AMC IS A SPECIALIST INSTITUTE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA
The human factor
Picturing life at work
Professor Margareta Lützhöft says putting seafarers first is the key to developing the best technology.
Graduates share stories from their careers around the globe in the AMC Around the World photo competition.
PAGE 2
PAGES 4-5
#6
WINTER 2014
amc.edu.au
A BI-ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN MARITIME COLLEGE
NAVAL INNOVATORS A new training centre is set to add firepower to the naval manufacturing industry
Standard sub: The Collins Class submarine will remain in service until the 2020s. Below, Dr Jonathan Binns inside the AMC Towing Tank, which has undertaken tests on more than 500 models of ships and other ocean-going structures such as submarines, submersibles and offshore oil rigs since its commissioning in the mid-1980s. Pictures: MICHAEL MULLAN/ASC/WILL SWAN
A
ustralia’s ambitious multi-billion dollar naval shipbuilding program is set to become the largest commitment this nation has ever made to defence, comprising the design and manufacture of new fleets of submarines, future frigates and patrol boats. The success of these projects is reliant on training highly qualified engineers to solve key research and development questions. A collaborative effort between the Australian Maritime College at the University of Tasmania, the University of Wollongong and Flinders University has secured $3.8 million in funding to establish a new naval training centre that
‘THE SUCCESS OF THESE PROJECTS IS RELIANT ON TRAINING HIGHLY QUALIFIED ENGINEERS’ will enable the naval manufacturing industry to more rapidly innovate. The total sum is made up of nearly $2.4 million in federal funds and more than $1.4 million in industry cash and in-kind contributions administered under the Australian Research Council’s Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme. Project chief investigator Dr Jonathan Binns said the centre would feed into the Australian naval manufacturing industry by creating
a new cohort of industry-focused, broadly skilled engineers and researchers. “The project provides an opportunity for 10 higher-degree research students and three postdoctoral fellows to undertake a combination of research and professional training in an industrial environment,” Dr Binns said. “These researchers will focus on developing advanced techniques to efficiently design, construct and sustain the naval platforms;
providing significant economic benefits to the nation.” Each student and postdoctoral fellow will work on a specific industry-driven research project in collaboration with researchers from the three universities and two
OPEN DAY
government organisations involved in the partnership. AMC Principal Professor Neil Bose welcomed the funding announcement, saying the project would have far-reaching benefits. Continued page 2
SUNDAY 31 AUGUST 2014
ON CAMPUS | 10.00am - 3.00pm | For more information visit: www.amc.edu.au/openday SUNDAY 25 AUGUST | 2 LOCATIONS, 1 DAY ABOVE BOARD ❘ ISSUE 6 ❘ WINTER 2014
1
THE PRINCIPAL
Professor Bose ‘There is a buzz of enthusiasm in the corridors that is also evident among our many stakeholders’
INSPIRING AND SHAPING THE MARITIME WORLD
F
ollowing extensive internal and external consultation, AMC has identified its vision as “Inspiring and shaping the maritime world”. The initial feedback on this from many sources has been positive. Its intent is to be aspirational, to define and remind us why we exist as an institute, and to put into words what brings us to work each day. AMC tracks its performance in a formal report to the Board every quarter that includes metrics which are compared with similar
measures from the previous year. In most areas of our business, we have tracked very well: student surveys show almost 87 per cent are strongly satisfied or satisfied with their courses and surveys of international students and graduates show positive outcomes. Targets for total enrolment have been exceeded, mainly through growth in international student enrolments which were almost 10 per cent over target last year, and there is a similar story to date
this year. But the question is often asked: never mind the metrics, how are we really doing? What is our feel for how AMC is progressing? There are always challenges, and in the Principal’s office it is often too easy to focus on these, but the general outlook is overwhelmingly positive. A new, highly successful Coxswain and Marine Engine Driving Grade 3 course was delivered on Thursday Island for Torres Strait Islander students, picking up the 2014
Transport and Logistic Industry Skills Council Excellence in Industry Promotion Award. The arrival of Captain Margareta Lützhöft has built strength and capacity in maritime human factors and, together with researchers at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, is enabling AMC to build a world-leading research and training group in this field. Thematic areas in research, training and education have also been identified to develop
strategies for strength in maritime defence, engineering in extreme environments, maritime logistics and business, and online learning and teaching. There is a hum of enthusiasm in the corridors that is also evident among our many stakeholders who have engaged with us in various forums that assist us in developing our strategic direction. I would be very happy to hear your views related to these ideas, best routed through email to me at N.Bose@utas.edu.au
New naval training
Factoring in humans
From page 1
Professor Margareta Lützhöft helps people and technology work better together
“Significant economic benefits from developing advanced techniques to efficiently design, construct and sustain naval platforms will impact the defence, social and economic welfare of Australia. Projects include the future submarines, whose construction will be Australia’s largest engineering project,” Professor Bose said. The project is a collaboration between the University of Tasmania, University of Wollongong, Flinders University, ASC Pty Ltd, INCAT Tasmania Pty Ltd, Babcock International Group, Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Defence Materials Technology Centre, Thales Australia Ltd and PMB Defence Engineering Pty Ltd. The Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme aims to foster partnerships between university researchers and other research end-users to provide innovative higher degree and postdoctoral training in industries vital to Australia’s future.
Update your details Do we have your current email address? Keep us up-to-date with all your contact details and manage your subscriptions online at www.amc.edu.au/sign-up or by email to amc.alumni@utas.edu.au
Above Board is the bi-annual newsletter of the Australian Maritime College, circulated to around 10,000 alumni and other stakeholders worldwide. Contributions are welcome. Contact: media.office@utas.edu.au For course enquiries visit: www.amc.edu.au/enquiries For intending International students, detailed information on the content of these and other University of Tasmania courses, campuses, facilities, fees, refund policy, rules of admission and assessment, the ESOS Framework and an overview of the local Tasmanian environment, please visit the University of Tasmania’s International Students website: www.utas.edu.au/international Please be advised that not all courses offered by the Australian Maritime College and the University of Tasmania are available to Overseas/International Students. CRICOS CODE 00586B
2
ABOVE BOARD ❘ ISSUE 6 ❘ WINTER 2014
Performance enhancer: Professor Margareta Lützhöft’s research at AMC will focus on maritime simulators, technology, e-navigation and the shore-based domain. PICTURE: CHRIS CRERAR
T
echnology is great when it works. It’s a sentiment to which most of us can relate, and it’s even more critical when you’re working out at sea and reliant upon the equipment you have on board. It’s also the title of Professor Margareta Lützhöft’s research into maritime human factors, a niche field that only a handful of researchers specialise in worldwide. Professor Lützhöft has joined the Australian Maritime College from her native Sweden to take up the post of Professor of Nautical Studies, where she will lead human factors research and help to integrate this research with what is being taught in the classroom. “We look at the maritime space as a workplace and partly as a place of living – we’re all about safety, performance and comfort,” she said. “An easy way to understand it is that we’re shaping the job for the person instead of shaping the person for the job, which is the human resources, and people sometimes get the two mixed up.” With a background that includes 13 years working on ocean-going ships – first as a cook, then as a deck officer before moving up the ranks to master mariner – Professor Lützhöft has first-hand experience with these issues. It was a friend who convinced her to return to study and she went on to gain a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science and postgraduate qualifications in computational science. The impetus for studying cognitive science
came via television coverage of one of the worst maritime disasters in peacetime naval history – the 1994 sinking of the MS Estonia in the Baltic Sea in which 852 lives were lost. “When they realised that so many were lost, they interviewed a cognitive scientist who was talking about how people react and think in these situations and I just thought, ‘There’s the connection between what I’m interested in and the sea’,” Professor Lützhöft said.
‘WHAT YOU NEED IS TO INVOLVE SEAFARERS EARLIER ON IN THE DESIGN PROCESS’ “Something that kept me from going ashore was that I wanted to do something that used my experience and I wasn’t able to make that connection myself until I saw that program.” There was some debate as to whether to bury the shipwreck in situ with concrete, making a grave at sea, but instead the funds were put towards maritime safety research to help prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring. Some of this money allowed Professor Lützhöft to build a research group at Sweden’s Linkoping University and complete her PhD. “Technology is great when it works”
was a quote that kept cropping up during her research into the impact of having new technology on board. “The implication was that technology doesn’t always work and it sometimes makes life on board much harder,” she said. “People like new technology but it’s not designed taking their human performance and limitations into account. I’ve realised what we’ve done wrong is ask people what they want. We’ve been treating seafarers like they’re designers and we should be finding out how they’re working and what they need. “We make assumptions about the technology user – we think the people can manage this, but it’s been designed by a tech company, so what you need is to involve seafarers earlier on in the design process. That’s the point about human-centred design. People first.” Professor Lützhöft has identified key research opportunities at AMC in the fields of maritime simulators, technology, e-navigation and the shore-based domain. “There are a lot of actors in the maritime domain that aren’t on ships, such as the pilots, shore control people, the port and the tugs,” she said. “So we should take a holistic view of the maritime domain and again, picking up the technology thread, make sure it fits their needs and the needs of the maritime and shipping cluster. “It’s not to replace people – it’s to enhance efficiency, safety, performance and comfort.”
New-look Newnham buzzing A revamped campus featuring a social precinct and new student apartments has the university community excited
T
he construction of an inviting social hub and a suite of modern studio apartments has generated a buzz at the Univeristy of Tasmania’s Newnham campus. New catering and dining outlet The Walk Cafe and Bar is home to a feast of menu choices and dining options, where staff and students can choose between a large outdoor seating area or the winter warmth of a fireside lounge. Various catering venues, once dispersed across the campus, are now consolidated in one location, centrally positioned on Queen Elizabeth Walk. “The transformation of this precinct has met with great approval, with staff and students fully embracing this new development,” University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen said. “The precinct is buzzing with students and staff, creating a vibrancy which is at the heart of a great university community.” In addition to the development of The Walk, 180 new self-contained studio apartments have been built with the needs of university students mind. They have been full since opening in February.
Navy signs on with AMC A training working group has been formed between the Royal Australian Navy’s Training Force Headquarters and AMC. The terms of reference for the working group were signed by Commodore Training Rear Admiral Michael Noonan and AMC Principal Professor Neil Bose at fleet headquarters. The creation of the working group has formalised the relationship of more than 30 years between the two parties, allowing for the establishment of formal strategic discussions on mutual maritime training issues and a better understanding of each other’s needs and capabilities. Rear Admiral Noonan said the terms reaffirm and strengthen the relationship between the Navy and the AMC, also representing the maritime training memorandum of understanding partners at Hunter and Challenger TAFE colleges. “Establishing a collaborative approach to sustaining a strong maritime sector across Australia is in Navy’s interest, in particular in identifying ways in which Navy could assist the commercial maritime sector achieve its training requirements,” Rear Admiral Noonan said.
Looking good: Students are loving the changes at the Newnham campus; top right, the new studio apartments; above right, The Walk Cafe and Bar.
Designed by Tasmanian architects Morrison and Breytenbach, each apartment features a kitchenette, study space, storage and bathroom set in modern surrounds with ample privacy. The apartments are part of the National Rental Affordability Scheme – a joint initiative of the Australian and Tasmanian governments – designed to help relieve pressure on the
supply of affordable housing for eligible students across the state. There are 770 studio apartments being built by the University across Tasmania, at a total cost of $120 million, under the initiative. The new apartments have bolstered the overall student accommodation capacity at the Newnham campus, paving the way for AMC students previously based
at Endeavour Hall in Beauty Point to relocate to the main campus. A complimentary bus service will run from Newnham to the seafarer training centre at Beauty Point. Plans are also well underway for the revitalisation of AMC’s Beauty Point maritime training facilities. The Bagot St site – home to Endeavour Hall and a suite of administration facilities – has been
PICTURES: CHRIS CRERAR
decommissioned, and all practical maritime training will now be delivered from the seafarer training centre at the Beauty Point wharf. “These changes are part of our strategy to revitalise the Beauty Point wharf precinct as a practical training centre, including significant upgrades to our flagship training vessel Bluefin,” AMC Principal Professor Neil Bose said.
Marine-focused institutes to be strengthened Mike Coffin and Neil Bose explain the thinking behind using the expertise of the University’s specialist institutes to secure a key plank of Tasmania’s economic future
T
he University of Tasmania’s leaders in marine and maritime expertise have been mapping the new research and innovation strategy for aquaculture, marine conservation and fisheries management for the state. Tasmania and its University are home to two genuinely worldclass marine focused institutes: the Australian Maritime College (AMC) and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). AMC, based in Launceston, and IMAS, headquartered in Hobart, both carry out research and teaching in the fields of aquaculture, marine conservation and fisheries management. Most of us understand seafood as a sector underpinning Tasmania’s future. An industry scorecard released in June 2013 indicated the Tasmanian sector had grown by up to $200 million in two years, with most of that growth coming from farmed salmon. This industry requires the backing of outstanding research and innovation – along with very good graduates – to secure its best possible future.
Leading the way: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies Executive Director Mike Coffin, left, and Australian Maritime College Principal Professor Neil Bose.
Efficiently and sustainably managing both grown and wild fish stocks is not just a Tasmanian issue, but one of growing national and global significance. The University and its specialist institutes are pursuing an agenda of global excellence, something which in turn attracts the very best researchers and international students. We need to make sure we have a compelling offering in a highly
competitive global market. This requires focus, scale and investment. Having elements of the same themes within two institutes can be confusing for students, industry, funding agencies and other stakeholders. As a result, the University plans to create a northern node of IMAS – IMAS Launceston – based at the Newnham campus. This will be formed from the aquaculture, marine conservation and fisheries management activities
now conducted at AMC, and be strengthened by investment in new academic leaders and research facilities. It will create a statewide organisation for an important, statewide industry. The practical outcome of this change will be that Launceston will become home to two world-class research and teaching institutes. It is a structure which will preserve good research and great teaching programs in Launceston. Similarly, AMC will be in a position to concentrate its efforts around the themes of maritime research, education and training, maritime industries and leadingedge, innovative solutions. It will give AMC the capacity to better define its core business, focus its attention and resources, and build national and international reputation in areas of specialisation. The underlying principle has been supported by the boards and leadership teams at AMC and IMAS. Existing students will graduate with AMC qualifications but a new IMAS curriculum will be offered to the student intake of 2015.
ABOVE BOARD ❘ ISSUE 6 ❘ WINTER 2014
3
SPOTLIGHT ON ALUMNI
Picturing life after college
Graduates share stunning images from their work all over the world
s TOM DRAGUTINOVICH (right) is a deck cadet with Farstad Shipping. “I love the fact that while you’re on board you are a self-contained unit. If something goes wrong, you fix it,” he says.
A
LANDON KIBBY (front right) works as a project engineer in the offshore oil and gas sector and is pictured with his team on the deck of a barge. “I reckon my career is great because it’s fast-paced and about the heaviest form of construction an engineer can be involved in,” he says. s
ustralian Maritime College graduates move on to the most rewarding careers around the globe and they were asked to share their stories in the AMC Around the World photo competition. Eighteen entries were received from alumni in seagoing and landbased roles, from punching through ice on board the Aurora Australis and working on mega offshore structures to ship broking and engineering design. They came from all corners of the globe – as far afield as Antarctica, Africa, Malaysia, Norway and the Maldives – representing the truly diverse nature of careers in the maritime sector. Here is a cross-section of the entries received. These photographs and profiles will be used to help inspire the next generation of AMC graduates.
s WEN LI (CHRIS) TAN (centre) works as a ship broker at ACM Shipping in Singapore. This picture was taken with fellow AMC students at last year’s graduation.
s MOHD FAKHRUDDIN BIN ZAINAL ASHIRIN is a marine engineer at SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad, Malaysia.
4
ABOVE BOARD ❘ ISSUE 6 ❘ WINTER 2014
t HUSSAIN RABEEU MOHAMED (right) is an assistant engineer at Malé Water and Sewerage Company in the Maldives. “My team is responsible for the maintenance on all power generation and reverse osmosis plants which are located in the capital city as well as six other locations within the Maldives. The best thing about my work is that it keeps me on my toes all the time,” he says.
s
CHRISTOPHER HAWTONE is a graduate engineer at Ocean Installer in Stavanger, Norway. This photo was taken from the bridge of the CSV Normand Clipper as she tried to get away from some rough weather west of the Shetland Islands.
t ADAM BATTLEY (left) is a chief engineer at Programmed Total Marine Services. “The education I received from AMC was priceless and has enabled me to be part of iconic construction projects at many different locations,” he says.
s MATT BARNES (below) took this photo on board the ASP’s product tanker British Fidelity during a two-week supernumerary voyage. s
KATRINA BEAMS (below) is third mate on the ice breaker RSV Aurora Australis. “My career allows me to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Antarctica and to experience the challenges of navigating in this amazing part of the world,” she says.
ABOVE BOARD ❘ ISSUE 6 ❘ WINTER 2014
5
Full steam ahead on converting the Cartela A team of maritime engineering students is playing a key role in restoring one of Australia’s most historic vessels to its former glory
T
he MV Cartela is the country’s oldest continuously licensed passenger ferry and the only vessel still afloat that was called into service in World War I. She was 100 years old in 2012 and is berthed at Hobart’s Brooke St Pier while her new home at Franklin Wharf is being upgraded. The vessel was given to the notfor-profit company Steamship Cartela Limited, which is coordinating her restoration as part of a bigger development to turn the Franklin Wharf into an historical vessel repair facility and tourism drawcard. AMC design project coordinator David Harte said a group of naval architecture and marine and offshore engineering students were researching the plan to convert the vessel from diesel to steam power for their final year design project. “The MV Cartela is a significant vessel in terms of Tasmanian history and it’s going back to its absolute original configuration,” Mr Harte said. “It had a Plenty & Co steam engine that was upgraded in the 1950s during the age of diesel engines, but now the aim is to go back and have a fully-restored original configuration ship.
“A project like this involves a lot of consulting with rules and regulations and seeing how a 100-year-old vessel is going to fit into the current rule cases.” In addition to the five-member design project team, another two students will do work experience placements with the Steamship Cartela Trust as part of AMC’s co-operative engineering program. These students will provide drawings, renders and animations for the restoration team that they can use to build a visual database to showcase the project and what they are aiming to achieve to potential investors and other stakeholders. Mr Harte said there were several benefits to working on a realistic restoration project. “We always talk about coming up with the next great thing, but restoring something like this is also a huge challenge because they have to be able to apply today’s rules to a historic vessel and come up with solutions to make it work,” he said. “There’s a lot of negotiating and understanding in this project for the students. And they can go down and physically see the boat – the beauty is this is in Tasmania.”
Back to beginnings: Elliot Khoo, Jeffrey Roberts, Anish Dherai, Benjamin Ong and Jack Osborne are helping to restore the Cartela to its original configuration. PICTURE: CHRIS CRERAR
Full steam ahead: The steamship in recent years and right, on the Derwent River in the 1950s.
PICTURES: STEAMSHIP CARTELA LIMITED
STUDENTS DELVE INTO DEFENCE WORK Making the most of it: Reuben Kent, left, and Samuel Smith spent their summer holidays getting real-world experience as part of their Civilian Defence Engineering Scholarships.
T
he Civilian Defence Engineering Scholarships Scheme (CDESS) has provided Samuel Smith and Reuben Kent with invaluable career-building opportunities alongside welcome financial assistance towards their studies. The pair, now in their third year of a naval architecture degree, will each receive $12,000 a year for three years and two 12-week paid industry work placements. CDESS is offered annually by the
6
Department of Defence and aims to attract talented engineering students to a career within the organisation. Applicants are assessed on academic merit and a variety of key personal qualities and skills, and they receive professional mentoring for the life of the scholarship. Reuben and Samuel said the award has had a positive impact on their academic and professional development, with both spending the summer break completing their first work experience assignments.
ABOVE BOARD ❘ ISSUE 6 ❘ WINTER 2014
“Having the CDESS scholarship on my CV really stands out to potential employers along with the extensive industry placements I will be undertaking in the future,” Samuel said. “The work experience I am undertaking has given me great insight into the industry and is putting me in a great position to enter the naval architecture world.” Samuel completed most of his work experience at the Anzac SPO offices in Rockingham, Western
Australia, where he investigated potential designs to improve the slow-speed manoeuverability of the Anzac Class MEKO 200 Frigates. “This has me doing research on bow thrusters and rudder layouts while extensively analysing the structural configuration of the frigates,” he said. “I have also been lucky enough to be given tours of shipyards, wharfs, key shipbuilding organisations and the Garden Island Naval Base. “I have learnt so much from
these tours and my mentors have taught me a lot about the maritime industry. “There are so many crucial engineering aspects, such as machinery operational effectiveness, that I would never have learnt in a classroom.” Meanwhile, Reuben used his placement to delve into the work taking place at AMC’s newly formed autonomous technologies lab. “AMC has use of the autonomous underwater vehicle UBC-Gavia which has been deployed for research and survey work around Tasmania. My involvement includes helping with mission planning, and taking part in vehicle maintenance and field work,” Reuben said. “It has opened my eyes to the world of AUVs and has been an exciting experience. “Next I’ll be heading over to the Department of Defence’s head office in Canberra, where I’ll gain exposure to what it’s like to work in that sector.”
SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH
Tracking down a fish killer A disease with the potential to wipe out farmed fish stocks is being targeted by Megan Stride’s ground-breaking project
R
esearchers at the National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability have made a major breakthrough in their understanding of a widespread and fast-acting disease with the potential to wipe out farmed fish stocks. Epitheliocystis is a disease caused by Chlamydia-like bacteria. The disease affects the gills and occasionally the skin of fish, causing respiratory distress and in severe cases death. It can be very costly to the aquaculture and fisheries industries, with the potential to destroy tanks of farmed fish overnight. “Epitheliocystis causes cysts within the cells and these grow as the bacteria multiply, causing inflammation in the gills,” PhD candidate Megan Stride said. “In response to the infection, the host produces excess mucus and, if it’s severe enough, can cause the fish to go into respiratory distress and suffocate.” The disease affects fish from a range of different environments – from salt to fresh water and from wild to farmed fish. Current data shows 90 species of fish around the world have been reported to have epitheliocystis and Tasmania has about 12 of those fish species. Megan’s PhD project, titled “Novel Chlamydia-like Agents of Epitheliocystis in Wild and Cultured Australian Finfish”, aimed to further knowledge of the disease by investigating and documenting infection levels in both farmed and
wild fish in Tasmania and South Australia. Samples were taken from farmed barramundi, striped trumpeter and yellowtail kingfish; and in the wild from sand flathead, tiger flathead and jack mackerel.
‘WITH FISH OR FOOD DESTINED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, YOU DON’T WANT TO BE TREATING IT WITH ANTIBIOTICS’ All farmed and wild species were found to be positive for the disease, and it was the first time it was discovered in both flathead species. The second part of the project involved molecular work to sequence the DNA of the 16S rRNA “housekeeping gene” and differentiating the bacteria causing the disease. It was found that different species of bacteria caused epitheliocystis in each of the farmed fish species. Megan discovered a completely new family – Parilichlamydiaceae – in the taxonomy of the diseasecausing agent as well as three new species grouped in this family. These new findings help show
Lab sleuth: Megan Stride has broken new ground in research into fish respiratory disease epitheliocystis. PICTURE: CHRIS CRERAR
the evolution of the pathogen that causes the disease and builds upon the work of other international researchers who have also found new species within the disease. “A lot of work is going in to this field at the moment,” Megan said. “It’s a really interesting disease – in some fish species it’s just there and doesn’t seem to worry them
and other fish species it really does. We don’t yet know what the mechanism is that causes the difference in the host response but the findings of this research will make it easier to detect the bacteria before disease occurs. “With fish or food destined for human consumption, you don’t want to be treating it with
antibiotics because there’s a withholding period and it’s very expensive. “So if you can understand the disease better to then mitigate the outbreaks happening in the first place by changing husbandry practices, for example, that’s a far better option than having to treat it reactively.”
Indigenous training program a worthy winner
A
n innovative training program to develop the seafaring skills of the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people and improve maritime safety in the region has been recognised at a national level. The Australian Maritime College took out top honours in the Excellence in Industry Promotion category at the Transport and Logistic Industry Skills Council’s 2014 Awards for Excellence. The awards offer the opportunity to recognise and celebrate exceptional achievements and contributions made by organisations in training and workforce development in the industry. Representatives from the National Centre for Ports and Shipping joined AMC Board Chairman Dr Michael Vertigan AC to accept the award at a gala event in Melbourne. AMC Vocational Education and Training Manager Jarrod Weaving welcomed the accolade, saying it was testament to the dedication of his team.
Awards night: Presenter Paul Kahlert of All Purpose Transport with AMC’s Vocational Education and Training Manager Jarrod Weaving and maritime trainers Ruth Findlater and Paul Brown, Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Adrian Davidson, AMC graduate Koeygab Pabai and TLISC Chief Executive Robert Adams. PICTURE: TLISC
“We are fortunate to have a group of committed trainers who are focused on providing an outstanding learning experience to all of our students,” Mr Weaving said. “This award is recognition of the team effort that went into planning, developing and delivering the program and helps reaffirm our
mission statement to be Australia’s national centre for maritime training, education and research.” AMC was invited to deliver three Coxswain and Marine Engine Driver 3 courses as part of the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program; a partnership between the Australian Maritime
Safety Authority, Maritime Safety Queensland, Torres Strait Regional Authority and Queensland Police. A total of 43 students have completed the program on board the training vessel Elizabeth II and are now qualified with a nationally recognised certificate and commercial licence. “The program provides the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people with the skills and confidence needed to run sustainable maritime and fisheries-related businesses. “The students learn about the safe operation and maintenance of vessels, including vessel handling, engineering, navigation and seamanship skills,” Mr Weaving said. “It has played a vital role in the economic development of the region and there are plans to expand the program by offering it across northern Australia, from Cape York in Queensland through to Western Australia’s Kimberley region.”
ABOVE BOARD ❘ ISSUE 6 ❘ WINTER 2014
7
Wave of accolades follows catamaran wash research The Rob Lewis Medal and more has gone to Alex Robbins for his wave wake studies
M
aritime engineering alumnus Dr Alex Robbins has been awarded the prestigious 2013 Rob Lewis Medal in recognition of his outstanding research. The medal commemorates the contribution of Professor Rob Lewis, Chair of the Australian Maritime College Council from 1997 to 2004. It is awarded annually for excellence in postgraduate research. Dr Robbins graduated with
Call for nominations AMC is seeking nominations for the prestigious Peter Morris Medal. This prize commemorates the contribution of Peter Morris to the maritime industry. It is awarded to an AMC alumnus who has made a significant contribution to the enhancement of the maritime industry in the area of safety, environmental responsibility or the development of international merchant shipping operations and standards. To register a nomination, please fill in our online form at www.amc.edu.au/ peter-morris-prize International applications are especially encouraged.
a Master of Philosophy in Hydrodynamics in 2009 and a PhD in Hydrodynamics in 2013. He currently works at DMS Maritime in Sydney as engineering manager overseeing a $325 million ship acquisition program for the Commonwealth. “After five years of after-hours part-time work it was hugely satisfying just to gain my PhD, so to then be chosen for this award is not only unexpected, but an honour,” Dr Robbins said. “It is also a testament to the quality of continuous support provided by my supervisory team. On a professional level it will no doubt enhance my CV, and the medal will also look good framed on the wall!” Dr Robbins’ thesis, “Shallow Water Catamaran Wash – Simple Characterisations for a Complex Phenomenon”, explored catamarangenerated wash in shallow water with the goal of simplifying the complex phenomenon into userfriendly characterisations. The thesis comprised five published papers and the first four each examined a separate wash characterisation, outlining performance in shallow water. These papers were the outcome of physical tests held in AMC’s
Winning work: Adjunct Professor Stuart Cannon from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and Professor Giles Thomas, acting director of National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, present the Rob Lewis Medal to Adjunct Associate Professor Alex Robbins.
model test basin. “The fifth and final paper was a summary of the thesis findings, placing them within the global context of existing vessel performance indicators such as resistance, propulsion and manoeuvring,” Dr Robbins said. “This paper established that the simple wash characterisations
proposed were a significant extension of existing wash knowledge and also incorporated a new and novel method of wavelet analysis.” The papers have now been published in the Royal Institution of Naval Architects’ International Journal of Maritime Engineering,
with the third paper winning the esteemed RINA gold medal. Dr Robbins is continuing his wave wake research at AMC with plans to write one paper this year. He is also part of the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics industry advisory panel.
STUDENTS GET A HEAD START AT CAREERS FAIR Hundreds take the opportunity to network with employers
A
On the job: Students had the chance to speak with potential employers including PICTURES: SCOTT GELSTON Qinetiq Australia and the Department of Defence.
8
ABOVE BOARD ❘ ISSUE 6 ❘ WINTER 2014
bout 500 students networked with industry representatives and investigated their future career options at the 2014 AMC Careers Fair. The annual event was this year supported by 11 businesses and government agencies from across Australia which hire graduates in the fields of marine environment, maritime engineering, seafaring, maritime business and international logistics. The participating companies were Crondall Energy Consultants Pty Ltd, Department of Defence, ANL Container Line, Defence Force Recruiting, Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Qinetiq Australia, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Australia, Farstad Shipping Pty Ltd, Engineers Australia (Tasmania Division), Subcon Technologies Pty Ltd and Aztec Analysis. AMC Principal Neil Bose said the event reflected the college’s close relationship with industry and its ongoing commitment to responding to industry training needs. “The AMC Careers Fair is an excellent forum for our students to gain some insight into the careers
that are ahead of them and for industry representatives to promote their companies and scope out potential future staff,” Professor Bose said. Engineers Australia (Tasmania) General Manager Vicki Gardiner delivered a presentation on the career development services offered to its members. “It was encouraging to see how engaged the students were, looking at improving their employment
and placement opportunities,” she said. “There was a lot of interest in the new Engineers Australia EA Connect product that links students with industry. The students also showed an understanding about the importance of extending their degrees and planning their careers, through considering the Chartered program.” The AMC Careers Fair has been running since 2007.
Upcoming events October 27-30, 2014 International Association of Maritime Universities 15th Annual General Assembly Hosted by AMC in Launceston, the theme of the assembly is Looking Ahead ... Innovation in Maritime Training, Education and Research and topics for discussion include: n Changes to shipboard tasks and skills, and innovative shipboard organisational structures to meet these challenges n The relevance of STCW and its traditional certificate of competency approach/structure for existing and future seafarers n Innovative approaches to learning and teaching, scholarship and research now and into the future.
November 2-7, 2014 Symposium on Naval Hydrodynamics This biennial symposium is jointly organised by the US Office of Naval Research and AMC and will be held in Hobart. It aims to promote the technological exchange of naval hydrodynamic research developments of common interest to all the countries of the world. The forum encourages both formal and informal discussions of the presented papers and is an opportunity to network with international peers. Emphasis is placed on new developments in the general field of fluid mechanics as they relate to naval hydrodynamics. The proceedings traditionally provide archival documentation on the state-of-the-art for naval hydrodynamics.
For further details on all events visit www.amc.edu.au/amc/events-conferences