The Royal Australian Navy fleet lacked full operational capacity in the first half of 2010, forcing the fleet to scale back its worldwide activities, revealed spokesman David Johnston, refering to figures provided to opposition defence.

The navy figures revealed that 38 of the fleet’s 54 vessels were blighted by faulty diesel engines, broken generators, repairs, operational restrictions or crew shortages.

Each of the navy’s six Collins Class submarines had been undergoing repairs or maintenance in the docks for about five to 12 months last year.

The amphibious fleet and surface ships also suffered problems.

The submarine fleet was seaworthy for only 32% of the year due to faults in engines, generators, crew shortages and maintenance.

The lower operational readiness levels for some ships was due to a shortage of trained crews, the Australian reports navy chief Russ Crane as saying.