The submarine intervention gear ships, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Besant and ADV Stoker, are the latest enhancements to Navy’s submarine search and rescue capability. Besant is operated by DMS Maritime.

ADV Besant is named after the Commanding Officer of the First World War submarine HMAS AE1, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Besant.

Specifications

• Type: auxiliary naval vessel
• Role: submarine intervention gear ship
• International callsign: VJN4816
• Home port: Fleet Base West
• Builder: Damen Song Cam Shipyards, Vietnam
• Launched: 21 May 2015
• Length: 83 metres
• Beam: 16 metres
• Draught: 4.25 metres