HOT ISSUE BRIEF ISSUE: PYROTECHNIC ACTUATION AND CASUALTY ONBOARD RAN SUBMARINE

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1 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION HOT ISSUE BRIEF ISSUE: PYROTECHNIC ACTUATION AND CASUALTY ONBOARD RAN SUBMARINE SENSfTIVITY: High. Occurrence of an incident involving Collins Class Submarines. KEY ISSUES: HMAS Wallerwas conducting an anti-submarine exercise with HMAS Toowoomba and Sirius in the Western Australian Exercise areas off Fremantle on 9 February During the exercise a submarine sailor onboard HMAS Waller suffered minor injuries as a result of the inadvertent actuation of a pyrotechnic flare. Launching of flares from a submerged'submarine is a standard method of communication with surface ships. They are used to indicate either the submarine's position, the launch of a simulated torpedo attack or an emergency situation. The sailor was transferred ashore early on 10 February There was minor superficial damage to the submarine however it remains able to stay at sea. The reason for the premature actuation is currently under investigation. Contact Officer: Authorised by: CAPTB. SAMPSON (COMSUB) CAPT B. SAMPSON ~ r n n n IR! c ~ W: W: Date issued: 10 February 2011 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

2 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION BACKGROUND: While conducting exercises with warships submarines simulate attacks using a green pyrotechnic flare. When the submarine is submerged the flare is launched from an ejector and rises into the air when it broaches the surface. At approximately 8:00 pm on 9 February HMAS Wallerwas exercising with HMAS Toowoomba when a flare inadvertently actuated. A crew member who handled the flare suffered burns. The submarine went to Emergency Stations to deal with the incident and administered first aid to the injured crew member. The submarine then surfaced and informed HMAS Toowoomba of the incident. The submarine then ran her diesel engines to extract fumes resulting from the pyrotechnic actuation. Throughout this procedure the crew breathed on clean air provided by the Emergency Air Breathing System. HMAS Wallerwas escorted by HMAS Toowoomba into Cockburn Sound, south west of Fremantle, where the injured crew member was transferred for medical treatment ashore. The sailor's next of kin has been informed. There was minor superficial smoke damage in the affected compartment and the submarine is able to remain at sea. The cause of the flare actuation is under investigation. RAN submarine crews routinely train to respond to precisely this type of incident and HMAS Waller has only recently completed a series of safety training days following a leave period. LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

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72 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION HOT ISSUE BRIEF ISSUE: ALLEGATION OF INDECENT ASSAULT BETWEEN TWO HMAS SUCCESS PERSONNEL SENSITIVITY: High - Media interest following the HMAS Success Commission of Inquiry is highly likely. KEY ISSUES: o A HMAS Succe crew member has made an allegation that. was indecently assaulted by a _ Success crew member on 26 July e alleged incident occurred within the ship at approximately The coitlplaint alleges The crew member approached Divisional Officer at commencement of work the next day to make a complaint. The matter was referred to Provost Marshal - Navy and the ADF Investigative Services as a notifiable incident. The _ member is receiving full Divisional support. The_ member has now being made aware of the allegation and is also receiving appropriate support. ADFIS have now handed the matter to NSW Police for investigation. Contact Officer: CM DR W: ROURKE Authorised by: CDRE W: MCDOWALL Date issued: 27 July 2011 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

73 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION BACKGROUND: HMAS Success is alongside at Garden Island Dockyard, Sydney, undergoing an Extended Maintenance Availability period - EMA 1/11. The alleged incident occurred in the workplace for the two sailors, inside the ship. It is apparent that there were two other members of the ships' company present in the compartment at the time of the alleged incident, but apparently they did not see the alleged incident occur. The _ sailor raised the allegation with one of II immediate superiors, who advised IIto contact her Divisional Officer with the allegation. did that on the morning of 27 July and the matter was immediately reported to Command. A Quick Assessment has been conducted to confirm the veracity of the claim, and it has been treated as a complaint by Command. Command is raising a Notifiable Incident, and has reported the matter to ADFIS. LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

74 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION TALKING POINTS is investigating an al~ation by a HMAS Success crew member that _ was indecently assaulted by a fellow crew member. Navy is taking the claim seriously and has moved- quickly to ensure the member is receiving full Divisional support. The crew member whom allegations have been made against is also receiving appropriate support. The matter has been referred to the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service who have since handed it off to NSW Police for investigation. As the incident is being investigated, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time. Navy does not tolerate inappropriate behaviour and takes any claim made by members very seriously. Each Navy ship and establishment has trained equity and diversity offic~rs, whose role is to support complainants and ensure any issues are addressed. Contact Officer: CMDRA. Kemp W: (02) M: Authorised by: CAPT S. Bateman W: (02) M: PA Clearance by: Celia Perkins W: ( M: LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

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82 TALKING POINTS LIMITED DISTRIBUTION A salt water cooling line in HMAS Success failed yesterday evening causing a minor flood in a ship's hold. The incident was discovered immediately and was dealt with expeditiously by the crew with no one hurt. An engineering assessment will be conducted to determine the cause of the pipe failure. Contact Officer: CMDR ROURKE W: Authorised by: CDRE w: MCDOWALL - PA Clearance b y : b C h a l k e r LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

83 HOT ISSLIE BRIEF ISSUE: UPDATE ON TRIAL FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES - FURTHER UPDATE TO HI SENSITIVITY: High. Issue is sensitive due to the nature of the matter and the involvement of a Defence Member. This matter has attracted media attention. KEY ISSUES: HMAS Cerberus advised that a Seaman (SMN) formerly at HMAS Cerberus was remanded in custody until 12 September 2011 for sentencing on his conviction for two. counts of rape. On 13 August 2011 the member was served with a Termination Notice with a discharge date of 12 September and separation date of 13 September Member has advised does not intend to respond to the Termination Notice and does not object to Navy. Command Intent is to monitor the sentencing result of 1 2 September separation from Date issued: 14 August 2011 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

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161 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOT TO BE FORWARDED HOT ISSUES BRIEF ISSUE: FIRE ONBOARD HMAS ARARAT, ALONGSIDE HMAS COONAWARRA 8 DECEMBER 2010 (UPDATE 2) SENSITIVITY: Issue considered sensitive as the incident will result in one further Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) being non-mission capable due to damage. KEY ISSUES: HMAS Ararat remains alongside HMAS Coonawarra following a fire in her main machinery space which was extinguished by members of ship's company and adjacent ACPB crews. QA into the incident has been completed. Exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time however, early but-inconclusive indications are that the source of the fire may have been burn through from hot work (welding). A Navy led Technical Investigation has been formed with representatives from Patrol Boat Systems Program Office (SPO) and the Prime Contractor (OMS). Ararat has assumed Extended Notice for Sea with preparations continuing for slipping on Tue 14 December and subsequent rectification plan. ACPB availability plan has been amended to maintain delivery of appropriate capability in support of operations. Contact Officer: Authorised by: CMDR D. Grogan CSOPB CAPT N.J.B Stoker COMMHP W: W: Date issued: 10 December 2010

162 BACKGROUND: The incident has been previously outlined in HIB The Darwin based ACPB, HMAS Ararat was alongside HMAS Coonawarra and had just been released from a scheduled maintenance period by the prime contractor, DMS. All maintenance was in the final stages of being completed and the ship was scheduled to be Force Assigned and sail for Local Ops and Training on Monday 13 December 10 and then Operation RESOLUTE on Monday 20 December 10. During the morning of Wednesday 8 December, the ship's duty watch responded to a fire in the Engineering spaces. The ship was evacuated without incident and all personnel accounted for shortly thereafter. The fire was extinguished by members of the ship's company with the assistance of adjacent ACPB crews. The engineering space sustained fire and water damage and is now subject to a full damage assessment. Ararat remains alongside Darwin Naval Base with all power isolated, awaiting formal technical investigation and damage assessment. A preliminary assessment is that Ararat will not be able to proceed to sea for an extended period of time. Preparations continue for slipping Ararat Tuesday 14 December. A QA has been completed and a Technical Investigation has been initiated by Navy into the incident. Civilian fire investigative experts have inspected the damage and will provide findings to the Technical Investigation. At this point in time, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown however, early but inconclusive indications are that the source of the fire may have been burn through from hot work (welding).

163 FIRE ON BOARD HMAS ARARAT TALKING POINTS HMAS Ararat, an Armidale Class Patrol Boat, suffered a fire onboard whilst alongside Darwin Naval Base on the morning of Wednesday 8 December The fire was located in the main machinery space The fire was quickly extinguished by the ship's crew and adjacent crews without assistance from civilian fire brigade. There were no casualties. Some members of ~'s company, as well as those from HMAS Broome (_)who provided fire fighting assistance, were taken to the HMAS Coonawarra Sickbay shortly after the incident as a precaution against possible smoke inhalation. All members were subsequently released and returned to duty. The cause of the fire remains unknown and a full investigation is underway by Navy. Specialist civilian fire investigators have examined the scene and will provide a report to the Navy led Technical Investigation Team. The full extant of the damage is yet to be determined. A detailed damage assessment will be carried out on Ararat and rectification plans considered to return both Ararat and Bundaberg to Full Mission Capa.bility The provision of Armidale Class Patrol Boats continues in support of government directed operations. At this time it is difficult to determine the full impact on the crews over the Christmas period until a complete repair plan has been determined. Navy will continue to manage closely the rest

164 and respite for its crews over the holiday period whilst maintaining operational commitments. There is no correlation between this fire and the 'fire that occurred in HMAS Bundaberg 04 Dec. Both fires were in completely separate locations of the ships. Navy remains very confident that there is not a Group wide issue with the Armidale Class Patrol Boats. Navy personnel regularly undertake damage control exercises to ensure they are able to respond safely and efficiently should an incident arise. The safe extinguishing of both these fires is testament to each crew and their training. The safety of personnel is of the highest priority to Navy. The RAN operates 14 Armidale Class Patrol Boats which are Navy's principal contribution to the nation's fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations. The vessels work hand-in-hand with other Government agencies and each year they provide up to 3000 patrol days as part of the BPC controlled national surveillance effort. Clearance Name Appointment. DraftBy: CMDR D Grogan CSOPB CMDR D Grogan CSOPB ~biect m~tter exvert) CAPT N. Stoker COMMHP. (Grouv/Service J star or above) Cleared By: Cleared By: I COL J Squire DDGPA (Director: Public Affairs) Cleared By: (DGPA or delekate) Ministerial Action: For Information (to be complete by DGPA) Forward to/cleared By: (Minister Office)

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179 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOT TO BE FORWARDED HOT ISSUE BRIEF ISSUE: MINOR FIRE IN HMAS KANIMBLA SENSITIVITY: High - a media helicopter was operating in the vicinity of the incident, which occurred in close proximity to Sydney Heads. It has since been the subject of media queries. KEY ISSUES: When departing Sydney Heads this afternoon at 3.22 PM the Amphibious Landing Ship HMAS Kanimbla experienced a small fire in the external insulation material shielding the exhaust system one of its six main diesel engines. The fire was quickly extinguished by personnel in the engine room at the time. As a precautionary measure, these personnel withdrew from the engine room and activated the main water mist.fire fighting system. The fire was declared out within 7 minutes at 3.29 PM. There were no injuries sustained to any person. As a result of this incident the ships engines were shut down, resulting in an inability to manoeuvre for a period of approx mins. As a consequence of being in the entrance to Sydney Harbour, the ship requested the support of tugs from both Navy and the Sydney Ports Authority to assist should that have been required. This support was not ultimately needed as the ship got underway before they arrived on the scene. Power was restored to main propulsion at approximately 1615 when the ship was approximately 200 yards (180 metres) from North Head.

180 When propulsion was regained the ship manoeuvred clear of danger and proceeded safely to sea to undertake damage assessment. The ship will remain at sea overnight and proceed alongside Sydney AM Wed 22 Sep for further assessment and repairs to lagging and melted control cables. At the time of the incident there were three other Navy ships several miles to seaward of Kanimbla and all were standing by to assist. Their assistance was not required and they proceeded in accordance with their respective programs. Contact Officer: CAPT S.C. O'Brien W: Authorised by: CDRE S.R.W. W: (02) McDOWALL Date issued: 21 September 2010 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOT TO BE FORWARDED

181 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOT TO BE FORWARDED BACKGROUND: The incident occurred as HMAS Kanimbla was exiting Sydney Heads at approximately 3.30PM Tuesday 21 September Although only a minor fire, standard fire-fighting procedures resulted in the ship losing all propulsion and drifting towards North Head before getting underway again approximately 200 yards from land and clearing Sydney Harbour to sea. Tug assistance was requested by the ship from Defence Maritime Services and civilian authorities when propulsion was first lost. Three tugs responded but were not required as the ship regained propulsion prior to their arrival. A media helicopter arrived on the scene as the ship manoeuvred to safety and at approximately 4.40PM the Daily Telegraph newspaper requested comment from Navy Public Affairs-Sydney. A holding media statement has since been released and individual media queries will be responded to using cleared talking points. The ship is now safely at sea and will return alongside at 9.00 AM on Wednesday 22 September 2010 to undertake repair action. Kanimbla was en route to Queensland to undertake the AHS Centaur "at sea" memorial service on 24 September As a result of todais fire a decision was made this evening to task HMAS Manoora to undertake this activity in Kanimbla's stead. The Queensland Government has yet to be informed of this incident and the plan to allocate Manoora to the Centaur memorial service. LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOT TO BE FORWARDED

182 LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOT TO BE FORWARDED TALKING POINTS When departing Sydney Heads on Tuesday 21 September 2010, HMAS Kanimbla experienced a small fire at approximately 3.30PM in the external insulation material on one of its six main diesel engines. The fire was quickly extinguished by personnel in the engine room at the time - as a precaution, the engine room was evacuated and main water mist fire fighting system activated. In effectively dealing with this incident, the ships engines were shut down, resulting in an inability to manoeuvre for a short period, causing the ship drift towards North Head. Due to the ship's proximity to the Sydney Harbour entrance, at approximately 3.50PM Kanimbla requested the support of tugs from Navy, Sydney Ports Authority and Svitzer Corporation to assist if required - this request for support was subsequently cancelled at 4.30PM after power was restored and propulsion re-established. No crew members sustained any injuries in extinguishing the fire, no external assistance was required and the ship was not endangered navigationally. HMAS Kanimbla has now proceeded. safely to sea and is undertaking an on board technical survey and initial investigation into the cause of the incident. HMAS Kanimbla will remain at sea overnight then return to Fleet Base East-Sydney AM Wednesday 22 September 2010 for further damage assessment and repairs to lagging and electrical cables damaged in the incident. IF ASKED How close did HMAS Kanimbla come to North Head?. 200 yards (180 metres).

183 Was the ship in navigational danger at any time? No - the navigational and shipping situations were closely monitored throughout the incident and tug assistance was requested in a timely manner as a.precaution. The ship was subsequently able to restore power to her main engines before tugs or any other external assistance was required. Were any other Navy ships in the vicinity called upon to provide assistance? At the time of the incident there were three other Navy ships in the vicinity of Kanimbla and all were standing by tt;> assist. This assistance was not required, so all ships then proceeded in accordance with their respective programs. Was there concern for safety of personnel during the incident? No. The quick, effective response by Kanimb/a's fire-fighting and damage control teams using Navy standard operating procedures ensured that the fire was extinguished quickly and with no injuries sustained. This is testament to the quality of Navy training and the professionalism of Navy crews. LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOT TO BE FORWARDED

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