Page 34 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
capabilities that surface ships and support organisations represent.
Naval personnel, both uniformed and civilian are thus the most
important factor for maintaining the productivity of the Navy. SLN has a
considerable history of operational achievements and excellence which
provides a firm substance for its modern activities and future progress.
However, this foundation is one that can swiftly be diminished if we do
not give priority to the entire naval family.

Life at Sea

“A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

The maritime environment is undistinguished, strenuous and challenging.
Forms of life during peacetime exercises differ little from those during
hostilities. Historically, maritime warfare has been characterised by
long periods of surveillance and search followed by short eruptions of
intense combat. It is inherently dangerous and it is the notion of the
uncompromising sea as the mariner’s first and common adversary
which underlies the sense of fellowship experienced by sailors around
the world. In consequence, all seafarers must be constantly alert to the
possibility of emergencies and the unforeseen events. Even in harbour,
ships still require substantial level of monitoring to ensure their physical
integrity and security.

Peacetime operations require virtually the same degree of commitment
and effort, and are similarly demanding and relentless. Even the biggest
ships are relatively confined and all living within are subject to the
continuous effects of weather and sea state. Constant monitoring of
work practices is essential to reduce and manage the risks associated
with fatigue.

Discipline

It follows from the nature of life at sea that naval discipline is as much
self-discipline as it is externally imposed. There are occasions on which
orders need to be obeyed instantly and without question, but the key
elements of naval discipline are cooperation and teamwork. Naval

16 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea