Saudi Naval cadets complete training in India for second year in a row
Spanning three weeks, the training at Kochi comprised a harbour phase and a sea phase
In a sign of the growing defence cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia,76 trainees from the King Fahd Naval Academy of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) completed their Afloat Training Course at the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy on Thursday (Jul 18).
The instructionswereimparted at India's Southern Naval Command, Kochi, which is the training command of the Indian Navy. This is the second batch of Saudi Naval cadets who are undergoing training in India. The first batch completed their training in 2023.
Spanning three weeks, the training at Kochi comprised a harbour phase and a sea phase. The harbour phase focussed on simulator-based training on navigation, firefighting and damage control. During the sea phase, the trainees were introduced to nuances of life at sea, which included first-hand experience in ship handling, communication procedures and seamanship.
Besides this, the trainees were introduced to sail training at the Watermanship Training Centre and onboard INS Tarangini.
Participation of RSNF trainees alongside Indian Naval trainees of 107 Integrated Officers Training Course (IOTC) has immensely contributed towards enhancedbonhomie and friendship amongst the trainees of both maritime nations. The training program also facilitated cultural exchange and engagements through organised visits to historical and local places of interest and friendly sports fixtures with Indian trainees.
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Marking the culmination of the training, Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, interacted with the trainees and Directing Staff of RSNF. During the interaction, the trainees shared their at-sea experiences and the directing staff expressed their appreciation for the high-quality training imparted by the Indian Navy.
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During the valedictory function onboard the sail training ship INS Tir, course completion certificates and alumni badges were presented to the trainees. A course memoir highlighting the journey of the trainees was also unveiled during the occasion.
