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A
wet-winching display is conducted near some of Sydney’s
most famous landmarks. Using an 816 SQN Seahawk, the display
was an addition to the onboard lectures that aim to teach
sailors about being rescued at sea. This display was conducted
for the personnel of HMAS Melbourne at Garden Island.
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Photo:
Phil Barling
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By
Graham Davis
The procedures for being rescued from the sea by a helicopter
should be known by all sailors.
In Sydney, Reservist, PO Peter Robinson is getting the message
across through a series of on board lectures.
He follows them up with practical “wet winching” displays watched
by “clear lower deck” crowds.
PO Robinson operates from FIMA/Sydney and is responsible for the
holding and upkeep of survival equipment such as protective thermal
suits and inflatable vests.
He is also a principal lecturer in survival and rescue. With so
many newcomers to the Navy his job is definitely ongoing.
His most recent training drills have involved the ship’s companies
of HMA Ships Melbourne, Yarra, Hawkesbury and Waterhen.
After providing on-deck demonstrations on Melbourne, he assisted
PO Justin Heycox, AB Jackie Butcher and SMN Francesco Voglino
into their orange suits and lime green vests.
The trio went out in one of the FFG’s RHIBS and jumped into Sydney
Harbour. A few minutes later Tiger 83, a Seahawk helicopter from
816 Squadron arrived from HMAS Albatross.
RAAF pilot FLTLT Paul Jeffery was in command assisted by LCDR
Tim Kerridge, PO Steve Cheeseman and CPO Phil Livingstone. CPO
Livingstone jumped into the harbour as part of the demonstration
team.
Over the next few minutes the helicopter did three evolutions,
a single person rescue, a two person retrieval and a Billy Pugh
recovery where a netted basket trailing a sea anchor was used.
Most of the ship’s company lined the flight deck to watch. A few
days later similar demonstrations were carried out off the wharf
at HMAS Waterhen.
Again a “clear lower deck” was declared so that as many people
as possible could receive an understanding of what a “wet winch”
involved.
PO Robinson’s work is not confined to RAN personnel. He will often
be found providing similar training to Australian Navy Cadets.
