SLOW AND STEADY: SMNEWT Douglas Ibbotson learning the helm onboard HMAS Kanimbla. He was one of 15 trainees from the recently formed Rogers Division at HMAS Cerberus.

Photo: MIDN Alex Tweedie

By MIDN Alex Tweedie

Fifteen trainees from the recently formed Rogers Division at HMAS Cerberus have taken a 13- day voyage on HMAS Kanimbla to get their sea legs.

Accompanied by two supervisors, the 15 spent from December 4 to 17 on a Sea Familiarisation Training (SFT) cruise. Rogers Division was formed last year to better manage those trainees at Cerberus who were not on course for a variety of reasons, some because they were simply awaiting commencement of category training, others backclassed academically or medically, and some seeking discharge from the service.

During their time at Rogers, they spent their days partaking in a two-cycle, four-week program which involved topics that would further their naval career.

Once they completed the program they could be placed in an “out-station” at a variety of departments around Cerberus.

This gives them a chance to see what happens behind the training but also gives the trainees an opportunity to excersise their ability to think for themselves in a defence working environment.

However, the most exciting aspect of being at Rogers was to go onboard Kanimbla.

Those trainees lucky enough to be chosen for an SFT were able to experience a little of what they might expect during their first sea posting.

Aside from the daily PT held onboard Kanimbla, trainees were involved in activities such as Man Over Boards, TowExs, Damage Control Excersises, even a Swim Ex.

When not directly partaking in a particular activity, trainees spent time in each department, learning about their future category and also gaining an understanding on what other rates do onboard their ship.

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