Birdies take to sea

Some of the “Birdies” training for their Survival at Sea module, aided by instructors LSBM Lancaster, POB Ryan and LSBM Miers. The module is a vital part of their Sea Posting Qualification Course.

Two hundred HMAS Albatross “birdies” have found themselves bobbing in the briny of Jervis Bay in the last three months.

CMDR Ken Macauley-Black, the new head of the Training Authority-Aviation (TAAVN) based at Albatross, reports that due to anomalies in the Aviation Technician training pipeline, some 225 aviation technicians who joined the RAN between 1998 and 2002 missed out on the Sea Posting Qualification Course (SPQC).

One vital element of the course is the Survival at Sea module.

“A solution to eradicate the backlog with minimal disruption to squadrons and to avoid the cost of travel back to HMAS Cerberus, was required,” CMDR Macaulay-Black told Navy News.

He sought the help of Training-Authority Mine Warfare (HMAS Watson) led by CAPT Ian Middleton to utilise Seamanship School instructors from HMAS Cerberus to deliver the module locally.

He also sought and obtained support from CO Creswell, CAPT Tony Aldred to do the training in his patch, the waters off Creswell.

“With all training authorities pitching in to coordinate the evolution, 200 aviation technicians have now completed the required training, CMDR Macaulay-Black said.

The Commander said the work done thus far proved that training authority teamwork and innovation can lead to efficient achievement of effective training outcomes.

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