In a major move aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Force, cadets from the latter are in India for 24 days of afloat training. 55 cadets from the King Fahd Naval Academy, Saudi Arabia arrived this week in Kochi, the headquarters of India’s Southern Naval Command, as part of their first-ever training with the Indian Navy.
55 cadets along with five Directing Staff from King Fahd Naval Academy, Saudi Arabia arrived onboard First Training Squadron (1TS) ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata at Kochi as part of afloat training with the Indian Navy on 16 May 23. A warm welcome was accorded to the international trainees by Capt Sarvpreet Singh, Senior Officer, 1TS. An exhaustive briefing on the training module and activities planned during the afloat training was imparted to the trainees as well as the Directing Staff.
The cadets would be undergoing 24 days of afloat training on various aspects of seamanship, navigation, fire fighting and emergency drills onboard. To provide first hand experience of life onboard a sail ship, the cadets would also be attached onboard Sail Training Ship, INS Sudarshini during this period.
The maiden afloat training of cadets from Royal Saudi Naval Force onboard Indian Navy’s Training Squadron is a major stride towards mutual cooperation between the two Navies.