Seamanship and navigation course on Army Small Ship John Monash DPR/TV/948

The John Monash, just over 1300 tons and the biggest of the Army's Small Ships Squadron, edges out of its dock at Woolwich, on Sydney Harbour, on her way to the coast for engine trials. Following recent extensive renovations, John Monash is now the most complete training ship in the Army, but is also still capable of fulfilling her former task as a supply vessel. She has already made four trips to Vietnam since the Army bought her four years ago, but now her primary duty is that of a training ship. Included in the renovations was the transformation of the rear hold into a classroom, and engine improvements. In the classroom, 27 soldiers can be taught navigation and seamanship while at sea. This was not possible until now. During the three-month course the boys live in neat cabins which lead into the classroom. They gain first hand knowledge as members of the crew and can study navigation under all conditions. A class of 10 is at present living on board, studying navigation and seamanship for the first time, but under Warrant Officer Class One Jim Fletcher, this number is almost certain to increase. The John Monash, named after General Monash, was formerly a coastal cargo ship, but has proved invaluable to the Army on transport runs throughout Australia and South East Asia. It has a crew of 38, which includes three officers. Commanding the ship is a young Scot, Captain Charles Deans, who has been in Australia three years but who previously served in the British Merchant Navy for six years. John Monash has a speed of 10 knots, about average for its type. With three deep holds, one aft and two forward, it has a loaded displacement of 2400 tons and a loaded draft of 14 ft 9 ins. Now she is essentially a training ship, making the occasional trip to Vietnam, the John Monash will become a familiar sight on Sydney Harbour, although her "tramp steamer" lines and typically-Army "drab olive green" colour, should do little to improve the harbour's beauty. (Also identified: Sgt "Yorkie" Haigh from Dee Why, England, instructor; Cpl Bill Martin of Wollongong, NSW; L/Cpl Malcolm Brereton of Eden, NSW; Spr Richard Campbell of Nelsons Bay, NSW; 1st mate of ship Lt Jim McDermott of Perth, WA; Helmsman, Cpl Maurice Roberts of Narara, near Gosford, NSW; Spr Neville Jacques of Redcliffe, Qld; WO2 Jim McMahon, formerly UK now Chowder Bay).