Like cream rising to the surface!

Commander Eric Isabelle, Commanding Officer of HMCS Corner Brook, takes a selfie with members of the team during the escape refresher training.

Nathalie Garcia
Chief of Staff
Canadian Submarine Force

Members of HMCS Corner Brook conducted the first West Coast submarine escape refresher training at the Naden Athletic Centre pool on July 12.

The training is part of the requirements under the Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) Program, a quality assurance program to provide maximum reasonable assurance of the integrity of submarine design, systems and materials. This unpressurized training is normally conducted in Rimouski, Que.; conducting the training in Esquimalt means that members can be requalified without travelling.

“Submariners, and sailors in general, are away from home enough. Any time we can find a way to complete the mission without straying from home is good for the Navy and the team,” said Commander Eric Isabelle, Commanding Officer of HMCS Corner Brook, who also benefited from the training.

Members conduct pool sea survival training.

The nine members conducted pool sea survival and escape training in the forenoon, followed by forward escape tower training in the afternoon under the supervision of Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Michael Tibbetts, Corner Brook’s Coxswain.

“The training offered locally utilizes the six-person life rafts held onboard, a functional escape tower, and the realism of onboard training. The entire team, including our rescue swimmers, get involved, adding to the training experience and team cohesion,” said CPO2 Tibbetts.

HMCS Corner Brook members conduct forward escape tower training.