Two of the Royal Australian Navy’s Coastal Hydrographic Survey
ships have recently returned to their homeport of Cairns, having completed a
survey of Dawson Strait, Papua New Guinea.
The two ships,Mermaid andPaluma, commenced vital survey work in
August to assist mariners in the safe passage and navigation of the region.
The information gathered will determine under-keel clearances for
merchant and tourism vessels and will later be transformed into charts by the Australian Hydrographic Office in
Wollongong.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Mermaid,
Lieutenant Commander Sara Lambden,
says the information is a valuable tool for mariners.
“During our survey we conducted soundings
and collected data along the coastline. The information will be made into
charts which will provide mariners with confidence to travel in the region and
will hopefully help to increase tourism and trade,” LCDR Lambden said.
“During the deployment, we had significant interaction with the
local communities, explaining the variety of instruments and gauges we deploy
and reassured them that the equipment would cause no harm to the area.”
Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett, said hydrography is an important part of the nation’s
working Navy.
“Navy is responsible for meeting Australia’s obligations under the
UN Convention for Safety Of Life At Sea for provision of national hydrographic
services,” Rear Admiral Barrett said.
“Our hydrographic ships and aircraft perform this vital task, not
only around the Australian coast line, but throughout the region.
“The Dawson’s Strait survey is another example of Navy’s highly
skilled people working hard to ensure the safe passage of mariners and trade.”
Mermaid and Paluma are two of four Paluma Class
Survey Motor Launches (SML) operated by the Royal Australian Navy. The 360
tonne ships are based in Cairns and are highly suited to coastal and shallow
water survey, which forms a major component of the Australian national charting
requirement.