Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2005/Sea Change - making headway
By LCDR Anne Faulconbridge
As the Chief of Navy's (CN's) highest priority after current operations, Sea Change encompasses some of Navy's most ambitious'people' initiatives to date.
At the time of writing, introductory Sea Change presentations have been delivered to about 3500 Navy people and now the Sea Change Implementation Team (SCIT) are concentrating on delivering tangible results.
Under the leadership of Commander Australian Navy Systems Command , CDRE Geoff Geraghty, the SCIT is coordinating and planning the implementation of more than 180 discrete action items, and good progress is being made in a number of areas. Sea Change developments include some of the following highlights.
SCIMARS (Sea Change Implementation Management and Reporting System)
As SeaTalk goes to press in March, a new management and monitoring tool will be launched on the Sea Change web site. Amongst other functions, all personnel will have access to the details of Sea Change action items including their implementation plans and status.
New Sailors Promotion System
Details of the new Sailors Promotion System have been promulgated widely, and the views of Navy people are being sought in local focus groups. The implementation of this Sea Change initiative will continue throughout 2005.
Five Year Career Plans (FYCP)
A concept of operations outlining how FYCP will be used and negotiated will be distributed during the February "round" of focus group discussions. The implementation and introduction of FYCP remains on track for introduction in July 05.
Career Management Centres
Local Career Management Centres (CMCs) are being established in Fleet Base West (FBW) and Darwin Naval Base (DNB) in June 05. CMCs are designed to provide Navy personnel (Junior Sailors) with ready access to career management advice. CMCs are also to be established in Fleet Base East (FBE) by December 06 and possibly HMAS Cairns. "Business Rules" for operational procedures for the career management function are being developed. Focus groups were provided with initial versions of this key material in February.
Ships Warrant Officers (SWOs)
SWOs have now been posted to most major fleet units (MFUs). Their presence will provide greater emphasis and awareness of personnel issues. Their leadership and mentoring will support the Navy's efforts to reinvigorate the divisional system and leadership in the Navy.
Flexi-crewing
Flexi-crewing is but one initiative being progressed through Sea Change, and has wide-ranging implications. Flexi-crewing addresses all seven key areas of Sea Change, but it must be emphasised that it is not the only initiative of Sea Change.
The SCIT intends to undertake a fully analysed flexi-crewing trial utilising two FBW-based ANZAC ships starting in July 05. Details are yet to be fully agreed, including a decision on which ships will be used for the trial. Extensive analysis of the two year trial will be essential before any decision is made to transition flexi-crewing throughout the remaining MFUs. Extensive briefings will also be conducted for all personnel concerned prior to trial commencement.
Workloads at Sea
A detailed review of exercise requirements at sea is well advanced. By April 05, reduced levels of activity at sea will be addressed by better-defined "unit ready" standards, and better alignment of exercise targets with individual unit readiness requirements. Safety remains a primary consideration in any adjustments to workloads, and comprehensive briefings will ensure that all ships' companies are fully aware of any changes.
YOUR INPUT
Your input to Sea Change via the Sea Change Focus Groups and e-mails (navy.scit@defence.gov.au) is a tangible means of providing feedback, and gives you the opportunity to "have a say" in shaping a better Navy for today and in the future.
