Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2005/Progress with Sea Change
- Waterfront career management centres - May-June
- Flexi-crewing trial - July
- New sailors' promotion system - by September
The first dockside career management centres and trials of flexible crewing will begin within months, the Chief of Navy says in an update outlining progress in implementing the Service's Sea Change program.
In his all-ship-all-shore signal CN AUSTRALIA P 232230Z FEB 05, VADM Chris Ritchie said Ships' Warrant Officers had already been selected and will join the fleet throughout 2005.
He said the first waterfront career manage ment centres are due to open in May and June, the first flexi-crewing trial is due in July, and a revised and simplified sailors' promotion system will be introduced before September.
"By September this year we will introduce a revised promotion system for sailors from AB to CPO," he said. "It will give us the ability to recognise and reward high per formers, it will be based on merit and will provide more individualised feedback.
"You have told us the reporting system as it stands today is an unnecessary burden.
"We will reduce this burden by implement ing annual reports."
"You have told us you want better access to your career managers," VADM Ritchie said.
"We will introduce career management centres in Fleet Base West in May and in Coonawarra in June.
"Plans are well advanced to open career management centres in Cairns and Fleet Base East.
"You will be advised when we have a better idea of the timeframes in these areas and importantly, how you can seek assistance from these centres."
VADM Ritchie said Ships' Warrant Officers had already been selected and trained.
"They will join the Fleet throughout 2005," he said. "Some have already joined.
"These more senior people are another resource available to command to ensure our people systems and processes are being used correctly.
"They will also play a role in a flexi-crew ing trial and will become an important link in the communication process, both from the top down and the bottom up. Their role will develop further."
Admiral Ritchie said the flexi-crewing trial to begin in July will involve two west-based Anzac Class frigates to be crewed 'in a more flexible way'.
"This is one of the more challenging aspects of Sea Change but also one of the most important," he said.
"Flexi-crewing will allow you to serve at sea, train, take leave and still provide the work/life balance you have told us you desire."
VADM Ritchie added that those involved in the flexi-crewing trial will remain under the command and administration of their parent ship during the trial.
"Accordingly, the Ships' Warrant Officers will play a large part in the management of this trial," he said. "I will ensure you are kept informed as more details are worked through."
In respect of workloads at sea, VADM Ritchie said the Maritime Commander had directed that non-essential exercise activities were to reduce and more time be provided to allow for com petency log progression and time off at sea.
"However, any changes will be measured against our Navy Safety Management systems," he said.
The Chief of Navy reiterated his statement made at the launch of the Sea Change program at the Navy Symposium last September.
"My top priority is on improving fundamental issues affecting the way we employ and treat our people," he said.
"Sea Change reforms and initiatives are evolutionary not revolutionary. They are part of the renewal process and may change the way we serve in our Navy in the future.
"I have committed our Navy to some 70 actions that we will progress under the Sea Change program. Some of these actions are quick and easy. Some will take a while to implement.
"Be sure that each and every action is aimed at providing individualised and flexible management of our people within a military framework."
VADM Ritchie described Sea Change as 'my top priority for the remainder of my watch' and said his senior leadership team is committed to each Sea Change action.
"I expect each of our divisional officers and senior sailors to have a good understanding of Sea Change," he said. "I will rely on this group to assist in the implementation of Sea Change actions.
"The Sea Change Implementation Team ensure local focus groups have operated in each location. They provide a tangible means for any Navy member to contribute to Sea Change, particularly junior sailors."
Further information is available at www.navy.gov.au/npo/seachange.
