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With HMS ENDURANCE’s refit period alongside Falmouth drawing to a close, the last month has been a busy time for all members of the Ship’s Company. A definite advancement can be seen as we’ve started regenerating the operational capability of the Ship in preparation for returning to sea.
LMEM Hawkley on watch in the Engine Control Room
Prior to moving back onboard a large percentage of the Ship’s Company were working alongside the A&P contractors finishing off work in the galley, accommodation, hangar and on the bridge. Compartments had to be cleaned and inspected before they were handed back to the care of the Ship. Water samples were taken to ensure that it was safe to drink and environmental, health and safety check were conducted. Living spaces, bathrooms and showers had to be made functional and the air ventilation system tested. Restoring the galley and NAFFI and getting them up and running was an especially important considering 120 people required to be fed on the evening of the 19th October 04!
The last 12 days have been busily spent restoring the Ship and the various departments have been getting harbour routines up and running for inspection. Another major job has been testing and putting to work the engine room, unfortunately not without some snags. Although the recent storms slowed down some of the painting tasks and the re-embarking of the chacons (storage containers), a few days of calmer weather has meant that we are now back on target.
Training has been another main focus of the last few days. Daily fire exercises and NBC training have assisted in getting everyone back up to speed with their drills. The first aiders have had plenty of chance to practice dealing with casualties. Officers of the Watch have had to sit ‘rules of the road’ tests (this could be likened to the driving theory test expect for ships). New equipment that has been fitted over the refit such as the ECS computer system on the bridge, the new hi-fog fire-fighting system and alarm boards have been proved.
CH Dewing, LSTD Thompson and STD Brewer tending to a casualty (STD Scott) during a fire exercise
LS(SEA) ROSS, ON(HM) Wiseman, OM(W) Fernley on the seaboat during a ' man overboard exercise'
Despite the huge amount of effort from the Ship’s Company, we still have quite a long way to go. Following a ready for sea date inspection, we plan to sail from Falmouth marking firstly, a significant advancement in the regeneration of the Ship and the start of the sea trials. Following that, we will have a short defect rectification period in Portsmouth, then head down to Plymouth for an intensive Operational Sea Training Period.
Falmouth Docks, a chacon being craned onboard
This year, the Ship’s company will be able to spend Christmas at home with family and friends before we set off South to the Antarctic for our 2005 season.
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