Rankin Division Intake 256

Week 6

16 May 2008

The recruits of Rankin Division are now well into the external instruction phase of their training.

This week, Arrow and Hawk classes joined MV Seahorse Spirit for the 'Seaphase' component of training. Once embarked, the recruits were required to store ship and attend safety and induction briefs prior to sailing. Whilst at sea, each recruit experienced steering the ship, acting as lookout and assisting the ships cook as part of Café party. Overcoming seasickness and keeping 'watches' throughout the day and night are just some of the challenges the recruits face during this phase of training.

Vampire and Voyager classes commenced their training at the School of Survivability and Ships Safety on Monday and after having completed theory lessons on firefighting and flooding they attacked the practical component of this training enthusiastically. The practical component of this training is conducted in the both the fire unit and the leak, stop, repair unit and allows for simulation of a real emergency in a safe, controlled environment.

Dressing and 'donning' the correct equipment for fighting a fire.

'Fighting' the fire

Onslow and Otway classes spent the week with the staff at the Seamanship school, undergoing training in Survival at Sea and Corrosion Control. Survival at Sea covers all the necessary survival techniques in the event that personnel are required to abandon ship. After a one day theory component recruits are required to conduct an abandon ship exercise which involves donning a thermal protective suit, performing a safety jump from the wharf into the bay, assuming various survival positions to maintain body temperature whilst in the water and a 3 hour period in a life raft practicing the techniques to survive and attract attention.

The recruits continue to make good progress in the transition from civilian to sailor. Morale is good with almost all enjoying the variety provided by 'external' instruction.

Jack Speak

Dit - A story, book, movie, magazine or yarns. A 'Dit Spinner'is a storyteller.

Recruit Comment

'Recruit School keeps getting better as the weeks go by. My favourite part so far is the firefighting and the leak stop, repair." RCTCTL Lopez-Andersson, 40, Cairns.