Submarine service shortcomings putting lives at risk, inquiry finds

The navy's infamous Collins-class submarines have attained ''pariah status'' in official circles and with the public, with bureaucratic infighting and turf wars crippling the fleet and potentially putting sailors' lives at risk, an inquiry has found.

The inquiry also found the vessels were too often incapable of putting to sea because of crew shortages, a lack of spare capacity and unreliable equipment.

The inquiry commission's scathing report, released yesterday by the Defence Minister, Stephen Smith, also said a lack of submarine experience and knowledge at the senior level risked crippling the fleet.

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