An inquiry has heard that a predatory culture existed on the Navy ship HMAS Success, with junior female sailors being bullied or coerced into having sex.

Men and women work side by side on HMAS Success, but sexual contact between sailors is forbidden.

The inquiry heard that new women on board were especially vulnerable.

The ship’s former Commanding Officer, Simon Brown, says it was rumoured that one group of male sailors was placing bets on who would be first to have sex with new female crew members.

Cmdr Brown also tried to verify another rumour circulating through the ship that two junior sailors had sex on a pool table in a bar in southern China.

He told the commission of inquiry that in April last year, HMAS Success sailed to China for the 60th anniversary of China’s navy, a big affair with many navies invited.

According to the rumour, as the two able seamen had sex some crew members encouraged others to come and watch.

Cmdr Brown says he understood there was cheering as well.

He says he sent the ship’s boatswain to investigate and he confirmed the story was out there.

Under questioning from senior counsel Douglas Campbell, the Navy Commander said he was not aware if any action was taken.

However, it was a different matter with an allegation of improper behaviour on board HMAS Success.

During the same China trip, a junior female sailor apparently had sex with a senior male sailor.

The ship’s boatswain again investigated and the junior sailor said it did happen. But the senior sailor said it did not. He was removed from the ship at the next port.

The inquiry has heard that the prime predators were members of the ship’s propulsion unit, who were meant to make sure the ship kept sailing. They have not been named.

Cmdr Brown says he was told about drinking games, the aim of which was to get junior female sailors drunk so they would be more compliant.

Some allegedly gave in so that the attention would go elsewhere.

The Commander’s source was three women who were so fed up with the situation on HMAS Success that they made a complaint.

He says he contacted headquarters in Australia and the Navy sent Lieutenant Dianne Markowski, an equity and diversity check officer.

Cmdr Brown told the inquiry he thought that a formal investigation was more appropriate.

But the Navy had made its decision.

Cmdr Brown was in uniform, as were many of the lawyers in the hearing room. The inquiry is headed by a civilian – Roger Giles QC – a former federal court judge.

He will report his findings and any recommendations to the head of the defence force.

The hearing has been adjourned until March 24.