Seventy-six King Fahad Naval Academy trainees of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) joined the First Training Squadron, 1TS, of the Indian Navy at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on 24 June. The second batch of trainees to undergo training with 1TS, following the footsteps of the first batch that underwent similar training in May–June 2023, the Indian Navy said, is a testament to the strong ties between the two nations.
According to the official statement, senior Officer 1TS, Capt Anshul Kishore, extended the trainees a warm welcome during the inaugural address outlining the four-week training programme. The training curriculum ranges from basic seamanship activities to simulator-based training during the harbour phase, whereas the sea phase focuses on practical exposure to the nuances of life at sea. The trainees would also be familiarised with sail training onboard the sail training ship of 1TS, stated the Navy’s statement.
The afloat attachment of RSNF trainees is being conducted alongside Indian Naval trainees of 107 Integrated Officers Training Course (IOTC), fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding between the trainees of both maritime nations. This joint training not only strengthens our bond but also enhances our individual skills, providing mutual benefits. It may be recalled that Adm Fahad Abdullah S Al-Ghofaily, Chief of Staff, RSNF, visited Southern Naval Command in January this year during his official visit to India. The bilateral training cooperation between the two Navies is a testimony to the longstanding friendship and shared commitment between India and Saudi Arabia.
As many as 55 cadets of Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd Naval Academy, along with five directing staff, were attached to the First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata, at Sothern Naval Command (SNC) last year. The cadets were exposed to rigorous training on practical aspects of navigation and seamanship with emphasis on navigation, replenishment at sea, sea boats, fire-fighting and emergency drills. A two-day harbour training on sail training ship INS Sudarshini was also carried out.
Team BharatShakti
Saudi Naval Forces Trainees Begin Training with Indian Navy in Kochi
As many as 55 cadets of Saudi Arabia’s Naval Academy trained to the First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata, at Sothern Naval Command (SNC) last year
Royal Saudi Naval Forces, RSNF, Sothern Naval Command, Kochi
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