The Submarine Training and Systems Centre (STSC) at HMAS Stirling has officially opened a new submarine bridge simulator, enhancing the way submariners train for surfaced operations.

Commander Submarine Force Commodore Daniel Sutherland formally opened the capability, cutting the ribbon alongside Commodore Flotillas Commodore Simon Howard; Director Training Authority – Submarines Captain Robin Dainty; and Paul Taylor, a representative from Kongsberg Maritime.

The Kongsberg simulator provides an immersive and highly realistic training environment, featuring a 360-degree viewing platform centred on a full-scale replica of a submarine bridge. 

The project required close collaboration between Deputy Director Training Authority – Submarines Commander Brett South and Kongsberg Maritime to integrate the company’s existing submarine simulator designs within the constraints of the STSC facility.

Director Training Authority – Submarines Captain Robin Dainty said the new capability would prepare individuals and teams for operational service.

“The simulator represents a significant advancement in the submarine warfare officer training curriculum,” Captain Dainty said.

“With the state-of-the-art capability enabling more realistic and effective preparation of our future surfaced officers of the watch and command teams.

“Ultimately, it strengthens our mission to develop safe and capable submariners."

'The realism of this new simulator really stands out straight away.'

Now operational, the simulator enables crews to practise complex scenarios and emergency situations in a controlled environment including assisted and unassisted berthing evolutions. 

Additional training benefits are delivered through the ability to pause, reset and repeat scenarios, enabling submariners to refine their skills, strengthen decision-making and prepare for surfaced operations before going to sea.

Submarine Warfare Officer Lieutenant Benedict said junior officers had already identified the value of the new capability. 

“The realism of this new simulator really stands out straight away,” Lieutenant Benedict said.

“It helps build confidence in a safe and controlled environment, before stepping onto a real bridge at sea.”

The simulator also supports collective pre-work-up training, enabling submarine crews to rehearse higher-risk evolutions, such as berthing, while accounting for simulated environmental conditions, vessel handling characteristics and tug interactions. 

Consequently, crews can develop and refine procedures, improve coordination and build confidence in a safe training environment before conducting these activities at sea.

The new capability marks a significant investment in the future of submarine training, ensuring crews are better prepared to navigate, lead and operate safely and effectively from the moment they take the watch.