SETT/SMEARS (Submarine Escape)
The course is one day for civilians who work or provide a service to submarines. The course is called SMERAS - SUBMARINE, ESCAPE, RESCUE, ABANDONMENT & SURVIVAL and is held in the SMERAS Training Facility in Faslane, Scotland.
Description
Over the last few courses several trainees have failed the training, we wish to advise that although a trainee may have an ENG1 and seem fit enough to undertake the training we would like to encourage line managers to ensure that the trainee feels that they fit and have enough strength and stamina to complete. The training is robust and trainees spend all morning and afternoon in the swimming pool which simulates different sea states up to 4m high waves, torrential rain (designed to make breathing difficult), complete darkness, thunder and lightning. They are in their survival suit and must be able to get into their individual life raft as well and swim to the 25 man life raft and be able to safely get in and out while in waves. They are also expected to jump from the platform into the water (2 plus meters) and it is MANDATED that they can swim 25 meters (while in and out of their life suit) multiple times during the day. There is also no opting out of parts of the course for those that cannot swim.
Please be assured that there is always trainers and staff in the pool and poolside at all times and it is their decision if they feel that a trainee is struggling and can’t continue. The trainees safety and wellbeing will always be the priority.
It should also be noted that the course is not suitable for the claustrophobic as there is a period where each individual is sealed inside a torpedo tube which is then flooded above face height. The individual must satisfy the instructors that they have followed the correct procedures to avoid drowning.