OOW Course
By MID Guy Mexted RNZN
After spending seven testing weeks in the navigation classroom (last winter) and a further two weeks in the Bridge Simulator, the OOW (B) 09/02 course finally made it to sea [in September/October]. Over four weeks at sea the eleven of us were split between TAUPO and PUKAKI, to learn the required skills and gain experience to become Basic Bridge Watchkeepers in the RNZN.
The first two weeks were spent conducting Coastal and Pilotage training around the Hauraki Gulf, with the choice of a ‘clockwise’ or ‘anticlockwise’ route, allowing all to appreciate the varying vistas of the inner Gulf. This allowed us to consolidate everything we had learnt in the Bridge Simulator, and to see for ourselves that the rules and numbers we had learned at MWTC do work!
During all the training there was still time for the ships’ companies to relax with a dive for some scallops, or to fish, and a game of Touch ashore. On 27 September both PUKAKI and TAUPO headed south to the Marlborough Sounds in preparation for our sea assessments the following week. Then we were to head further south to Akaroa for the French festival.
It would be fair to say all made a good contribution to the weekend’s festivities, and our participation was warmly welcomed by all ashore. With both ships entering teams in the French cricket competition, Team Taupo Taniwhas made it all the way to the final but they were beaten by the Musicians from the Army Band.
After Akaroa both ships headed back north to the Marlborough Sounds, where we met the assessing officers CDR Golding RNZN and LTCDR Clow RNZN. Our assessments involved a day coastal/pilotage run followed up with a night coastal passage around Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds. During the assessments we were put through our paces, requiring us to safely conduct coastal navigation and a Pilotage within the Sounds, with a MOB and ECCD to mix it up a little.
The sea assessments were a success with all course members earning their Minor War Vessels Watchkeeping certificates. We disembarked from TAUPO and PUKAKI in Wellington, with a strong feeling of satisfaction amongst us all.
On behalf of all the members of OOW (B) 09/02 course I would like to thank both ships companies of TAUPO and PUKAKI for welcoming us into their ships and for your patience and coaching on the bridge. Also, thanks to LT A Hansen RNZN for coming to sea with us at short notice and for her assistance throughout the course. Overall, those four weeks at sea were definitely the best weeks so far. Now we are spending summer in the fleet, out there and on patrol!
HMNZS HAWEA—An OEWS’ Perspective
By OEWS James Martin
When I crossed the brow onto HMNZS HAWEA it was my first time posted to an RNZN ship. We sailed on my first day onboard and headed for Great Barrier Island. Along the way we conducted exercises with MAF and Customs in the RHIB, as that was our aim while we were away. We also conducted Swimmer of the Watch exercises for Man Overboard and Fire exercises.
Patrolling along the north-east coast of NZ, we boarded yachts with Customs and MAF personnel. We sent two engineers over on one of the boardings to help a yacht having engine troubles.
With no EW equipment fitted, my job on board is to help out with all the seamanship activities. When a Pipe is made, 9 times out of 10 it’s something that I am involved in: guiding the RHIB as we lower it into the water; Bowman in the RHIB; or as part of the Anchoring party, when we anchor in the evening.
It takes you back to your training days—cleaning in the morning and lots of hard work at sea. Then, true to the saying ‘work hard, play hard,’ there was a bit of time in the Dog Watches for a spot of fishing off the stern, or a swim, or PT for those keen.
What are the pros and cons of being in a small ship? The biggest pro is working with a close crew who are all willing to help out with all of the jobs on board, and who are really good to work with. I never found a time when I was doing something and I couldn’t just ask someone for help if I wasn’t sure what I was doing. Being part of the sea boat crew is awesome too!
Cons: there are none (unless you’re the smallest sailor on board when the bilges need cleaning underneath the engines …!)
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