Above Board - Summer 2013/14 by Australian Maritime College

Getting up to speed

A diving ambition

Donation of a fast rescue craft from Teekay Shipping will allow AMC to incorporate jet-powered training for students.

Masa Tatsumi has a plan to illustrate the damage caused by trashing our rivers and what can be done about it.

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SUMMER 2013-14

amc.edu.au

A BI-ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN MARITIME COLLEGE

MAPPING MARINE

INVADERS A new technique being developed by researchers will help monitor the spread of sea urchins

Small but devastating: A diver sizes up a juvenile sea urchin. Mapping their barrens will help control their spread.

he extent of sea urchin barrens along the east coast of Tasmania could soon become clearer through a new mapping technique being developed by researchers at the University of Tasmania. Dr Alex Forrest, from the Australian Maritime College, and Dr Vanessa Lucieer, from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, are collaborating on a research project that combines their expertise in autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technologies and acoustic mapping to create an accurate picture of where these barrens are. The long-spine sea urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii, is an

PICTURE: EMMA FLUKES

‘URCHINS EAT EVERYTHING ON THE REEF AND HAVE THE CAPACITY TO DENUDE IT OF VIRTUALLY ALL LIVING FORMS’ invasive species which has hitched a ride in the warmer waters of the eastern Australian current and extended its range along Tasmania’s east and south coast. There is currently no detailed baseline map of the barrens habitat it creates by overgrazing kelp and other seaweeds. “You can’t get a handle on where the species is likely to create barrens into the future without having a map of where it is now,” Dr Lucieer said. “These urchins eat everything on the reef and have the capacity to denude it of virtually all living

Bluefin team: Mike Bell (DSTO), Dr Vanessa Lucieer (IMAS), Dr Alex Forrest (AMC) and Rowan Frost (AMC) during a research trip off the east coast of Tasmania.

forms. The barrens represent a new and stable ecological state devoid of macroalgae and many of the fish usually associated with rocky reefs, significantly impacting important fisheries like abalone and rock lobster. “So we want to create a baseline map, and from that baseline we can start correlating other variables about the sea floor and the water column, the oceanographic processes, tides and currents, and we can start to build an ecological model of how this invasive species is living in the system and where it might move.” Dr Lucieer and Dr Forrest recently returned from a pilot research trip on board AMC’s training vessel MV Continued on page 2

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THE PRINCIPAL

Professor Bose ‘There are huge developments in Australia’s offshore oil and gas sector related to liquefied natural gas’

OUR CORE VALUES: PASSION, LEARNING, REPUTATION

MC is Australia’s national maritime institute and, over its 30-year history, has developed an enviable international reputation and presence. The management team recently conducted a workshop to strengthen its teamwork and enhance understanding around our fundamental principles. We identified our core values: passion, learning and reputation. The AMC brand is defined by passion for what we do, how

students feel about their courses and about being alumni, and how staff feel about their work; learning that permeates what our students achieve and how our staff approach their work; and our reputation throughout Australia and the world. We talked about the inspiration behind what we do – this is more aspirational and comes close to creating a better world as it pertains to the maritime environment and community. This initial thinking is leading

into this year’s Board Planning Day and a workshop with the new Principal’s Advisory Group. The aim is to set the framework to drive robust decision-making which will affect what we do and why. So, coming out of those more aspirational ideas, here is some thinking of operational details. We will continue to deliver and grow what is seen as our core business: our training and education for seafarers and land-

based personnel in maritime careers. We have built into our planning over the next three years the need to upgrade our facilities, but we also have our eyes on what should be the next level of infrastructure in the future. Where is the maritime industry going and what are its needs? There are huge developments in Australia’s offshore oil and gas sector related to liquefied natural gas, the future submarine project SEA1000, the environmentally

sustainable development of our ports, and fledgling seabed mining initiatives that will, in the longer term, need a whole new industry and technology. As a world-leading maritime institute, AMC must be ready to meet the research, training, education, technology and human interface needs for these industries as they develop. I would be very happy to hear your views related to these ideas, best routed through email to me at n.bose@amc.edu.au

New director takes the helm Professor Dev Ranmuthugala sees an important partnership between industry and the National Centre for Ports and Shipping

e were pleased to announce the appointment of Dev Ranmuthugala as Professor and Director of the National Centre for Ports and Shipping in August. NCPS delivers training and research in the key areas of coastal and international seafaring, nautical science, marine engineering, maritime technology management, maritime business and international logistics. The centre manages AMC’s ship simulator facilities and emergency response centre, and provides consulting services to industry. Prof Ranmuthugala has extensive experience in the maritime industry, serving as a marine engineer on merchant vessels throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and the Pacific, and obtaining his Certificate of Competency before returning to shore to pursue a teaching career. He holds a Master of Science (Marine Engineering) from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne,

Fresh outlook: There are plans to upgrade facilities including the Simulation Centre.

UK, and a PhD in Engineering from the University of Tasmania which focused on developing towed sonar gear for the Royal Australian Navy. Prof Ranmuthugala joined AMC in 1990 as a lecturer in marine engineering and went on to manage a number of portfolios including Head of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs, Deputy Director of the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, and Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching. He had been Acting Director of the National Centre

for Ports and Shipping since April 2012. In addition to his teaching profile across both the VET and higher education sectors, Prof Ranmuthugala conducts research into submarine hydrodynamics for the defence industries and the development of new maritime education strategies. He said his focus was to strengthen the centre’s capacity and reputation as a provider of practical solutions in education, training, research and consultancy. “I strongly believe in industry engagement and have developed a number of forums to engage with and seek advice from the maritime industry,” he said. “We have plans to develop integrated programs for seafarers and the broader maritime industry in the VET and higher education sectors, including enhancing qualifications and building clear training pathways. “In addition, our research and consultancy arms are being boosted with a strong recruitment drive and facility upgrades.”

Practical solutions: Prof Dev Ranmuthugala will focus on capacity to provide answers in education, training, research and consultancy. PICTURE: CHRIS CRERAR

New technique helps map marine invaders From page 1

Bluefin, where they spent three days gathering data along the coastline north and south of Wineglass Bay using AUV DSTO-Gavia. The aim of the trip was to demonstrate the technology and prove the mapping technique before applying for a larger grant through the Australian Research Council. “The AUV uses sonar to map the urchin barrens by sending out acoustic transmissions from its sensor head which travel through the water column and bounce off the sea floor,” Dr Forrest said. “We then use these thousands of collected depth soundings to construct maps of the sea floor and areas of potential vegetation.

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“By classifying different bottom types, in addition to identified areas of reduced vegetation, we are then able to hypothesise where urchin barrens might be located.”

were combined with broadscale sea floor mapping data from the Seamap Tasmania project. While the divers could typically cover a few hundred metres in a day, the AUV is capable of

‘WHAT WE WANT TO KNOW IS THE PATTERN OF WHERE BARRENS ARE OCCURRING’ The DSTO-Gavia was deployed for just under 10km in range and run at different settings to determine the optimal parameters for capturing the data required. Mapping of urchin barrens was previously done by divers locating them by sight and towed underwater video. These observations

covering up to 30km during the same period. “This new technology of the AUV acoustics allows us to map at 10 times the resolution that we could map five years ago,” Dr Lucieer said. “We can map the details of each rock, which is what is

required to identify the reefs at the scale at which the urchins are responding. “What we want to know is the pattern of where the barrens are occurring. Why are they on some reefs and not others?” The research trip was made possible by the loan of the DSTOGavia from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. This AUV is fitted with a bathymetric mapping unit that allows acoustic measurements to be collected from the water column. Mike Bell, from DSTO, brought the gear to Tasmania from Sydney and helped operate it on the Bluefin. A long-term aim for further operations is to buy a unit for UBC-Gavia, the AUV housed at AMC and operated by Dr Forrest.

Getting students up to speed The donation of a fast rescue craft from Teekay Shipping will allow AMC to incorporate jet-powered vessels for training

oastal seafaring students can hone their skills on a wider range of training vessels thanks to the arrival of a fast rescue craft donated by Teekay Shipping. Coxswain trainees will learn how to handle the fast rescue craft at speed and how to berth; while those studying marine engine driving will learn how to service and maintain its engine and electrical systems. Vocational Education and Training Program Manager Jarrod Weaving said the contribution allowed AMC to expand its training programs to incorporate jet-powered vessels which were commonly used in industries such as pearl farming and salmon farming. “The control of a jet-powered vessel is challenging for any mariner who has primarily operated conventional vessels, so the opportunity to train with this fast rescue craft means that AMC students gain exposure to and

New radio operator handbooks The Office of Maritime Communications, a delegate of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, is publishing new marine radio operator handbooks. The handbooks are the recommended study guides for the marine radio operator’s certificate of proficiency qualifications. The Marine VHF Radio Operator Handbook has all the information required to operate a VHF marine radio, while the Marine Radio Operators Handbook is recommended for those studying to gain the full qualification to operate both a Marine VHF radio and a marine MF/HF radio. Notable changes: 1. End of the Ausrep Ship Reporting System, to be replaced by new system MASTREP whereby ships will be monitored by their AIS equipment. Full details: search MASTREP; 2. On distress ‘Restricted’ communications, prudonce no longer used. Handbooks can be viewed for free at www.amc.edu.au/handbooks or bought by phoning 1300 365 262. Available mid-December 2013.

Quick learners: The fast rescue craft in action. The donated training boat will help to broaden students’ skills.

become proficient with the latest vessels used in industry.” The driving force behind the donation was Teekay Shipping’s Offshore Facility Manager and AMC alumnus Samir Sen, who decommissioned the fast rescue craft after 14 years servicing the FSO Dampier Spirit in Western Australia. He views the gift as a

“quid pro quo” moment. “AMC has shaped me into becoming an authentic leader, therefore it was my turn to return the favour,” said Mr Sen, who graduated with a Bachelor of Technology (Marine Engineering) in 2000. “I hope our contribution helps in creating a dynamic learning

PICTURE: CHRIS CRERAR

community. By getting involved, we can be an integral part of the future and help unlock the full potential of students who are aspiring to start their career at sea.” Mr Weaving said AMC was fortunate to have strong ties with Teekay and other Australian-based shipping companies. “Teekay has a strong commitment

to training and AMC benefits from our close relationship as it helps to ensure that our training is relevant to current industry practice and at the right standard. “We receive good feedback from Teekay about our students’ performance at sea which helps to guide our training and assessment here at the college.”

AMC takes training to the tropics Students complete Integrated Rating course at special Cairns camp

MC is playing an integral role in helping industry to meet its maritime training needs with the delivery of one of its courses in Queensland. A group of 12 students recently completed an Integrated Rating course conducted in Cairns at the request of industry client Maritime Employees Training Limited. Integrated Rating Course Co-ordinator Stephen Hurd said setting up and delivering the course in a remote location was quite a challenge. “We are fortunate with regard to the learning environment we have at the AMC campuses and we are well-practised in delivering the IR course at Beauty Point,” Mr Hurd said. “It took a lot of detailed planning, and a certain amount of imagination, to replicate the tools, materials, facilities and experienced staff at a remote location. However, the lead time we were given to deliver the course meant we had plenty of time to make these

The real thing: Integrated Rating students from the Cairns course take part in sea survival training at AMC’s Survival Centre.

preparations. Generous local assistance from Norship Marine and Sea Swift gave the students access to working vessels, cargo operations and workshop facilities; all of which were critical aids to their learning in readiness for job placements at sea.” The students completed nine weeks in Cairns before travelling

to Tasmania for the final week to undertake survival craft training. They also attended a short course completion ceremony at Beauty Point. “We were very pleased with the successful results of the group during the college phase of the course, and the students have now

all proceeded to the sea-going phase of training,” Mr Hurd said. “Significantly, this pilot course was the first to be delivered from the new national maritime training package MAR13, and its details and successful outcomes were highlighted at the Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition.”

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SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH

Waves meet their match The Wave Wake Predictor, an online tool developed by Dr Gregor Macfarlane based on extensive wave modelling, aims to help reduce bank erosion and encourage the sustainable use of our waterways

ll ships and boats generate a pattern of waves when they move and a unique tool has been developed that can rapidly and accurately predict the characteristics of these vessel-generated waves. Dr Gregor Macfarlane has spent nearly two decades collecting the data that has validated the prediction tool created as part of his PhD studies, now available online to the public. Wave wake can cause issues for other waterway users and the surrounding environment, particularly when vessels operate in sheltered waterways. Environmental issues include erosion of the surrounding banks, as well as damage or nuisance to moored vessels, maritime structures and shoreline properties. Wave wake can also endanger people working or enjoying activities in small craft or close to the shore. “Without a proper knowledge of the potential of waves, you can leave behind a trail of destruction. Operators are trained to look at what is in front of them, not necessarily what is going on behind them,” Dr Macfarlane said. As a result, the wave wake generated by large vessels has received high-profile research programs and regulatory responses to address the operation of these vessels. Conversely, the wave wake from small commercial vessels and recreational craft (pleasure boats, jet skis, water skiers and ski boats) can also impact significantly on sheltered waterways, yet the sector receives little research funding and is often regulated with simplistic criteria. That is why Dr Macfarlane chose to focus his research on this area. “Australia has a relatively large recreational boating population that fully utilises the limited sheltered waterways available. It makes sense to attempt to develop better guidelines for vessel wave wake that allow for the sustainable use of these waterways,” he said. Dr Macfarlane’s project reviews the wave patterns generated at a variety of depths by small commercial vessels and recreational craft at a variety of speeds. An extensive set of model scale experiments were conducted at AMC’s model test basin facility to develop the prediction tool. Three significant waves of interest were described and quantified. The tests investigated the effect that a wide range of water depths and vessel speeds had on the waves generated by 19 different hull forms including a mix of typical

Making waves: Dr Gregor Macfarlane has developed a wave prediction tool after extensive modelling. Water works: A wave wake experiment conducted in AMC’s model test basin on a scale model of a hydrofoil ferry.

‘OPERATORS ARE TRAINED TO LOOK AT WHAT IS IN FRONT, NOT NECESSARILY WHAT IS GOING ON BEHIND THEM’ monohulls and catamarans. Four primary measures were quantified for each of the three key waves, including wave height, period, angle and the rate each wave decays as they travel away from the sailing path of the vessel. The tool, termed the Wave Wake Predictor, provides very rapid and accurate predictions of all four of these primary measures for each of the three key waves, simply by inputting the basic parameters of water depth and the vessels speed, displacement and length. Dr Macfarlane said it was an ideal tool for frequent users of estuaries and other sensitive areas. It can be used to highlight vessel speeds where the most damaging waves are generated and provide guidance on key hull form parameters for minimising bank erosion and other wave wake issues. Thus, potential wave wake issues can be identified

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very early on in the vessel design and route planning process. “Local councils or any sort of water management authorities could also use it to bring in standardised speed rules in areas of concern,” he said. Dr Macfarlane said there had been a lot of interest in his wave wake research both nationally and internationally and he is continuing to develop the capabilities of the full version of the prediction tool. A simplified version has been made freely available online to allow others to undertake their own preliminary investigations. But Dr Macfarlane still encourages users to engage with experts in the field, as wave wake assessments can be very complex due to the many variables that are involved. The Wave Wake Predictor can be found at www.amc.edu.au/maritime-engineering/ wave-wake-predictor

Bare shed takes shape as flexible lab space Converting an unused shed into three state-of-the-art labs has added a new dimension to maritime studies

aritime engineering students now have access to a state-of-the-art learning environment following the conversion of an unused facility shed into three modern laboratories. The project was designed by Anthony Dalgleish, from Philp Lighton Architects, and funded by the University of Tasmania. Giles Thomas, Acting Director of the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, said the aim was to provide a flexible lab space that was in line with their teaching philosophy of active, problem-based learning. “We were quite lucky as we were working with a big, open space to begin with and wanted to try to use that space as much as possible,” Associate Professor Thomas said. “There are three labs but we’ve installed glass bi-fold doors so they can be opened out into one big lab. The room can be reconfigured to suit different

class sizes and projects – it’s a very effective use of space.” The labs are structured around three work spaces to test mechanics and structures, electrical systems and electronics, and control systems. They will be used primarily by first and second-year maritime engineering students but there is the potential for application right through to final-year and research projects. And the plans were designed with future expansion in mind, with the shed’s original mezzanine floor being dropped to allow for the possibility of two more levels in the building. “We now have all the engineering labs in one location, which is a benefit not only to the students but also to the technicians that service them,” Associate Professor Thomas said. “The labs were previously located in the Swanson Building and UTAS Building E, and the new development has allowed more teaching space to be freed up within those buildings.”

STUDENT IN FOCUS

Masa’s diving ambition A marine environment student has a plan to show the damage caused by trashing our rivers and how awareness can fight the scourge

asayuki Tatsumi has gone diving in some of Tasmania’s most iconic coastal hotspots but it was exploring a local river that provided the inspiration to launch his latest project. The 28-year-old from Osaka, Japan, graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Environment) with Honours last year and is now pursuing a PhD investigating the internal dynamics of kelp forests. As part of his undergraduate degree, Masayuki (known as Masa) took part in two clean-up dives in Launceston’s Tamar River with fellow students Ryan Weeks and Ian Jermyn. They proved to be eye-opening experiences about the juxtaposition of beauty and waste that could be found within the tidal estuarine system. “I think the perception among some people is that the Tamar is all silt and they can dump whatever they want in it,” Masa said. “It seems like they think once rubbish has gone below the waterline it disappears; they don’t understand that it accumulates at the benthos or think about the impact it’s having on the marine systems there.” Among the items of rubbish retrieved from the river were deck chairs, beer stubbies, a wheelbarrow and fishing gear – including starfish caught up in a fishing line. The rubbish is primarily found within throwing distance of jetties.

Masa wanted to do something to help raise awareness of the issue and has received a $5000 grant from natural resources management group NRM North to get his project off the ground. His concept revolves around three key ideas: setting up a website, continuing the clean-up dives and encouraging the community and other stakeholders to get involved and play their part in addressing the issue.

THE PERCEPTION AMONG SOME PEOPLE IS THE TAMAR IS ALL SILT AND THEY CAN DUMP WHATEVER THEY WANT IN IT Masa is in charge of the Tasmanian University Dive Club Northern Branch and plans to take a team of divers out for a “fun dive” to document the beauty that lies beneath the river’s surface. These images will be displayed on the website alongside pictures of the rubbish pulled from the river during the clean-up dives. “I hope all of these things help raise awareness and encourage the community to come up with creative solutions,” he said.

Dive club leader: Masayuki Tatsumi plans to lead a fun dive to promote clean river health.

And this community-based work has focused Masa’s career aspirations for the future. “I would like to pursue a career

as a marine ecologist as my main focus is marine ecology. But rather than being a hard-core scientist, I’d like to be a researcher who

PICTURE: CHRIS CRERAR

can provide meaningful data for local communities to help them make differences in their local environments,” he said.

ALUMNI IN FOCUS

Trent’s hooked on a maritime career T

Perfect mix: Trent Bastian wanted to live by the water so he reverseengineered his career path to blend lifestyle with work goals.

rent Bastian’s love of the ocean in general, and fishing in particular, was the main influence behind choosing to study a business degree with a maritime flavour. “I decided my end goal was to live by the water and reverseengineered my career path to find an education institute that would support my seaside lifestyle while providing me with a global skill set that was industry specific,” he said. The Bachelor of Business (Maritime and Logistics

TRENT BASTIAN Global Values and Behaviours Network Manager, BP International Bachelor of Business (Maritime and Logistics Management)

Management) graduate now splits his time between Brisbane and London as a Global Values and Behaviours Network Manager at BP International, where he supports a team of people embedding the company’s values and behaviours across the globe. “My degree was the perfect

mix of both operational focus and managerial studies. “This in turn bolstered my application to BP, as post-graduation I was armed with tangible skills that were workplace ready – certainly a valuable prospect from an employer’s perspective,” Trent said. The ability to study via distance

was critical as Trent was living in the Middle East at that time, and he found the distance education team to be very supportive. “Overall, I place AMC in the bespoke category of educators/ businesses with smaller classes, more one-on-one time with lecturers, high-quality facilities and specific courses that are industry focused. These are just some of the reasons why it is held in such high regard within the oil and gas industry.”

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SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH

Climate change: how it affects growth of fish Studying growth rates for fish will have an impact on how precious resources of the sea are managed

hen Philip Sweetman and his family moved to Tasmania for a treechange in 2007 he did not imagine it would lead to a major career change a few years later. Philip had spent the previous 20 years working as a fitter and turner in South Australia maintaining mechanical equipment, primarily in the steel making industry. In 2010, with some encouragement from his wife, he decided to go to university to pursue a long-held interest in the marine environment. Now in his Honours year of a Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Environment), Philip is busy completing his thesis on the effect of climate change and relative abundance on growth variation in pink ling. He plans to expand on this work by undertaking a PhD next year. “At times I am still stunned at the amount of knowledge I have gained since commencing my studies and the achievements I have been able to attain,” he said. Philip’s project, entitled “A Growth Biochronology of Pink Ling (Genypterus blacodes) Investigating the Temporal and Spatial Effects of Temperature and CPUE Variation on Growth Rates” will have a significant impact on how fish growth trends are predicted and what this means for industry management practices. The growth rate of a fish is determined by examining the

Predicting trends: Philip Sweetman’s project will have a big impact on industry management practices.

increment widths of its otoliths (fish ear bones). Increments are banding in the microstructure of the otolith formed as growth rates vary over time. They are generally formed annually and are used to age fish in the same way tree rings are counted. The study used archived otolith sections of pink ling caught between 1979 and 2011 from four fishing zones in south-eastern Australia: NSW, eastern Bass Strait, eastern Tasmania and western Tasmania. “By measuring the increment widths in approximately 1000 otolith sections, I was able to construct a 50-year growth history

for pink ling dating back to 1957,” Philip said. “Variance in growth was then compared to temperature variation and relative abundance in the form of catch-per-unit effort using mixed effects modelling.

The study showed temperature and fishing affect pink ling differently depending on the area in which they live and grow, and also by their life history stage – whether they are juvenile or adult

‘INFORMATION SUCH AS THIS CAN BE USED BY FISHERIES MANAGERS TO PREDICT TRENDS IN GROWTH’ “Modelling in this way allows for growth to be partitioned into intrinsic effects such as age and sex, and extrinsic effects such as temperature and human activities such as fishing.”

fish. For example, juveniles on both Tasmanian coasts were at first showing increased growth rates, but as temperature increased growth declined, suggesting a thermal limit had been reached for

PICTURE: CHRIS CRERAR

young fish in those fishing zones. “Information such as this can be used by fisheries managers to predict trends in growth for fish populations. Fish growth is a critical component used by fisheries managers when considering stock biomass and predicted yield from a fishery, and is used when determining the total allowable catch for a fishery.” Philip’s research was jointly supervised by Dr James Haddy from the National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability and Dr John Morrongiello based at the CSIRO’s Marine and Atmospheric Research facility in Hobart.

MAKING SENSE OF MARITIME LANGUAGE

Plain speaking: English Language Centre teachers Christopher Jones, Amy Lewandowski, Lauren Faulkner with manager Robert Youngs (back). PICTURE: LANA BEST

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n English language course designed to help future maritime officers communicate effectively and avoid seafaring accidents was recognised for its innovation at the English Australia conference gala awards dinner in Perth. The course, which was developed by the University of Tasmania’s English Language Centre in conjunction with AMC, has already been instrumental in helping university professors from China and a large body of students from

United Arab Emirates shipping companies. English Language Centre manager Rob Youngs said it became evident that a significant number of students undertaking maritime courses were struggling with the particular characteristics of maritime language. Because of this, they were at risk of not completing courses once they were admitted or potentially confusing instructions out at sea. “In a worst-case scenario, verbal confusion between ship operators in port or at sea could and, in fact,

has caused maritime disasters,” Mr Youngs said. The innovative course arms students with the maritime and academic-specific language knowledge needed for articulation into tertiary level courses. They are given the tools to develop industry-specific communication appropriate for maritime employment and are able to apply this knowledge practically through field trips and virtual scenarios using AMC’s ship simulator.

OUR HERITAGE

Precious relics saved A steam engine with links t0 Launceston’s port settlement is one of 10 items identified as objects of maritime significance by the National Maritime Museum

key artefact from Launceston’s port settlement era displayed in the grounds of AMC has been recognised for its national significance and documented as part of our maritime history. The steam reciprocating engine from the dredging vessel Ponrabbel II was among 10 items identified as being an object of maritime significance in a collaborative project with the Australian National Maritime Museum. The Ponrabbel II played a vital role in ensuring the viability of the Port of Launceston and the construction of a down-river port at Bell Bay. She operated in the Tamar River from the late 1920s to 1960s ensuring ships could berth as close to the city centre as possible. “For most of her working life she was used to dredge the river channel near Launceston,” said AMC project leader Professor Barrie Lewarn. “During the 1960s the port was moved down the river to Bell Bay and the ship was used in the construction of berths before being decommissioned and left to rot at Kings Wharf. “Her engines were removed and a partially restored engine was donated to AMC in the 1980s. “It is now on display in the campus grounds.” Professor Lewarn said the team’s brief was to identify, list, describe and record the items so they could be formally assessed onsite by a museum curator. “The project is a precursor to developing a policy and implementing objectives for managing and preserving objects of maritime significance located at AMC.” The other items now included on the museum’s register are: n Collection of 300 hull resistance

r Christopher Chin believes teaching should be creative, energetic and tailored to meet diverse student needs. His teaching philosophy, which centres on active learning and guiding students to realise their potential, has been recognised with a Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence from the University of Tasmania. The award comprises $5000 to be used for professional expenses such as travel, research or resources to support the teaching program. Dr Chin is a senior lecturer in mathematics at the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics who teaches first-year mathematics and engineering students across a number of faculties.

testing models deemed to have made a significant contribution to the evolution of vessel design and to the Australian boat-building industry. It includes models of highspeed catamarans; several America’s Cup yachts; wave energy offshore structures; and defence, harbour and recreational vessels. Because new models continue to be built and tested it is classified as a “living collection”. n Two wooden hull resistance testing models used for Sir Frank Packer’s 1962 America’s Cup challenge by his yacht Gretel. n Hull resistance testing model and winged keels.

‘THE SHIP WAS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BERTHS BEFORE BEING DECOMMISSIONED AND LEFT TO ROT AT KINGS WHARF’

Awarded: Dr Christopher Chin

Watercolour painting by C. Dudley Wood of the pilot vessel Wyuna. n Painting by Frederick Garling of the three-masted steamship Southern Cross. n Painting by George Frederick Gregory of the three-masted steamship Derwent. n Painting by Frederick Garling of two-masted brigantine Annie. n Lithograph by T.G. Dutton of the four-masted steamship Great Britain. n Early Admiralty chart of the north coast of Tasmania, River Tamar. n

Historic links: Prof Barrie Lewarn with the engine from the Ponrabbel II and a painting of the Wyuna. PICTURES: CHRIS CRERAR

Update your skills with a postgraduate qualification Master of Applied Science (Marine Environment) with Honours: Offers specialisations in Marine Conservation, Aquaculture, Fisheries Management and Aquatic Animal Health and allows students to combine units across majors or focus on one area. It provides graduates with advanced skills and knowledge in the collection, analysis and translation of scientific information for real-world outcomes and is suited to those wanting to diversify their career or continue on to PhD studies.

MBA (Maritime and Logistics Management): Supports current and future leaders of the maritime and logistics industries to achieve their career goals and manage businesses successfully. By providing applied learning opportunities the course develops conceptual and analytical skills, integrating core strategic business foundations with a sound knowledge of these key industries that make a difference to our lives every day.

CREATIVITY, ENERGY KEY TO TEACHING

Master of Engineering: Offers

Master of Applied Science:

specialisations in Maritime Technology Management, Naval Engineering and Maritime Design. It is tailored towards professional engineers looking to specialise in maritime engineering. Graduates will hone their skills in the management, design and research of complex maritime engineering problems. The mix of each is dependent on the specialisation chosen.

Offers specialisations in Shipping Operations Management, Shipyard Operations, Maritime Safety and Marine Engineering. It provides a professional development pathway to those already in maritime operations; an opportunity for professional seafarers contemplating a shore-based career to broaden their knowledge and skill base; and an entry point for those interested in entering the maritime industries.

To find out more about these and other postgraduate courses visit www.amc.edu.au/postgraduate-courses

“My aim is to ensure that students can confidently apply their knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals to problem identification, formulation and solution development. In turn this will foster their desire and capacity to undertake lifelong learning,” he said. “I am very honoured to receive this award and look forward to continuing to develop new and innovative ways to enhance the learning experience for my students.” In addition to his teaching duties Dr Chin has played a key role in upgrading several mathematics units, including the development of online delivery and assessment systems to foster independent learning. He has also developed and delivered specialised refresher courses to help international students with the transition from their overseas institution to the University. NCMEH Acting Director Giles Thomas said the award was well-deserved. “Chris influences, motivates and inspires students to actively participate in all learning aspects within his maths and science units and has an excellent reputation for getting the message across,” Associate Professor Thomas said. “He makes every effort to assist students with their learning and has strong respect and support for their development as individuals.”

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SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH

Deep sea mining the new frontier Extracting rare metals from below the ocean floor offers exciting prospects and rewards, but also presents risks and challenges

he ocean’s floors contain tonnes of rare metals like gold and silver in addition to other important metals such as cobalt, nickel and chromium. However, very little is known about how to safely undertake exploratory work in the harsh deep sea environment. An international research partnership between AMC, the

Up to the challenge: Dr Rehan Sadiq is an expert in the field of ocean environmental risk analysis.

University of Tasmania and the University of British Columbia aims to uncover issues surrounding the new field of deep sea mining. Dr Rehan Sadiq, Acting Director and Professor at UBC’s School of Engineering (Okanagan Campus), Canada, spent four weeks at AMC to initiate this collaboration and identify concepts that warrant further investigation. The visiting research fellow, an expert in the field of ocean environmental risk analysis, says there are four major potential areas of interest in deep sea mining: ■ Environmental and ecological impacts of mining operations. ■ Technology development related to remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles – whether they can work under the pressure of 2km to 4km depth. ■ Health and safety issues at the platform.

Pressure test: A remotely operated vehicle kitted out for underwater environmental work.

Policies and guidelines – riskbased decision-making. Dr Sadiq is interested in environmental risk analysis and how this risk can be minimised and mitigated with the right decisions and policies. “The challenge we are facing is there is very little information out there in the open literature so developing the guidelines is difficult,” he said. ■

“We intend to think more on this idea and write a white paper to see the current state of knowledge on these four aspects. Based on that, we’ll come up with some ideas on what to focus on and where the strength of our group lies.” The group has combined expertise in the areas of AUV technologies, dredging, offshore oil and gas activities, and environmental and safety related

SOFTWARE PROGRAMS BONUS FOR STUDENTS

risk analyses. The aim is to align this experience to deep sea mining research. “There are lots of unknowns in deep sea mining research – maybe 70 to 80 per cent of the environment at that depth is not known,” Dr Sadiq said. “The challenge is – if we don’t know what is safe, then how can we make it safe? It’s kind of a chicken and egg problem.”

IN BRIEF

UPCOMING EVENTS February 19-21, 2014: Australasian Oil & Gas conference and exhibition.Visit AMC and AMC Search at expo stand X1. March 28, 2014: AMC Careers Fair. Registrations now open. October 27-30, 2014: International Association of Maritime Universities 15th Annual General Assembly. Hosted by AMC in Launceston; assembly theme – “Looking Ahead: Innovation in Maritime Training, Education and Research.” * For further details on these and other

A gift of engineering software programs will help students study oil and gas reservoirs aritime engineering students now have access to an elite suite of engineering software programs thanks to a donation from information solutions company Schlumberger. The ECLIPSE and Petrel programs are mostly used by oil and gas companies to study characteristics and behaviour of oil and gas reservoirs. Schlumberger donated five software licences worth $3.9 million for use by AMC students undertaking marine and offshore engineering and ocean engineering degrees. Professor in Marine and Offshore Engineering Faisal Khan said the models developed and run through these programs helped companies make multi-million dollar

PICTURE: AAP/NAUTILUS MINERALS

events visit www.amc.edu.au/amc/ events-conferences

ALUMNI NETWORKS Better understanding: Azeem Ghani is the first student to use the software to study offshore oil recovery.

investment decisions and identify appropriate well optimisation and hydrocarbon recovery techniques. “Students can also use these tools in their research and this generous donation from Schlumberger will allow them to gain valuable experience during their course and, importantly, during final year thesis,” Prof Khan said. Marine and Offshore Engineering Course Co-ordinator Dr Vikram

ABOVE BOARD ❘ ISSUE 5 ❘ SUMMER 2013/14

Garaniya said: “It is a rare opportunity to gain access to these types of commercial software programs and we look forward to further developing this collaborative relationship with Schlumberger in the future.” Bachelor of Engineering (Marine and Offshore Engineering) graduate Azeem Ghani was the first student to benefit, using the software in his thesis titled “Improved Oil Recovery

Using CO2 as an Injection Medium: A Detailed Analysis”. “The objective of my study was to enhance understanding of improved oil recovery for a typical reservoir located offshore on Australian continental shelf,” Azeem said. He said carbon dioxide was recognised as the best injection method in oil recovery because it reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased company profit.

Resident and visiting alumni are encouraged to contact alumni network co-ordinators about their local AMC/UTAS Alumni activities. AMC’s Global Network Co-ordinators are: Singapore – Alex Chow. alexcnf@singnet. com.sg ; Middle East and Indian Subcontinent – Ashish Baghel. baghel.ashish@gmail.com; Sri Lanka – Indika Sigera. sigerai17@ gmail.com If you would like to be an alumni contact for your city or area, email the UTAS Deputy Director, Alumni Relations on Melanie.Roome@utas.edu.au