An instructor performs a free ascent in the tank at the Submarine Escape Training Facility in WA.
Serving personnel from the Navy, Army and Air Force, who are interested in becoming submariners, can test the waters first, by attending an obligationfree, five-day course at
HMAS Stirling.
The Enhanced Selection Process (ESP) is conducted by Training Authority- Submarines at the Submarine Training and Systems Centre (STSC).
Those considering a submarine career will be posted to STSC and over the fiveday course they will be provided with a variety of briefs and tours plus a general insight into life onboard a Collins class submarine.
The ESPs are conducted monthly and include a showcase of activities such as a tour of a Collins submarine, a smoke-walk at the Survivability School, a recompression chamber dive and water surface exercises at the Submarine Escape Training Facility, interviews and discussions with submariners and psychologists, a submarine suitability medical, plus comprehensive briefs on submarine categories duties, routines, security, conditions of service and submarine operations.
The benefits of the ESP are two-fold.
Firstly, prospective submariners can make an informed decision about a career in submarines and whether they are suitable and prepared to take the next step towards submarine training.
In turn, staff from Training Authority-Submarines are able to assess the candidates at close range and make an informed recommendation to Service career managers.
The beauty of volunteering for an ESP course is that it allows both the trainee and trainer an educated insight into suitability of candidates for the unique work and lifestyle of a submariner.
Participating on the ESP is not a commitment to submarine service or an automatic transfer to the submarine arm but it does provide an all round look at a potentially exciting, demanding and professionally fulfilling career that pays well too.
There are no costs to the participant, as all ESP persons are provided with quality service accommodation, transport and all meals during the course.
Volunteers interested in an ESP should make their request through their Divisional system or Commanding Officer then complete the criteria in accordance with DI(N) PERS 75-41 and arrange for DSCM/DNOP or appropriate service career agency to be notified.
http://www.defence.gov.au/news/navynews/editions/4714/feature/feature05.htm