Antarctic Training part 4 - Boating

The next part of our training took part in the pristine waters out of Kettering, the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, and the far southern parts of Storm Bay. We spent 4 day at and around the AAD's Watercraft facility at Kettering. This post will include plenty of images.

IRB's (Zodiacs) at AAD's Watercraft Facility at Kettering 

The first morning was induction and familiarisation of the the Inflatable Rubber Boats (IRB) which we will have with us at Macquarie Island.

For more information see - Small boat operations and Small Boat Training

 We learnt all about the IRB - how to deflate it, cleaning and maintenance of all its parts, then reassembling  and re-inflation.

Deflating and cleaning the IRB

Familiarisation of the Yamaha outboard motor.

The afternoon was spent out on the water in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel between Kettering and Bruny Island.

Departing the Jetty at Kettering

Coming together (rafting) in the Channel for some instruction.

We each took turns at the tiller to become familiar with the handling and manoeuvring of the IRB

Heading into Barnes Bay (Bruny Island)

Coming out of Barnes Bay we passed a salmon fish farm 

Passing by the fish farm

A seal near the fish farm - waiting for occasional escapee from the pens

Heading back into Kettering after a fantastic day out on the water

The next day we headed out across the Channel to Dennes Point on the northern tip of Bruny Island. We practiced slow manoeuvring close to shore. A crew member in the bow gave verbal and hand signals to alert the driver to speed, direction and distance while approaching a object or person in the water or on the shore.

Practicing inshore close manoeuvring 

Yours Truly practicing inshore manoeuvring 

The weather was magnificent and after the morning session we enjoyed lunch on the beach at Dennes Point.

The boats parked on the shore at Dennes Point

These IRB's will go with us down to Macquarie Island

During the afternoon we also performed manoeuvring exercises, but his time around a rocky shore and amongst reef and kelp beds. This took part around the rugged shoreline of the Coningham Nature Reserve.

Close manoeuvring in and around a rocky shore at Coningham 

Beautiful coast around Coningham

Manoeuvring around and through the kelp at Coningham

The last exercise for the day was how to recover a man overboard.

As a safety requirement all members of the boat crew have to wear a 'dry suit' - a one piece suit (including built in boots) that, when worn properly, will keep the wearer afloat, dry and relatively warm.

Man overboard exercise

The next day the weather was wet and windy so I left my camera back at Kettering.

The original plan was to perform beach landings in small surf on the southern part of South Arm. There was a Strong Wind Warning out for the Channel and Storm Bay. We stayed close to the shore as we made our way to Coningham Beach, where we performed surf landings (in very choppy conditions) as well as a multi person overboard exercise. 

The last day was an exercise in the IRB and the crews role in refuelling a the station. We went just around the corner from Kettering into Trial Bay where a truck carrying a fuel line was set up on the shore to simulate a ship to shore refuel. 

The Zodiacs are essential in the management of the fuel line in ship to shore refuelling.

A beautiful morning at Kettering for our last day of training

Becoming familiar with 'Fuel Spill' management

Ship to Shore Refuelling simulation exercise  

Next Post - Fire Training....