Fact Sheet: Asia-Pacific Submarine Conference & Joint Standard Operating Procedures for Memorandum of Agreement

Asia-Pacific Submarine Conference. The Asia-Pacific Submarine Conference (APSC) has established itself as a major forum for enhancing collaboration and promoting discussions in submarine survivability, escape and interoperability of rescue assets since its inception in 2001. The 15th APSC this year will witness the largest number of participating agencies. It comprises representatives from the following:

a.    Asia-Pacific Navies.

i.    Australia
ii.    Bangladesh
iii.    Canada
iv.    Chile
v.    People’s Republic of China
vi.    Indonesia
vii.    Japan
viii.    Republic of Korea
ix.    Malaysia
x.    Pakistan
xi.    Peru
xii.    Singapore
xiii.    Thailand
xiv.    United States of America 
xv.    Vietnam

b.    European Navies.

i.    France
ii.    Germany
iii.    Netherlands
iv.    Sweden
v.    United Kingdom

c.    International Organisations.

i.    International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office
ii.    NATO Submarine Escape and Rescue Working Group

The APSC helps to build trust and foster partnerships by facilitating cross-platform sharing of systems and training as well as exchanges of best practices. This year's conference will feature a wide span of topics covering (a) global updates on submarine rescue systems and philosophies, (b) international material safety standards, (c) rescue procedures and process, and (d) key observations from recent concluded submarine rescue exercises.

Joint Standard Operating Procedures for Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the United States Navy (USN) signed the Joint Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the MOA concerning Submarine Rescue Mutual Support and Cooperation on 19 May 2015. The Joint SOP will operationalise the framework set out under the MOA, which  was earlier signed in December 2009 by RSN's then-Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral (RADM) Joseph Leong and USN's Pacific Fleet then-Director, Submarine Warfare Division RADM Cecil D. Haney. The framework between the RSN and USN in the area of submarine rescue ensures the following:

Rescue Support. An effective and reliable activation procedure between the RSN and the USN's submarine operating authorities will be established. The RSN's submarine rescue system, which comprises the submarine support and rescue vessel MV Swift Rescue and the submarine rescue vehicle, Deep Search and Rescue Six, will also be available to the USN to provide support and assistance in the event of a submarine-related incident.

Enhance Interoperability. Familiarisation visits between the two navies will be conducted to ensure personnel are familiar with operating systems, procedures and technical documentation. A joint standard operating procedure will also be developed to establish common processes in the conduct of rescue operations together. In addition, rescue exercises, both ashore and at sea, will be conducted to facilitate interoperability and to maintain the proficiency of the personnel involved in submarine rescue operations

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