Cpl Natalie Forster, 10FSB, in the wheelhouse of her LCM8 at Ross Island, Townsville. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, 1JPAU(P)

On deck at all times

By Cpl Belinda Mepham
SALT, sun, sea and command have combined to be the ultimate job for Cpl Natalie Forster, the first female soldier to become a coxswain in the RACT.

Boss of the newest LCM8 in the fleet at 10FSB, 70/71 Tp, Cpl Forster’s first task as coxswain was a four-day run at Cowley Beach north of Townsville with HMAS Kanimbla.

“The weather was rough and made simple tasks like marrying up the LBMC8 doors for load to be exchanged very difficult but experience in all conditions is essential,” she said.

“Shoalwater Bay was a great experience – we had many different tasks each day from ammunition runs to playing a role in the evacuation scenarios with the 4RAR commandos.”

A coxswain has to know the exact location of the LCM8 at all times, command the crew, steer the boat and oversee maintenance.

“The engines are looked after by onboard fitters and I liaise directly with them on any technical matters. The other boaties on board have a high sense of individual responsibility and discipline, so the job is a team effort.”

With only a small wheelhouse-cum-kitchen, lounge room and shelter from the weather for all of the crew to share, an adaptable nature is best suited in this close-living environment.

Cpl Forster said that the boaties on each craft had become accustomed to living close quarters.

“It can be very squashy, especially in rough weather but we get along well.”

Cpl Forster joined the Army in 1995 as a truckie in RACT. Her initial application to become a boatie was rejected at the time there were no amenities on board the craft to accommodate female crew.

“As soon as they installed heads [toilet and showers] on the LCM8, females were accepted as crew. I have been a boatie for three years now.”

To be qualified as a coxswain, boaties must successfully complete Subject Four Marine Specialist Grade One Course and Subject One for Corporal Course.

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