Pirireis is Capable of Accomplishing Any Mission Anywhere in the World at Any Time!
Defence Turkey: What are the main duties of a submarine commander?
Captain Necati KARACA: Since my main duty is to keep my submarine ready for war at all times, I actively perform the guiding and supervisory duty in personnel, training and material matters. Our main duty is to be always ready for war to help protect Türkiye’s maritime rights and interests in the surrounding seas. For this purpose, we participate in single ship training, tactical training, and exercises.
Defence Turkey: What is the power element that makes Pirireis different from other submarines when compared to existing submarines in the world in terms of facilities and capabilities?
Captain Necati KARACA: Considering its technological possibilities and capabilities, Pirireis can be considered one of the most modern submarines in the world. Survivability capabilities provided by the reduced noise level compared to other conventional submarines, the new generation PERMASYN® main engine that can change speed without switch noise, the air-independent propulsion system capabilities that make it possible to infiltrate deep into the operational area without snorkeling, and the attack and engagement capabilities provided by the Mine Laying System, Naval Special Operations Container and Compartment, Modern Torpedoes (HWT) and Guided Missile (G/M) payload are the power elements that make Pirireis different from other submarines.
However, our real strength comes from our staff. Being aware that our staff is a member of a 138-year-old fleet, they are raised in a deep-rooted, open-to-change and proactive manner. They are always very hardworking, has courage and self-denial, and can work under pressure without losing his sense of duty and determination.
Defence Turkey: Where can Pirireis perform duties, considering his means and capabilities?
Captain Necati KARACA: Pirireis is capable of seamlessly fulfilling any task assigned at anytime, anywhere in the world. Pirireis is a submarine that can operate in any environment, from very shallow waters to the depths of the ocean, from polar regions to tropical seas. It is a deterrent platform with its modern sensor systems and firepower.
Lieutenant (LT) Samet EROL, Pirireis Chief Engineer (CHENG)
Defence Turkey: What does a typical workday look like onboard Pirireis?
Lieutenant Samet EROL: A normal port day begins with a meeting when staff arrive on board in the morning. At this meeting, general announcements, that day's work list and task allocation division are announced. Subsequently, the personnel perform planned maintenance on the systems and devices, lectures and conferences are held within the scope of individual training, and collective role training is attended. Following the lunch break, another short meeting is held to obtain general feedback and any program changes are communicated to the staff. The afternoon is spent with care, maintenance, training, and lessons, just like before the noon.
Defence Turkey: From my observations, life underwater is difficult and dangerous. What precautions do you take against any accident, incident, or unsafe situation?
Lieutenant Samet EROL: When we talk about the safety system in our submarine, the first thing that comes to our mind is personnel training. Safety considerations, training and equipment are of no benefit unless addressed together. For this reason, first the personnel is trained in detail on safety issues, and then this training is combined with technical equipment to create a safety system.
Our submarine has an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) that monitors all compartments on a 24-hour basis, as well as automatic fire extinguishing systems in special areas. In this way, problem areas and dangerous situations can be detected quickly. In addition, an effective watch system is implemented by our staff in the port and on the sail, completing the system cycle.
Defence Turkey: What are the characteristics a submariner should have and the training that must be received?
Lieutenant Samet EROL: Considering the characteristics of the submarine mission, personnel working in such difficult conditions must first be sound. In this context, submarine personnel are subjected to periodic health examinations in fully equipped hospitals. Another essential issue to achieve the given task in the best way is to have the necessary information infrastructure. Due to the nature of the task, composure and endurance are at the forefront. In order to acquire these features, personnel who want to become submariners undergo a very intensive training of approximately 1,5 years, and those who successfully complete this training are entitled to become submariners. Submarine personnel must be patient, determined, enduring and courageous, able to work under difficult conditions.
Defence Turkey: What's different about being a submariner?
Lieutenant Samet EROL: Submarining is a way of life. A good submariner must be in love with his profession, be knowledgeable and experienced, be responsible, be in solidarity with his crew and be physically and mentally strong. It should always analyze the data flowing from devices and sensors with a clear perception and build situational awareness. Commitment to submarining and the submarine is also one of the indispensable elements.
Since submariners perform tactical operations and operate and command a platform that can lead to strategic effects, they must have the highest sense of responsibility and be able to calmly make difficult decisions that need to be made under stress. This is the distinguishing feature of a submariner and what makes him a good submariner depends on it.
Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) Murat TAYMAZ, Pirireis Torpedoman's Mate (TM)
Defence Turkey: What kind of process does a mariner who wants to become a submariner follow?
MCPO Murat TAYMAZ: Following a long submarine course, our personnel undertake a challenging internship on ships, and those who are successful are entitled to wear a submarine badge. Even after wearing the badge, training activities continue on the submarine. As the great leader ATATÜRK, the founder of our Republic, stated with great accuracy, the saying “The primary school is the field” has been our guide as well. The training level of our staff is always kept high, both through theoretical courses and conferences and through training using the devices themselves.
Defence Turkey: If you were asked to describe submarining and submariners in a few sentences, what would you say?
MCPO Murat TAYMAZ: Submarining is more than a profession; it is a lifestyle. Submarining allows a person to experience all the emotions and feelings that he can experience in his life. It is honor, courage, pride, unity of destiny, cooperation, loyalty, joy, and excitement.
Having a submarine fleet with more than 100 years of submarine history and culture stands out as an important advantage. Because today, even if we have the financial resources to provide submarines with the most modern technology, you cannot use submarines effectively at sea without having trained manpower. If you cannot equip those ships with the personnel to operate them in accordance with the technology they have, the technical superiority you have will be meaningless. Our submarines derive their strength from their faithful, loyal, hardworking, and expert personnel.
Defence Turkey: How many personnel works on submarines?
MCPO Murat TAYMAZ: 40-45 personnel work on our submarines. Submarines have a personnel structure based on their areas of expertise.
Defence Turkey: What are the difficulties of serving in a submarine?
MCPO Murat TAYMAZ: The most important challenge is working for long periods in a limited living space, away from daylight and normal daily life. It means adapting to a wide range of different lives, from three-dimensional operation under water to distinguishing day and night only by lighting color. The personnel working on submarines work with great determination and commitment to achieve the task in the best possible way, in limited conditions, deprived of daylight and normal breathing air
