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RPB
multi crewing an advantage
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COMAUSNAVPBGRP,
CAPT Frank Kresse. Optimum crewing of the new patrol boats
is being considered.
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The
RAN’s Patrol Boat Force Element Group (PBGRP) is looking to
the future, with delivery of the first Replacement Patrol Boat (RPB)
expected in the next two years.
It is anticipated the preferred tenderer will be announced in March
or April 2003, with a period of contract negotiations to follow
and signing mid next year.
Commander Australian Naval Patrol Boat Group (COMAUSNAVPBGRP), CAPT
Frank Kresse said, “We should see a boat in the water within
18 months from contact signature, with delivery starting around
December 2004. I anticipate a rapid delivery schedule for the new
boats, with the last to be delivered in 2007”, he said.
The tender specifications require the RPB fleet to be designed and
maintained to a capacity providing a minimum 3000 days of availability
per year.
The potential contractors are being asked to determine the number
of boats to deliver this output.
“If the full potential of the ship and system designs are fully
exploited, there will be a significant increase in operational output.
This means each boat could spend on average 250 days of operational
time per year.
“Understandably, crews will not be able to operate to the same
level as the boats”, he said. Navy is therefore considering
an alternative crewing strategy such as multi-crewing, similar to
that already in place within the Hydrographic FEG.
“We will be examining the optimum crewing arrangement for the
boats, which might result in more than the current 15 crews. The
outcome must be one that is equitable and balances operational time
and respite, and one that is structurally sustainable.”
The advantage of multi-crewing is that a well-designed crew rotation
will be able to guarantee sufficient respite time and leave. Crews
will not remain with the boat during periods of maintenance but
will be on stand down or stand by time, leave and training. The
contractor will be responsible for all intermediate and depot level
maintenance and contractor supplied logistic support.
“In anticipation of multi-crewing, I am asking our present
ships’ companies to identify the names for the crews so they
have some ownership. One suggestion is to name crews after the Attack
class patrol boats.”
Irrespective of the crewing strategy employed in the replacement
boats, there will be many changes in the way the PBGRP currently
conduct business, as most of the day to day administration and routine
work will be performed by a shore support organisation.
The Fremantle class was intended originally to run for just 15 years.
Already some boats have turned 21 years old and will run for several
years to come.
“When the last boat pays off in 2007, their life will have
been extended some 10 years beyond the designed service life. They
will be well and truly tired.”
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