Discover HMAS OTAMA (SS 62/SSG 62)

WATCH VIDEO FOLLOW THE OTAMA STORY

HMAS Otama (SS 62/SSG 62) was an Oberon-class submarine of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Engineers in Scotland built the submarine. It was the last of its class to enter service. The RAN commissioned it in 1978. HMAS Otama was a specialist submarine. It was one of two “Mystery Boats”. They had more spy gear and intelligence tools. Otama gathered intelligence. It was on the Soviet Pacific Fleet. She also gathered it on Chinese Navy ships. It conducted coastal surveillance in Asia. It focused on classified operations. The submarine joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1980. It was their largest fleet. They cruised in the Indian Ocean. From 1983 to 1985, she underwent an extensive upgrade. In August 1987, two submariners died. They died when Otama submerged. They were still working in the fin. Otama remained in service until late 2000. They delayed retiring the Collins-class submarines. This was to reduce problems with the new ones. It was from her planned date. In 2001, the Western Port Oberon Association bought Otama. They planned to keep her as a museum ship. She would be at the proposed Victorian Maritime Centre. They rejected proposals. The proposals to build a maritime museum. . In late 2008, Otama listed the submarine for sale on eBay. Yet, many people showed interest. But, it was not sold. In 2013, authorities approved the Victorian Maritime Centre. It is on reclaimed land next to the Western Port Marina at Hastings. However, as of 2016, they have not yet approved the planning permits.

The story

HMAS Otama was a submarine that served in the Royal Australian Navy. Scotland built it and it became operational in 1978. This made it the last of its kind in the Navy. Otama was special. It was a “Mystery Boat” with cool gadgets. They used them for spying. They also used them for gathering intelligence. It went on secret missions to snoop on Soviet ships in the Pacific. In 1980, Otama participated in the Navy’s largest exercise. Later, in 1983, it underwent a major upgrade that lasted two years. Tragedy struck in 1987 when a submarine sank, claiming the lives of two sailors. But Otama continued operating until 2000. There were some delays. The Navy required it to substitute for new submarines. The submarines were experiencing problems. In 2001, the Western Port Oberon Association purchased Otama. They planned to convert it into a museum ship. However, they struggled to find a home for it on the Mornington Peninsula. People expressed interest, yet none made a purchase in the end. So, in 2008, they listed it on eBay but only had permission in principle. They stored the submarine near the Western Port Marina. However, they did not obtain the necessary permits. A shipbreaker transported Otama to Western Australia. They demolished it. It was a shame – many people had attempted to save it as a museum.

Design and construction

Builders used Porpoise-class bases. They used them to build Oberon-class submarines. They strengthened the hulls. They also upgraded the sensor systems. They also enhanced the stealth capabilities. The Royal Australian Navy ordered eight submarines. They did so in two batches of four. In 1963, they approved the first batch. In the late 1960s, the committee approved the second batch. It included Otama. However, they cancelled the construction in 1969. The Fleet Air Arm received the funding. This was the RAN’s fourth try to get a submarine fleet. Each sub is 295.2 feet (90.0 m) long, 26.5 feet (8.1 m) wide, and 18 feet (5.5 m) deep when surfaced. It weighs 2,030 tons at the surface and 2,410 tons underwater. An English Electric motor powers them. It powers the two propeller shafts. It has 3,500 brake horsepower and 4,500 shaft horsepower. It also has two Admiralty Standard Range generators. Supercharged V16 diesel engines power these generators. The submarine can travel at 12 knots on the surface and 17 knots underwater. It can cover 9,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. Its maximum depth is 200 metres. It started with 8 officers and 56 sailors, then added 4 sailors. The vessel could also accommodate up to 16 trainees.

HMAS Otama Launch

The Oberon class drew design inspiration from the Porpoise class. It changed the hull to boost its integrity, upgraded its sensors, and enhanced its stealth.

The Royal Australian Navy ordered eight submarines. They did so in two batches of four. In 1963, officials approved the first batch. They approved the second batch, which included Otama, in the late 1960s. However, construction began in 1969. But the authorities cancelled two projects first. They redirected the funding to the Fleet Air Arm. This was the fourth time the RAN had attempted to establish a submarine branch.

The submarine is 295.2 feet (90.0 m) long, with a beam of 26.5 feet (8.1 m), and a draught of 18 feet (5.5 m) when surfaced. At full load displacement, she displaces 2,030 tons when on the surface. She displaces 2,410 tons when underwater. Two powerful V16 diesel generators make the power. They are Admiralty Standard Range. They drive each of the two propeller shafts. An English Electric motor provides 3,500 brake horsepower. It also provides 4,500 shaft horsepower. The submarine could go at up to 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) on the surface. When submerged, it could go at up to 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph). It had a range of 9,000 nautical miles (17,000 km; 10,000 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph). Its test depth was 200 meters (660 ft) below sea level. When launched, the boat had 8 officers and 56 sailors. But, by the time she decommissioned, the sailors had increased to 60. In addition, the system could carry up to 16 trainees.

WATCH VIDEO FOLLOW THE OTAMA LAUNCH

The Hunt for Otama

WATCH VIDEO OTAMA ARRIVAL AT WESTERNPORT

Max Bryant learned the Royal Australian Navy was getting rid of its Oberon-class submarines. He contacted the Navy Disposal Department about HMAS Otama, the last of its kind. It was built in Scotland. It stayed in service until December 2000. Then, authorities decommissioned it. Max submitted a detailed proposal to the Navy. It impressed Dr. Brendan Nelson. He is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence. The Western Port bid won. Max secured a $500,000 grant to buy the submarine for $550,000 and cover the $306,000 towing fee. Before towing, the company needed EPA approval to clean the tanks. This added $40,000 to the cost. Insurance for the journey added $96,000. By the time HMAS Otama arrived in Western Port, the first funding was almost gone.

Otama arrived in Western Port Bay on 30 April 2002. This marked the end of a dramatic 13-day journey from HMAS Sterling. The submarine’s display will change maritime tourism in Victoria. It will revolutionise it.

Australia previously exhibited only fragments of submarines. Now, complete vessels, such as HMAS Onslow and HMAS Ovens, draw huge crowds. Ovens are popular in Fremantle. It was popular. It sparked a $24 million museum move. It attracted 55,000 visitors in eight months.

The Western Port Oberon Association plans an innovative display for Otama. It will be on land. To overcome access limitations, they will cut openings in the hull. They will connect the openings. They will connect them to the Victorian Maritime Centre. They will do this by building tunnels for walkers.

7 million people visit the Mornington Peninsula per year. The Centre is well poised to become a major tourist attraction. Otama’s unique presentation will be like no other. It will offer a submarine experience. It will solidify Western Port’s place on the maritime tourism map.

Loss of Submarine HMAS Otama.

The loss of the submarine HMAS Otama has outraged the Victorian public. They intended it to be the centrepiece of a tourism project in Western Port. The Western Port Oberon Association bought Otama in 2003. They paid $55,000. No government supported the project. This includes the federal, state, and local governments. Despite many letters and meetings with politicians.

In 2020, Defence Disposals offered to purchase Otama for a dollar or take it away. Later, they suggested cutting the submarine into pieces. Then, they would return the pieces. In 2021, severe storms damaged Otama. Parks Victoria issued a notice to remove it. Parks then bullied the association. He made them sell Otama for a dollar.

The loss of Otama means the loss of 200 jobs. It is also a platform for veterans and a lifeline for local businesses. The community feels devastated. Parks spent $5 million to remove and dispose of Otama. It could have cost one-tenth as much to bring it ashore. The project’s failure is a mystery.The community has rallied behind the project. They signed petitions. They also wrote letters of support. But it’s not over yet. We need a stronger voice to champion the cause and save Otama. If we can’t return it whole, we at least want some of its main pieces back.

WATCH VIDEO MAX INTERVIEW ON OTAMA LOSS

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HMAS Otama Launch

The Hunt for Otama

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