Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2007/The stalwarts of Navy values
By LSPH Helen Frank
With well over 40 years combined experience in the Naval Police Coxswain’s (NPC) branch the coxswain’s office onboard HMAS Kanimbla is currently one of the most experienced NPC offices at sea in the RAN.
CPO Chris Apperley, PO Justin Klowss and LS Matt Thompson love what they do.
“There is more variety than in my previous branch.” LS Thompson said “And I like the camaraderie and job satisfaction.”
The primary role of the NPC category is policing which encompasses law enforcement and the maintenance of good order and discipline in the RAN.
The category provides investigative services, manages the Defence policing and security management system on behalf of the Navy and provides liaison services between the RAN and federal, state and territorial police.
PO Klowss said he likes the challenge of seeing an investigation through from start to finish. He also said that it is very interesting to work with civilian policing agencies when required.
CPO Apperley and LS Thompson had to do just that whilst posted to HMAS Creswell last year when a substantial crop of marijuana was found at Beecroft weapons range.
“A navy helicopter reported the crop after flying over the area,” CPO Apperley said. “We then started an investigation and when it was complete we handed all our information over to the state police.”
Members of the NPC category have certain powers of search, detention and arrest. Members hold an individually numbered NPC badge, this is a recognized ‘badge of office’ which identifies the holder as a Service police member.
The category also provides policing advice and information that can assist command in determining its force protection or other protective security plans to safeguard personnel and assets against espionage, sabotage, damage and theft. Senior NPCs also participate in counter-intelligence through the provision of tactical questioning and prisoner-of-war handling.
NPCs are also responsible for whole ship coordination. Some of the functions provided are the management of leave, travel, accommodation and the maintenance of next-of-kin records. As such PO Klowss was posted to Timor under command of the United Nations to manage the movement of personnel and cargo.
“It was a busy but exciting time,” PO Klowss said.
The category is part of the Seaman branch. NPC sailors can undertake the senior sailors navigation course and carry out officer of the watch duties as required. In addition the NPC onboard an Armidale class patrol boat is be a part of the boarding party and is also the primary health care provider.
The Naval Police Coxswains branch is currently understaffed by more than 20per cent. A signal offering transfer of category to NPC has been recently released (DTG 040240Z SEPT 07). To become a NPC you must fit the following criteria.
a. Be a Leading Seaman with at sea experience. However, Able Seaman may be considered eligible providing they have had a previous sea posting, a minimum of two years seniority as an able seaman and have promotional prerequisites for leading seaman.
b. Hold a current drivers licence.
c. Hold a helmsman certificate.
d. Have an above average grading in all criteria of the two most recent sailor’s performance appraisal reports (SPARS); and
e. Possess sound oral and written communication skills.
Further information regarding change of category to Naval Police Coxswain is available in ABR 10 Chapter 16 Annex F.
