The 2023 meeting of the Submarine Escape and Rescue Working Group (SMERWG) took place at the Marina Militare Istitutio Di Studia Militari Maritimi, in Venice, Italy, 27 through 30 June 2023. A total of 130 delegates from 20 nations attended. A number of SMER related topics were covered in depth and it was a great opportunity to share and enhance knowledge across the global SMER network as well as maintaining and extending friendships. We are truly grateful to the Italian Navy who did an outstanding job in hosting the event in the historic and marvelous city of Venice.