Cerberus leading the world in safety training

The first rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) training simulator of its type in the world has been installed at Navy’s premier training establishment, HMAS Cerberus.

CAPTION: Deputy Fleet Commander Commodore Jonathon Earley tours the facility that houses the rigid-hull inflatable boat training simulator at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria. Story by Lieutenant Commander Dave Devlin. Photo by Leading Seaman James McDougall.

Deputy Fleet Commander Commodore Jon Earley during his May 19 visit to Cerberus toured the newly built facilities that house the Maritime Survival Training Centre (MSTC) where the simulator is located.

The RHIB training simulator has the ability to simulate boat capsizes in a range of sea states and various weather conditions.

Deputy Director Mariner Skills Centre Commander Ashley Shanks was responsible for bringing this new capability into service and providing the evidence to support the interim operational release.

“This simulator is the first time an open-air boat has been designed and manufactured for escape training and will provide a very realistic experience,” Commander Shanks said.

“We will be able to enrich the level of training provided to not just those new entry recruits, but also our boarding parties, transit security elements, boat coxswains and they will be able to receive this training in realistic, albeit simulated environmental conditions.”

The MSTC also has a 25m-by-15m training tank, a wave ball capable of generating 1m waves, fans that can generate winds of up to 60km/h, and rain, fog, sound and lighting effects.

The MSTC also includes a fixed marine evacuation system and a helicopter winching simulator.

Commodore Earley also visited the School of Survivability and Ship Safety located in the new facilities.

“Survival at sea has always been a vital part of the Royal Australian Navy training continuum”, Commodore Earley said.

“The safety of our people is of the upmost importance. With the introduction of these new state-of-the-art capabilities, we will enhance the world-class training we provide for our people.”

Also during his visit, Commodore Earley watched training at the West Head Gunnery Range, The Boatswains Faculty, The RAN Recruit School and had the opportunity to engage with many personnel undergoing their initial entry training.

Commodore Earley completed his visit by presenting the 2020 Shore Force Safety Award to the Command Safety Adviser, Darren Adams, and the command team of Cerberus.

Presented annually, the award recognises the shore establishment that has excelled in all areas of safety.

“Last year was particularly challenging with extended periods of lockdowns and restrictions,” Mr Adams said.

“The excellent safety culture we have established amongst all resident units and across the command is a testament to the cohesive working relationships and teamwork of everyone.”

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