The cutting edge of autonomous technology

The latest graduation of Navy’s Autonomous Maritime Systems Course marked an important milestone in preparing naval personnel to deliver future-focused capability.

CAPTION: Students from Navy’s Mine Warfare Faculty wade out in the water as part of training in Tasmania.

On October 4, the Mission Controller Course session 14 marked the 100th course delivered by the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania.

Since partnering with Australian Maritime College in 2020, Navy has expanded the training to include eight autonomous maritime systems courses for the provision of operator and technical training for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).

Mine Warfare Faculty Officer in Charge Lieutenant Commander Simon Abley said the milestone was a reflection of Navy’s response to a rapidly developing technological maritime environment.

“The potency of autonomous maritime systems is being made clear in theatres such as the Black Sea and Red Sea,” Lieutenant Commander Abley said.

“As Navy transitions capabilities towards uncrewed and autonomous systems across various force elements, it is important that we have a highly skilled and experienced workforce prepared to deliver that capability for Defence.”

CAPTION: A student from Navy’s Mine Warfare Faculty undertakes training in Tasmania.

The Mission Controller Course is a specialised component of the autonomous maritime systems course suite, which encompasses AUV and USV training.

The course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills required to plan, supervise and manage AUV missions.

Students are awarded a statement of attainment towards a Certificate III in Autonomous Maritime Systems (AUV Operator), demonstrating their proficiency in controlling and managing AUVs during complex missions.

Mission Controller Course student, Petty Officer Karly Beeksma, said the course provided invaluable knowledge and experience to participants.

“Training alongside technical and academic specialists has greatly deepened my understanding of autonomous maritime systems,” Petty Officer Beeksma said.

“This knowledge will not only enhance my own technical mastery but also empower me to better teach and mentor the next generation of mine warfare sailors during my time at the faculty.”

The broader autonomous maritime systems course continuum includes AUV and USV training, ensuring students are well-prepared to operate and manage these systems across various maritime environments.

Navy continues to work with industry partners and technical specialists to ensure personnel are qualified to operate at the cutting edge of the technology.

This training initiative extends to the development of the Mine Warfare Faculty’s curriculum to incorporate mastery-level autonomous maritime systems training.

CAPTION: Uncrewed surface vessels are used as part of the training for Navy personnel in Tasmania.

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