PNS HIMALAYA is situated in Manora which is an island at the entrance to Karachi harbour. It is connected by road and boat service to Karachi City, Various facilities of the Establishment are spread over 1.8 Kms along the sea front. HISTORY HIMS HIMALAYA was commissioned on 27 November 1943. Originally it had a Gunnery School and a Diving Section. When Pakistan gained independence in 1947, PNS HIMALAYA was further developed over the years with the addition of other professional schools. In December 1970, as a result of re-distribution of responsibilities of Naval Establishments on the Island of Manora, PNS HIMALAYA was entrusted with the additional responsibility of training of new entry sailors In 1980. Diving Section at PNS HIMALAYA was upgraded and renamed as PN Diving School in 1982. However the functions of New Entry and Diving Schools at PNS HIMALAYA were enhanced and improved to provide quality training. STATUS & UTILIZATION Presently PNS HIMALAYA is entrusted with the primary task of providing Boot Camp Training to New Entry Sailors, The main objective of this training is to convert a young recruit into a tough and competent sailor who is able to withstand the rigours of the sea efficiently It also continues to meet the Diving Training requirements of PN and other friendly Navies. In addition to this training, PNS HIMALAYA provides Diving assistance to PN units and civilian authorities. It also conducts rescue operations during floods and emergencies.
NEW ENTRY SCHOOL New Entry Sailors join PNS HIMALAYA for nine months Boot Camp Training. During this period the sailors study basic professional subjects and their academic base is improved. Emphasis is also given to parade training, small arms firing, swimming, survival training and sports. Endeavors are made to convert the raw hand into a confident professional sailor, who can efficiently discharge his responsibilities onboard ships, submarines and in shore installations. The following seamanship courses are also conducted at New Entry School:
• Basic Seamanship Course for Short Service Commissioned officers • Basic Seamanship Course for foreign officers & sailors • Ship's Husbandry Course for sailors
Following Inter Divisional extra curricular activities are under taken at New Entry School: • Qiraat Competition • Drill Competition • Physical Training Competition • Pulling Competition • Sailing Competition • Sports Competitions • Spelling Bee Competition • Debates • Swimming • Small Arms Firing • Computer Club Activities Well Qualified and experienced instructors impart training at the New Entry School which is fully equipped with the following training facilities: Language Lab Computer Lab Library Audio/Visual Aids Model Rooms Firing Range PN DIVING SCHOOL In 1943, Diving Section was established at PNS HIMALAYA and upgraded as an independent Diving School in 1980, Since then, the school is providing effective diving training to Pakistan Navy personnel and officers and sailors from following brotherly countries: • SAUDI ARABIA • UAE • BAHRAIN • OMAN • SRILANKA • BANGLADESH • MALDIVES • PLO
PN Diving School is capable of providing : • Rescue Operations • Underwater Engineering Services • Underwater Hull Survey • Salvage Operations • Ship's Bottom Clearance • Mine Clearance in Harbour • Bomb Disposal Services • Sea Survival Training In addition to rendering assistance on request, the PN Diving School regularly provides diving services to under mentioned Agencies: • Research Institutes • Water and Power Development Authority • Various Shipping Lines • Civil Administration for Rescue Operations Following facilities are available to the Diving School:
RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER A 10 men recompression chamber is installed at PNS HIMALAYA. Apart from divers treatment other patients can also be treated under pressure with oxygen by a Medical Officer who is specialized in underwater medicine and is permanently posted in PN Diving School.
DIVING Tank Apart from two swimming pools a specially designed diving tank is available to facilitate diving training including underwater cutting/ welding.
DIVING TENDER AND BOATS PN Diving School has its own flotilla of diving boats which includes: • Diving Tender: Constructed by PN Dockyard, it can take a diving team of about 30 Divers into open sea for overnight stay. • Diving Ferry: Constructed by PN Dockyard, it is specially designed for diving training,It can also provide assistance in sea. • GRP Boat: This boat is made of Glass Reinforced Plastic and available to teams diving inside the harbour. • Zulu Boats: 7 fast rubber boats are also available for diving operators