Navy trains for piracy operations on Sydney Harbour

25 November 2011

Members of Australian Clearance Diving Team One board and secure a merchant vessel on Sydney Harbour.

Divers from Australian Clearance Diving Team One boarded and secured merchant vessels in Sydney Harbour recently, as part of specialist training in the lead up to deploying on Operation SLIPPER.

Using rigid hulled inflatable boats, the Divers honed their skills in advanced level boardings. Pre consulted commercial merchant vessels were used as targets, with the teams approaching, boarding and securing the vessels.

Commander of Australian Clearance Diving Team One, Lieutenant Commander Brett Dawe, RAN said the specialist Enhanced Boarding Capability (EBC) team are an important part of the ship’s company deployed on Operation SLIPPER.

“This team is currently working up to ensure they deliver the high level of proficiency required when they deploy in the next rotation of Operation SLIPPER next year.”

“The Divers taking part in this training all have experience in specialist Counter Terrorism units within Australia and they will provide an key contribution to the maritime effort for Counter Piracy, Counter Terrorism and Maritime Interdiction Operations,” said Lieutenant Commander Dawe.

“Navy has provided this vital capability to the Middle East Region since 2009.”