Interview with Commodore Peter Scott CSC, RANR - Author of Running Deep

Peter Scott joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Midshipman in 1983 and retired from the RAN as Commodore Scott in 2017.

Peter Scott

Specialising as a seaman officer and submariner, he served in command of HMAS Submarines Collins and Dechaineux between 1998 and 2003.

Other Command appointments included service as Commander of the Submarine Task Group, Commander of the Surface Task Group, and the inaugural Commander of the Australian Maritime Warfare Centre.

Peter Scott’s operational service included multiple Special Operations with the Submarine Arm as well as active service in Iraq, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan during 2006 and 2007.

He was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the Australia Day Honours List 2008, having previously been decorated with the Conspicuous Service Cross for achievements in command of HMAS Collins.

For the past three and a half years before his retirement from the RAN in 2017, Peter Scott served as Director General Submarines in Navy Strategic Command and Head of the Submarine Profession.

Now, following retirement, he has written a compelling memoir, published by Fremantle Press, titled Running Deep, telling of his life and times in the Navy and especially as a submariner.

Peter Scott’s book has already received glowing tributes from the Governor-General of Australia, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), former Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), former Australian Defence Minister, Ambassador to the US and Governor of Western Australia, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Retd) – and it’s not difficult to understand why.

The book is part thriller, part Boys Own adventure, part DIY manual on how to be a submariner, part exercise in exorcising the demons that come with having spent 34 intense years in the Navy, much of it in cramped quarters under water, partly an essay on the importance of service to one’s country but also maintaining real connections with one’s loved ones while serving, and perhaps most of all, a clear statement on why submarines are critical to ensuring Australia’s present and future security as we head into the third decade of the 21st century. Peter Scott tells his story with no holds barred, especially when it comes to describing the challenges of life he faced as a submariner and the personal toll they can take on sailors and their families alike.

With Australia about to enter onto the AUKUS pathway, there is no better time for Peter Scott’s Running Deep to surface and for Australians to have the opportunity to learn first hand about the life and role submariners and their submarines play in Australian life and security.

Commodore Peter Scott kindly agreed to discuss, in this podcast with our Editor, Michael Barker, his memoir, the life of a submariner with all its challenges, submarines, Navy, AUKUS, and so much more.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE –