Aiming to ensure growth and innovation in its service, the Royal Australian Navy has established the Naval Engineering Talks (NETs) program to ensure Navy engineers from all specialties were wired in to the latest topics and developments.
One of the codes of conduct for those conducting Naval engineering and maintenance activities is that they “continue to develop relevant knowledge, skill and expertise throughout their careers”.
Naval engineering and maintenance calls on a vast knowledge and experience found across all rates, ranks, the Defence industry and the public service.
The NETs program facilitates communication and the exchange of technical knowledge and experience across the entirety of the naval engineering and maintenance discipline.
The first NET, held in August 2015 at Fleet Headquarters, was titled “Hull Repair: The 90% that Matters”. Graeme Emerton of Hull Survey Group discussed his insights on hull maintenance, particularly the importance of paint preparation. What may seem like a dry subject to most is actually a dynamic one for engineers and integral to Navy’s mission to fight and win at sea as well the safety of its sailors.
Lieutenant Stefanie Curic , who assisted in coordinating the event, said the Naval Engineering Talks were a great way to share and discuss current and future issues amongst peers within Naval Engineering.
“Interest in the NETs program has grown dramatically, resulting in the program increasing its scheduling to a monthly session accessible via video teleconference, in order to keep up with the demand across Defence locations,” said Lieutenant Curic.
Chief Staff Officer – Engineering, Captain Matthew Hudson, introduced the inaugural NET explaining that they are designed to build a better understanding about the contribution the engineering community makes to the Naval enterprise.