No it was not the submarine Captain but the Commander of Submarines - really all quite normal for a working up submarine or one doing special trials - we do it, but the Commander Submarines (the old COMSUBRON) would be accompanied by a sea riding team - it not clear in the Indonesian reports whether this was also case in their situation.
I assume the Indonesian Navy would be the same as ours in that the Captain retains full power of command irrespective of who else is onboard and retains that power unless officially relieved of command. If ordered to do something by the Commander that the Captain deems not safe etc he does not have to do it - however there is a cultural aspect that could come into play - it would be hard enough on an Australian ship for a Captain to say NO but, knowing a little of SE Asian culture I can see an Indonesian Captain caving into pressure.
Garry

