MOSCOW, September 5 (RIA Novosti) - The new Commander of the Russian Navy has admitted that the country's navy lags behind the world's leading countries in terms of rescue equipment but is competitive when it comes to divers' qualifications.
"We must be equal to other countries in assisting rescue operations because we are a signatory to a number of international agreements on sea rescue," Admiral Vladimir Masorin told a news conference Monday. The official stressed that Russia's involvement in these agreements was important, adding that no country could rescue its submariners alone.
When asked whether Russian rescue equipment was compatible with NATO's, Masorin said there were no issues in this respect. "It is compatible. For example, there are generally set standards on escape hatches," he added. (more)
