Publication:Sea Talk Autumn 2008/The Port Lincoln project
By LCDR Antony Underwood
Recruiters have received eight serious inquiries from merchant marine technical tradesmen in the fishing industry interested in joining the Naval Reserve following the launch of a project in Port Lincoln designed to boost MT numbers in the Navy.
And the pilot project could lead to approaches to other industry sectors with a view to securing part-time expertise to bolster capability at sea.
The Governor of South Australia, RADM Kevin Scarce, joined the Chairman of the Defence Reserves Support Council (SA), Mr Peter Summers, and Director-General of Reserves, CDRE Ranford Elsey, to launch The Port Lincoln Project on February 18 on the wharf of the Eyre Peninsula town with NUSHIP Glenelg alongside, en route to her commissioning in Adelaide.
They and Head of the RAN’s engineering community, CDRE Peter Marshall, joined Defence Force Recruiting, ship’s company of Glenelg and local politicians and employment authorities to showcase the technology of modern Navy ships and opportunities for skilled merchant seamen looking for seasonal work.
Nearly 50 local business and community figures at the launch all expressed strong support for the project – particularly fishing association officials representing boat owners – voting the concept a potential win-win for the Navy and local community.
CDRE Elsey said the Defence Reserve Support Council – SA, under Chairman Mr Peter Summers and assisted by project officer LCDR Sam Jackman, recognised this unique opportunity.
Preliminary discussions between interested parties followed over several months in late 2007. The office of DGRES-N engaged all Navy stakeholders during the period November to January 2008 and all were enthusiastic and committed to a successful outcome.
The day after the launch, employers and those interested in the project were invited to visit Glenelg and the ship was open also for public inspection.
“Follow-on meetings between MT and ET category sponsors, the local TAFE and the Australian Fisheries Academy have indicated that marine technical training to Certificate 3 level would be achievable on-site in Port Lincoln,” CDRE Elsey said.
“Other areas of Navy employment are also potentially achievable and worth exploring in the future, particularly the diver and bosun’s mate categories.”
CDRE Elsey added that he was pleased with media coverage which had spread word of the opportunities in the Naval Reserve well beyond Port Lincoln.
“From a bold beginning of the Naval Reserve initiative, Defence Force Recruiting has registered six serious inquiries to join the RANR from Port Lincoln and, following the media coverage, two from Port Pirie,” he said.
“It’s one thing to make inquiries about joining the Navy, but realising a smooth and timely recruitment path is another matter. So discussions with DFR and the category sponsors have begun to ensure expeditious follow up of those who have registered interest. This process will take place over the next few weeks.”
It’s intended, CDRE Elsey added, to send an appropriate member from Navy’s Engineering Branch to Port Lincoln from time to time for further discussions with TAFE and to help those interested in a Navy career along the way.
“We’re also considering appointment of a project officer to liaise with the training departments and recruit school in HMAS Cerberus to ensure that a full and appropriate training regime is available for recruits,” he said.
CDRE Elsey said early results of the Port Lincoln project had “exceeded our guarded expectations” in terms of media exposure and interest of potential recruits.
“This is the first step in an unproven strategy but one Navy had to take in addressing the changing demographic and the personnel challenges Navy faces,” he said.
“This concept has the potential to boost the numbers of sailors in critical categories within the Naval Reserve and possibly the wider Navy with the focus on contributing to Navy capability and outputs.
“We cannot afford to be risk averse in such matters. With careful planning, comprehensive liaison and the maintenance of unprecedented commitment and enthusiasm from all concerned, it will prove a success.
“If this is the case, it may well establish a precedent allowing other initiatives to follow in diverse regions and other industry groups across Australia.”
CDRE Elsey said too that his office is currently working on strategies for Navy’s consideration which would see a range of employment options presented for the NR in a part-time capacity.
“The Port Lincoln project is but one of these options in partnering with business to share a scarce skilled workforce,” he said.
