First two ladies to complete submarine training in Germany. Article by AT Tshabalala Photos by various members on Course

On 21 September 2007 a crew of submariners were selected for the Submarine Escape Course in Germany. The crew consisted of men and two ladies, PO Rosemary Rapetswa and PO Candice Chetty.

I can do this!

The aim of this trip was to provide the crew with the skills that they require to become qualified submariners. PO Rosemary Rapetswa and PO Candice Chetty are the first two ladies to complete the Submarine Escape Course and are now qualified submariners. The physical part of the course required a lot of strength and endurance whilst the theoretical part focused on medical theory.

PO Chetty paying attention during class.	The course members waiting their turn to enter the water.

When the ladies were asked what challenges they face while working in a male dominated environment, they said the biggest were facing sexism and being compared to their male colleagues w.r.t their abilities in the working environment. They now feel that they have proven that they are capable of working successfully in a male dominated branch.

The two submarine ladies standing with Cdr Souma.

PO Rapetswa and PO Chetty overcame all obstacles they faced and were focused on achieving their goals to become qualified submariners. They urge ladies not to be easily intimidated by the environment that they find themselves in but to remain positive and draw strength from their difficult times.