Patrol boats change course
July 24, 2000
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by patrol boat people for patrol boat people. |
Ten FCPB commanding officers (past and serving), FIMA staff and the FCPBCLO unanimously agreed to the new scheme, called the "8 & 8 Operating Cycle ", in March 2000.
The new FCPB scheme incorporates an average of three operational 8-week-on-off cycles a year. This allows for an average of three guaranteed periods of four-week maintenance periods and an additional four weeks for leave, maintenance and training (LMT). The LMT is seen as a respite from the pace of operational and assisted maintenance activities.
New FCPB Operational Cycle
| Operational period 8 weeks |
AMP 4 weeks |
LMT 4 weeks |
This is in contrast to the previous operational cycles of six weeks that were directly followed by a 2-3 annual maintenance period. Personnel leave was taken in a single block period.
Previous FCPB Operational Cycle
| Operational period 6 weeks |
AMP 4 weeks |
Operational period 6 weeks |
Some of the improvements the new scheme for the 375 personnel serving in the patrol boats patrol boat include:
Improved conditions of service. For example, the longer and more dedicated periods alongside will provide better quality time for FCPB personnel and their families with a greater guarantee of stability and certainty in the ships program.
The leave, maintenance and training (LMT) periods will enable more opportunities for personnel to receive training and acquit leave via three LMT periods annually. Under the previous scheme only one block leave period was available.
Ships will remain alongside for the eight LMT periods with the aim to reduce "people poaching" from other FCPBs for operational reliefs during the LMT periods (unless volunteers).
It is also hoped that the number of ship defects will be reduced with the introduction of longer and more dedicated maintenance periods with funding spread across all maintenance availabilities.
It is also believed that the longer maintenance periods will also provide some relief of pressure on ship's company and FIMA staff to achieve quality maintenance.
The out-going Maritime Commander, RADM John Lord, commenting on the new arrangements said: "The contribution by a patrol boat sailor has enhanced the way we can do business. It is envisaged that the new patrol boat program will not only result in greater operational flexibility, but more importantly for our personnel, provide a greater guarantee of quality time and stability for the patrol boat crews and their families."
By LCDR Mark Wilsmore and LEUT Vanessa Power