Navy People: Meet James Fethers from Sutton, Canberra
14 July 2010
Sutton local James Fethers is about to embark on a new career which could potentially take him to all corners of the globe.
He has just completed five months of intense officer training at the Royal Australian Naval College, with his sights set on becoming a hydrographer.
After heading north to complete his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at James Cook University in 2007, James moved to Brisbane to work for two years as an environmental consultant. After taking some time off to travel in 2009, James decided to embark on a new career with the Royal Australian Navy where he can use the Marine Biology skills he has already acquired.
“My time at HMAS Creswell has been challenging and rewarding. I have had the opportunity to meet so many new people from all different backgrounds.
“Living right next to the beautiful beaches around Jervis Bay hasn’t been too hard either! There are great facilities of the base too like the tennis courts and gym,” James said.
The New Entry Officer Course James has just completed, gives all new officers in the navy the fundamental qualifications and experience they will need to enter the fleet as junior leaders and managers.
“Our training involved various types of leadership exercises varying in length from a few hours to days. We were trained how to manage teams of people and use our own leadership styles to achieve goals.
“We also learnt about damage control on ships, such as fire fighting and leak stop and repair, naval history, boat work and seamanship.
“I have enjoyed learning about navy practices and traditions. I can’t wait for the next part of my training to start where I will start to train in my job as a Seaman Officer. I’m heading to Watson’s Bay next, to HMAS Watson. The Navy has some great locations.
“An Officer of the Watch basically drives the ship and coordinates the bridge team. As the representative of the Commanding Officer I will be in charge of keeping the ship safe and on course.
“After I become an Officer of the Watch I will use the skills in marine biology and science to specialise as a hydrographer. I am looking forward to a long and fulfilling career with the navy and maybe one day being the commanding officer of my own ship.”
