Getting Experience, Getting Qualified

7 September 2011 By Ryan Zerbe

Leading Seaman Luke Hewitt has earned multiple qualifications during his time as a Marine Technician.

Engineering Casualty Control Drills, Reverse Osmosis Unit, Machinery Control Room. To most people these terms don't mean much, but to a Marine Technician (MT) in the Royal Australian Navy, understanding them can mean the difference between a ship sailing smoothly or sitting dead in the water.

The MTs of HMAS Warramunga (Commander Michael Turner) have had their skills and training tested recently during Exercise TRITON FURY.

For three weeks Warramunga's MTs have juggled the normal routine running of the ship as well has damage control scenarios and reactive evolutions.

For LSMT Luke Hewitt, it has been a busy time onboard Warramunga.

"We've been running through damage control scenarios with staff from the Fleet Training Unit as well as conducting our normal maintenance on the ship at the same time," he said.

LSMT Hewitt posted to Warramunga in 2009, having previously serving in HMAS Anzac. After a two year break to travel overseas he re-joined Navy and has since been working to expand his skill-sets.

LSMT Hewitt said he loves the opportunity to learn at sea and the challenge of learning has always been one of the highlights of his job.

"That is one of the things I really like about the Navy. I also work with some really good blokes who are all very approachable," he said.

Like all MTs, LSMT Hewitt completed his recruit training at HMAS Cerberus before undertaking category training. He now holds a Certificate IV in Mechanical Engineering as well as Marine Systems Controller and Advanced Refrigeration and Air-conditioning qualifications.

LSMT Hewitt is also hoping to complete his Marine Systems Manager course in the near future.

Marine Technicians are posted throughout the fleet and work onboard every fleet unit and establishment.