They offered Poland the latest version of the KSS-III Batch II submarine, which is to have both lithium-ion batteries and air-independent propulsion (AIP) based on fuel cells, which will allow the submarine to remain under water for over three weeks. They also proposed weapons for the submarines, the transfer of some technology to Poland and training for the Polish KSS III crews.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to have a short interview with Hanwha Ocean Vice President Seongwoo Park, former captain of the South Korean Navy, long-time commander of the Korean Navy’s submarine and Head of the Submarine Education and Training, we naturally ask about the specifics of training submarine crews in South Korea, in such a sensitive area like the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, where the neighbors are China and North Korea.
Captain, what are the key features of the Korean Navy’s submarine crew training system?
Mr. Seongwoo Park: – I think the two main characteristics of Korean Navy’s submarine education and training are:
- first, its excellent education and training system,
- second, its incorporation of real submarine operational experience.
The Korean Navy has very advanced training equipment, which includes a variety of simulators, computer-based training, and facilities for training in emergency situations (such as submarine escape training, damage control training, and firefighting training).
Our navy’s submarine training is developed based on actual submarine operational experience.
As you all know, South Korea is bordered by North Korea, and we are also surrounded by powerful neighbors which adds another layer of security uncertainty.
Therefore, when Korean submarines deploy, they do so with combat readiness in mind. We refer to this as “active combat patrols”.
Additionally, to prepare for wartime, Korea regularly participates many joint exercises with allied countries, especially the United States and neighboring countries. The Korean Navy’s training programs are continuously updated and improved based on these experiences.
These two points are the most significant characteristics of Korean submarine education and training.
What are the most important aspects to be taken into account when training submarine crews?
Submarine education and training are very important, and there are three crucial aspects to consider in training:
- safety,
- the rapidly evolving nature modern submarine operations, and
- the smaller number of crews needed to operate submarines.
Regarding submarine safety, since submarines operate underwater, even the smallest mistakes can lead to significant mishaps. That’s why we emphasize checking, double-checking, and triple-checking, in our submarine education and training.
The next point is about the rapidly evolving nature modern submarine operations.
The role of submarines has evolved significantly over the years. During World War II, their primary focus was on anti-surface operations. Today, submarines undertake a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, land-attack, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and special forces operations. They have truly become multi-role platforms. To perform such diverse and complex missions, securing well-trained submarine crews is essential.
Lastly, submarines are operated with a crew of 30 to 50 personnel, which is relatively small compared to surface ships. This means that each submarine crew member must perform the role of 3 to 4 people, making it crucial to maximize each individual’s combat capability.
Therefore, the importance of comprehensive submarine training cannot be overstated. With over 30 years of experience as a submarine officer, I can assert that education and training are paramount, as they directly impact safety, combat readiness, and maintenance efficiency.
