Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2008/Thinking of submarining? – test the waters
By Annie Casey
Navy personnel and other permanent members of the Australian Defence Force interested in becoming submariners can test the waters first by attending an obligation free, five-day course.
The enhanced selection process (ESP) is conducted by Training Authority – Submarines at the Submarine Training and Systems Centre (STSC) at HMAS Stirling.
Candidates considering a transfer to submarines will be posted to STSC over a five-day course, and be provided with a variety of briefs, tours and general insight into life onboard the Collins class submarine allowing them to judge if it is a suitable career choice.
ABCK Benjamin Hayes, now serving in HMAS Waller, found the ESP provided a good look at all the details of submariner life. In his case it confirmed his research into the sub environment.
“I was able to see first hand my perception and expectations of the career change involved in transferring to a submariner life,” he said. “The ESP course confirmed my view had been pretty accurate and realistic and this helped me finalize my decision to change careers.”
He has moved on from ESP and is now undertaking the six to seven- week initial Collins class course.
It was a different experience for LS Nathan Dwyer of HMAS Darwin.:e was sufficiently attracted to the submariner lifestyle to take a serious look but realised after being on the ESP course that the life of a submariner was not for him.
“The course was well structured and it gave me the opportunity to be well informed about both the positive and negative aspects of the submariner environment,” he said.
LS Dwyer has a young family and he considered, at this point in his life, life as a submariner was not what he imagined it to be. He was glad to find this out during the ESP course rather than as a member of the submarine service.
As can be seen in LS Dwyer’s case the ESP course is a two-way street and as such is beneficial to both prospective submariners and the submarine arm. Members have the opportunity to have all their questions and concerns answered and addressed, allowing them to make an informed decision about whether they are ready for the unique work and lifestyle of a submariner.
In turn, TA-SM staff assess prospective submariners, making an informed recommendation to service career managers.
The ESP courses include a variety of activities: a tour of a Collins submarine, smoke walk at the School of Ships Safety and Survivability, a recompression chamber dive and water surface exercises at the Submarine Escape Training Facility, interviews and discussions with submariners and psychologists, a submarine suitability medical, plus comprehensive briefs on submarine categories duties, routines, security, conditions of service and submarine operations.
Completing an ESP course is not a commitment to submarine service or an automatic transfer to the submarine arm. It does however provide an all round look at an exciting, demanding and professionally fulfilling career with excellent remuneration and career prospects.
There are no costs to the participant as all ESP nominees are provided with service accommodation, transport and all meals during the course.
ADF members interested in nominating for an ESP can do so in a number of ways. After first informing divisional staff, a member can e-mail or phone ESP staff directly to get the ball rolling. ESP staff will then make contact with divisional staff to confirm availability.
Alternatively interested members can submit a PE121(Personal Request) asking to attend an ESP course. All prerequisites for selection and posting to ESP are outlined in DI (N) PERS 75-41.
For more info on a career in submarines, contact ESP Staff Co-ord. CPO Ashley Davis (08) 9553 3692 ; ESP Assistant LS Melissa Henry (08) 9553 3821 or email sti.espcell@defence.gov.au
