Kochi: In a significant display of international naval cooperation, 76 trainees from the King Fahad Naval Academy of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) have joined the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. This marks the second batch of RSNF trainees undergoing training with 1TS, following a successful first batch in May – June 2023.
The trainees received a warm welcome from Senior Officer 1TS, Captain Anshul Kishore, during the inaugural address. Captain Kishore outlined the comprehensive four-week training program, which includes a mix of basic seamanship activities and simulator-based training during the harbour phase, and practical exposure to the nuances of life at sea during the sea phase. Additionally, the trainees will be familiarized with sail training onboard the sail training ship of 1TS.
The RSNF trainees will undertake their afloat attachment alongside Indian Naval trainees from the 107th Integrated Officers Training Course (IOTC). This integrated training fosters camaraderie and mutual understanding between the trainees of both maritime nations.