Commuting in through five-metre swells, 40-knot Arctic blasts and near-zero visibility fog might cause some concern for those on their way to work. 

But for officer of the watch Lieutenant Amie Harris, despite the near-freezing conditions outside, the coolest place to be is driving on the bridge of HMAS Toowoomba.

“What can I say? Wave height is wave height, it doesn’t change the job a whole lot. The mission remains the same, but severe weather adds a layer of complexity and is at the forefront of all decisions,” Lieutenant Harris said.

Toowoomba has faced extreme weather conditions while deployed in the Yellow Sea – a region congested with fishing buoys, dense clusters of fishing vessels and numerous navigational hazards including drifting logs, unsecured buoys and nets.

Large seas and restricted visibility make these objects difficult to spot.

In perfect conditions, a fishing net can render a warship immobile, yet in foul weather with no option to deploy drivers to clear the obstruction, the ship is at the mercy of the weather until it passes, which can be a dangerous situation. 

'No matter the temperature, we’re out 12 hours a day in the elements. It makes it hard, but we consider ourselves responsible for the safety of all crew on board.'

The fact the Royal Australian Navy operates in these conditions is a testament to the world-class standard of Australian mariners, where being calm under pressure is a key job description.

“It’s the officer of the watch’s responsibility to maintain overall safety and provide recommendations to command, especially while we’re up here as well,” Lieutenant Harris said.

“We have to balance what Defence needs us to achieve and the safety of the crew and, in this weather, the integrity of the ship.”

Also at the wheel as a lookout and helmsman is Able Seaman Blake Mulhern, who vouches for the extra degree of difficulty in the near-invisible conditions, compared to those back home.

“It differs a lot because of the limited visibility, so you have to be really dialled in,” Able Seaman Mulhern said.

While always careful, the bridge crew does not hesitate to stand watch in near-freezing conditions, knowing they have the lives of about 200 officers and sailors in their hands. 

“No matter the temperature, we’re out 12 hours a day in the elements. It makes it hard, but we consider ourselves responsible for the safety of all crew on board,” Able Seaman Mulhern said.