The Seahorse Merctator. Picture: ABPH Stuart Farrow

A new navigational training vessel, built for Defence Maritime Services, was launched at Tenix Shipbuilding WA.

Named Seashorse Mercator during the launch ceremony, its role will be to provide support to the RAN's Navigation Faculty. The name Mercato honours the Flemish chartmaker who invented the Mercator Projection Chart which is well-known to all navigators.

Based on the highly successful 23 ship Pacific Patrol Boat class built by Tenix, it was considered to offer the best design and concept with the best characteristics for the task.

SEAHORSE MERCATOR will train overseas mariners as well as RAN personnel and carries all modern state-of-the-art navigation equipment to teach the procedures for coastal navigation, pilotage, and is compatible for normal naval bridge training management and watch-keeping skills.

The vessel was launched and named by Ms Sue Barry of P&O Australia and blessed by Navy Chaplain, Father Brian Rayner. Master of the vessel is Noel Frichot of DMS.

Among those present at the cerermony was the Navy's COMFB CDRE Paul Kable; CO of HMAS STIRLING, CMDR Alan Johnston; and the General Manager of DMS, Mr Mark Taylor.

Displacing 165 tonnes the 31.5 metre vessel has a crew of five and will carry three training staff and 18 trainees. Its maximum speed is 16 knots and it has a range of 2700 nautical miles at 10 knots. It is powered by two Caterpillar 3412 engines and has two Caterpillar 3304 generators.

The Mv Seahorse Mercator will replace the ageing former ATTACK-class patrol boat ARDENT in the navigational training role and will be based in Sydney and is expected to operate primarily in Sydney Harbour and from Port Stephens to Jervis Bay.

By Vic Jeffery, Navy Public Affairs (WA)