safety Audit of SAS Mendi, at Simons Town, South Africa from October 2-13, 2023. The Indian Navy team from Headquarters Sea Training (HQST) worked in collaboration with the South African Navy (SAN) Operational Sea Training Team (OST) Team, India’s Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday (October 18, 2023).
 
According to information shared by the ministry, the training was divided into two phases. The harbour training phase focussed on lectures as well as interactive sessions on pilotage, bridgework, handling of Bridge emergencies, Force Protection Measures, fire-fighting & damage control drills, Operational Risk Management, electrical & engineering best practices, and seamanship training. Dedicated training was also undertaken for the bridge team in the ship handling simulator.
 
As part of sea training, the ship sailed for sea training on two occasions with HQST and SAN OST team embarked onboard. The sea sorties were utilised to impart practical training to the ship’s crew on subjects practised during the harbour training. The exercises at sea focussed on precise navigation, force protection drills, boat drills, emergencies & breakdown drills and conduct of damage control & fire fighting, the Ministry of Defence said.
 
Professional interaction between the Indian Navy and South African Navy teams also progressed with experience sharing and exchange of best practices. The programme culminated with a combined debrief to the ship’s crew providing observations, recommendations and guidance for implementing good practices.
 
The Indian Navy delegation was headed by Cmde Amit Gurbuxani, Chief Staff Officer to Flag Officer Sea Training and included specialist officers and sailors. A small ceremony onboard SAS Mendi on October 13, 2023 marked the culmination of joint training.
 
“This maiden training activity by the team from HQST has opened new avenues for training collaboration between the IN and SAN and has significantly contributed towards strengthening the professional relationship between the two navies,” the Ministry of Defence said.